Western Daily Press (Saturday)
I would love to stay at City – midfielder James
MATTY James would love to remain a Bristol City player beyond next summer, with the midfielder relaxed about his contract situation as he goes about trying to impress new head coach Liam Manning.
James is one of four first-team players – along with Joe Williams, Andi Weimann and Andy King – who become free agents next summer and the midfielder admits there have been no talks as yet regarding his future at the club.
The 32-year-old was former manager Nigel Pearson’s first major signing of his reign in BS3, joining on a free transfer from Leicester City, and has made 87 appearances since arriving at Ashton Gate.
His performances have been of a consistent level throughout that time, with the only frustration being some sporadic injury issues.
With Pearson gone, there will be a natural element of uncertainty from certain individuals over their place in the squad and team, not just for this season but further into the future, and with James’ agreement expiring, naturally he will be one individual under the microscope.
It is a situation he is well-versed in, though, and in declaring his wish to remain a City player into a fourth and potentially fifth campaign, he knows all he can do is try to play his way towards a new deal.
“There’s been no contact from Bristol City as of yet, and I’m just focusing on my own individual performances, making sure that I play well, personally for me and for the team,” James said.
“And pretty much it’s then up to the club if they want to come with a contract offer or they don’t.
“I think, for me, it’s just making sure that I play as well as I possibly can for the club for the time that I’m here, but also for the possibility of the need to open a door up in the summer.
“For me, I’m relaxed about it. I’ve been in this situation before, so the main thing is me, staying fit, staying in the team, staying in the XI, making sure I impress the new manager and sacrifice everything for the team.
“I would love to stay and help this club move forward. I feel like there’s a little bit of unfinished business in terms of where the club wants to go, from when I signed two a bit years ago. The ambition was to move up the table and to get to the promised land of the Premier League and I feel the club is ready to do something and I would love to be around in the coming years to help do that. The ball’s in their court. I’d love to stay.”
City return from the international break with a home game against Middlesbrough, managed by Michael Carrick. The former England midfield man said ahead of the encounter: “For me, this game is even bigger than the Leicester game. Going down to Bristol, new manager, first game at home. It’s one that you can take your eye off.”
Bristol City have a home game against high-flying Manchester United in the Women’s Super League tomorrow lunchtime.