Flint makes return to former club
Middlesbrough defender Aden Flint will receive a warm welcome when he returns to Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon, according to Bristol City boss Lee Johnson.
The giant centre-back, who towers above his opponents at 6ft 6ins, left City for Boro this summer for a reported £7million fee, and is in line to face his former team when the two sides meet in the Championship this weekend.
Flint, 28, was a popular figure in the South West after making 209 league appearances for City, while also helping the Robins reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup last season.
“He’ll get a good reception,” said Johnson. “Mainly because he’s a big Lurch. And Ashton Gate loves a freak. I mean that in a loving way as we got on really well.”
Flint has become the lynchpin in Boro’s backline following the departure of Ben Gibson to Burnley.
After a shaky start away at Millwall, when his poor header resulted in a goal, Flint has helped Tony Pulis’ side keep back-to-back clean sheets in the league.
He has also been a threat in the opposition’s penalty area, and scored his first goal for Boro in the 3-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Johnson, though, is relishing the chance to go up against a promotion favourite and one of the most experienced managers in the division.
“They are the big hitters of the division but not one we fear at all,” said Johnson. “We thrive in these type of games.
“The atmosphere will be good. We could be perceived as the underdog and I know the crowd is notorious for being the 12th man in that circumstance and the boys are looking forward to it. I know that Tony is close to Keith Dawe (board member at City) and we’ve got quite a few friends. He’s always been really good when we’ve spoken and he is what he is: a successful manager.”