Western Daily Press (Saturday)
We never thought about another boss, says Kalas
BRISTOL City captain Tomas Kalas claims he and his teammates never considered that anyone other than Nigel Pearson would be managing them in 2021/22.
Pearson was confirmed as having signed a three-year contract earlier this week, providing some muchneeded clarity and stability at Ashton Gate after weeks of uncertainty and unease over the direction of the club.
The length of the contract chimes with Pearson’s requirements of fourto-six transfer windows to create the squad he wants to mount a serious and sustained promotion challenge and achieve Premier League football for the first time in BS3.
It potentially draws a line under a challenging run of form, with City winless in eight and suspicions the lack of definitive decision-making regarding the managerial situation was having an impact on the pitch.
City are safe from relegation and drifting in lower mid-table as the season draws to a close in two weeks, with a feeling that without knowing precisely who would be in charge for next season and beyond, the players were lacking focus and responsibility.
Kalas, however, insists that work has continued at the Robins High Performance Centre and on matchdays as normal, with the understanding that Pearson would be in charge, and Thursday’s development was merely making it official.
“With all respect, I think everyone took it as a normal thing,” Kalas said. “We took it that he was going to be the manager and we weren’t even thinking about having someone else next season.
“I don’t think there was much reaction from what I’ve heard (in the dressing room). We wanted him to stay and we were counting on him for the next season anyway.
“It’s positive for everyone around the club that we know who is going to be our manager before pre-season starts. And for him it’s good that he can start building the team already, and not being uncertain.”
City visit Millwall in the Sky Bet Championship this afternoon.