CITY SNAP UP FORMER FOXES MIDFIELDER
ROBINS’ ‘AMBITION’ CLINCHES THE DEAL
BRISTOL City have announced that midfielder Matty James has joined up at Ashton Gate, signing a three-year contract, writes Gregor MacGregor.
The former Leicester City midfielder was available on a free transfer after being released from the Foxes in the summer.
Two Championship loan spells at Barnsley and Coventry City helped prove his fitness over the last 12 months, and City have moved quickly to snap up a player that manager Nigel Pearson was keen to be reunied with.
James had reported interest from both nearby Cardiff City and Swansea City, as well as former club Coventry, but the relationship with Pearson and City’s ambition, coupled with their impressive stadium and recently finished training ground will have no doubt helped to see off the competition.
James, 29, has six caps at England U20s level and he played 38 Championship fixtures last season, for the Tykes and Sky Blues.
He is one central midfielder that Pearson has requested, with former teammate Andy King expected to be another to complete a switch to Ashton Gate soon, with the Robins hierarchy looking to build a strong spine to their side ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The midfielder told the club’s official website that it was not a hard decision to join up in BS3.
“It was an easy decision. I’m very excited about moving forward with Bristol City and the ambition that they have is certainly something that brought me here,” he said. “The drive and determination to move the team into the Premier League is going to be backed by myself.
“I’m so impressed by the facilities, the building (Robins High Performance Centre) and the set-up that Bristol City have got. I’m very excited for the challenge and moving forward.”
James was signed by thenLeicester manager Pearson in 2012 and became an integral member of the side that earned promotion from the Championship, although his career in the Midlands was curtailed by a string of serious injuries.
He made 117 appearances over his near-decade at the club but just 18 were over the last six seasons, emphasising the damage injuries have caused.
He leaves however with the goodwill of Foxes fans, saluting James for his dedicated, professionalism and with a feeling of what could have been without the injuries.