Triple departure from Bristol City after transfer deadline

Bristol City have allowed youngsters Callum Wood, Joe Porton and Tommy Backwell to depart the Championship club on loan for a short period.

Backwell and Wood have headed to nearby non-league side Yate Town, whilst Porton has moved to Melksham Town, both on initial short-term deals, which could be extended. All three players can be recalled from their clubs, and they will continue to train at the High Performance Centre during the day, whilst also training in the night with their respective teams.

Yate play in the Southern League Premier South, which is the seventh tier of English football, and are managed by former Paulton Rovers boss John Rendell. The Bluebells are involved in a relegation battle, and are three points above the drop zone. Yate have borrowed several players off of City in recent years, and it has been a popular destination for young players who have been released by the club.

Backwell, a midfielder, signed a professional deal with City in May 2022, and his contract runs out until the summer of 2024. He played for the Under-21's in a friendly against Yate in the summer and impressed. He was on loan at National League South outfit Bath City for a brief period along with Zac Bell.

Defender Callum Wood also arrives at The Jelf Stadium, and had an impressive loan spell with Bath, where he was admired. In his loan spell with the Romans, he made 14 appearances between August and January and kept three clean sheets, which helped him win the Player of the Month award in December 2021. He is a left-back by trade, and has represented Wales Under-19's on two occasions, playing in the same team as Manchester United midfielder Charlie Savage, son of Robbie.

Welsh midfielder Porton meanwhile has linked up with Melksham, who play in the eighth tier of English football. He will link up with goalkeeper Mac Boyd, who is also on loan at the Oakfield Stadium.

As for the senior team, Chris Martin joined Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers after his contract was terminated on deadline day. Martin dropped down the pecking order after the emergence of Sam Bell and Tommy Conway, whilst Nahki Wells has fought his way back into the side. The 34-year-old has joined Neil Critchley' side for the remainder of the campaign and could make his debut for the Hoops this weekend.