Robins release 11 as Pearson highlights ‘transition period’

BRISTOL City confirmed their retained list on Friday of players for the 2021-22 season - and the Robins are shedding 11 players from 13 seniors out of contract.

City have released everyone who is out of contract, with talks over a new deal continuing with just Andi Weimann and Danny Simpson. The Bristol Post understands those contract talks may not be plain sailing either and that there is a chance that one of them may not stay, too.

Nigel Pearson is determined to usher in a new spell at the club with a different culture in the changing room and vastly different playing squad.

The released players are Rene Gilmartin, Adrian Mariappa, Liam Walsh, Marley Watkins, Famara Diedhiou, pictured, Jack Hunt, Henri Lansbury, Hakeeb Adelakun, Nathan Baker, Jamie Paterson and Tommy Rowe.

Pearson said in a statement: “I have spoken with each departing player and wish them all well in the next stage of their careers.

“We are entering into a significant transition period for the club and central to that is deciding which players can take this club forward. The first element of that is largely done and now it’s about looking forward to who we can bring in as we build towards next season.”

Attention will now turn towards recruitment with City down to a senior squad of around 25 but with several young players expected to go out on loan.

Up to half-a-dozen new recruits could arrive with full-backs and central defenders a priority. The Robins may also look to recruit another forward to replace Diedhiou, who may now join Middlesbrough this window.

Walsh will be a sore one for supporters to take as the midfielder excelled at Coventry City but missed most of this year due to injury.

The Robins confirmed the following players over 24 are contracted to the club: Dan Bentley, Robbie Cundy, Tomas Kalas, Chris Martin, Taylor Moore, Adam Nagy, Callum O’Dowda, Max O’Leary, Kasey Palmer, Zak Vyner, Nahki Wells, Joe Williams and Jojo Wollacott.