So much hard work lies ahead, says Robins boss
BRISTOL CITY BRENTFORD 1 3
NIGEL Pearson is set to make the final decision on which players he wishes to keep at Bristol City and which members of his squad he wants to move on.
After watching his side lose 3-1 to play-off-bound Brentford, Robins manager Pearson explained that he had already discussed his plans for many of his players, and the rest would find out their own fate soon.
The Bees’ Ivan Toney claimed the record for the most goals in the second tier since it was rebranded as the Championship by netting his 31st of the campaign to break the deadlock after 57 minutes, before giving way to substitute Bryan Mbeumo eight minutes later.
Mbeumo doubled the advantage at the end of a brilliant passing move, and five minutes later Sergi Canos shot home at the far post.
Robins substitute Louis Britton marked his first-team debut by netting with a smart low drive three minutes from time, but it was no more than a consolation for his outplayed team.
City finished the season down in 19th spot on 51 points – eight above the relegation zone – after failing to win any of their last ten matches.
Pearson said: “It has been a season of two contrasting halves for the club because it began with promise, but we have had too many injuries and fitness is something we need to address. We have had to rely too much on young players and, while we have some very bright prospects, it is important we don’t demand too much of them too soon.”
Looking ahead, Pearson added: “I have spoken to many of the players about their futures and the rest I will be meeting over the next few days.
“We will then issue a list of who is staying and which ones will be leaving. Today was another reality check and an indication of how much hard work lies ahead.
“I have to create a squad capable of meeting the challenges that the Championship sets.
“At the moment we’re not meeting those challenges, and a lot of our talented youngsters are being exposed without the necessary experience alongside them.
“We will use pre-season to get the players we already have fitter and more robust, as well as bringing in new faces. There will also be new support staff brought in and it is going to be a very busy summer.”
Brentford’s win at City saw them finish with 87 points, but that was only enough to earn them third place, with champions Norwich on 97 points and Watford 91.
Frank, whose side also scored a League-leading 79 goals, added: “Our points tally would normally be enough for automatic promotion and we have again scored the most goals in the Championship.
“We will have a few beers tonight and then they will have three days off before preparing for what I am sure will be a tight tie of fine margins with Bournemouth. I have a good feeling about the play-offs.”
City: Bentley, Simpson (Sessegnon 72), Mariappa (Vyner 53), Baker, Dasilva, Massengo, Bakinson, Palmer (Janneh 65), Scott, Wells (Owura Edwards 64), Conway (Britton 72). Not Used: O’Leary, Lansbury, Rowe, Towler.
Booked: Palmer, Simpson, Baker, Britton.
Goals: Britton 87.
Brentford: Raya, Jansson, Norgaard, Pinnock (Sorensen 46), Roerslev, Jensen, Janelt (Bidstrup 81), Canos, Fosu (Marcondes 72), Toney (Mbeumo 65), Forss (Ghoddos 65). Not Used: Goode, Reid, Daniels, Stevens.
Booked: Toney.
Goals: Toney 57, Mbeumo 78, Canos 83.
Referee: James Linington (Isle of Wight).