Team-mates urge Swiss defender to stay at City
ANDI Weimann and Dan Bentley are playing the roles of makeshift agents in their attempts to get Timm Klose to sign an extension to his contract.
The defender, who has been on a post-season break in Cornwall, posted a cryptic message on his Instagram page following Bristol City’s final game of the season which ended in a 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield on Saturday.
Klose, 34, is out on contract on June 30 and is weighing up his next move with the Robins keen to extend his stay following his impressive run of form since joining on a free transfer in January.
The centre-back’s message in which he thanked supporters and the staff for his time in BS3, read: “Thank you!! I want to take a moment to thank the club, fans, city, staff, manager and players for the last couple of months.
“You all made it very easy for my family and me to feel at home and I tried to give my everything in every single game. Enjoy the break, stay healthy and safe.”
Among a flood of comments from supporters advising Klose to stay next season, were good-humoured pleas from captain Bentley and Player of the Year Weimann.
Bentley, who is one of his closest team-mates at the club, wrote “Sign the ting” adding to Weimann’s question “See you in June?”
Whether anything can be read into their replies remains open to interpretation but it’s clear Klose remains a hugely popular figure in the City dressing room. Bentley and striker Chris Martin have both spoken of the impact the Swiss international has had on the side since his arrival.
Following the 5-0 victory over Hull, Martin highlighted the qualities that Klose can offer when he said: “Timm’s a very good guy and he’s settled in pretty much straight away. It didn’t take him any time at all. He’s a good personality around the group and very good quality. He’s played at a fantastic level throughout his career, he’s got that knowledge of the game and understanding alongside the experience.
“I’m sure he’s been a calm head for the other two lads who haven’t played an awful lot of football at this level. I don’t want to speak for them, but from their point of view, I’m sure it’s been good having someone with that level of experience to be beside them and guide them through.”
Klose started every league fixture after joining the club, turning in a string of consistent performances that have convinced Pearson that his future belongs in BS3 beyond the summer.
Like his centre-back partner Robbie Cundy, the manager confirmed they have offered a contract to the duo although Pearson was keen to distance himself from the negotiations.
“I can’t tell you where we’re at, I don’t get involved with that sort of thing. I think he’s done really well and I’d like to keep him,” he said. “Both Robbie and Timm, they are yet to sign for us. Hopefully, we’ll be able to secure both of them but that’s not my role to do that. But we’re in the process of going down that route.”