Pre-Season 2024/25
So pre-season has begun and we have sold two players. I'll be honest, Rob and Ryan went over my head or the Steve Sessegnon sale but I can't blame them for the money Bristol are paying,
01/07/24
We did release a couple of players this year. Mainly rotation players that I'm not too worried about losing.
Coming into the club we have midfielder Jamie Allen on a free transfer.
This leaves our squad looking a little thinner than I'd like. Fear not though, we have a fair few irons in the fire so to speak.
A very tough 1st round draw but we've caused a few upsets before so you never know.
Not the easiest draw in the Papa John's. I'm looking to win this competition this season so I would have liked a better draw. We'll see how it goes.
Transfers
With the squad looking so thin, we didn't let many players go. In fact, Jacob Mendy was the only man to leave. He was out on loan anyway last season so won't be much of a loss.
The incomings though were a different story. We were really busy in the summer and managed to bring in a fair few players, though some of them are only on loan. That being said, the players we've brought in on loan are very high quality which will definitely allow us to push for the playoffs. Still not sure how we managed to convince Leighton Clarkson to join us after his release from Liverpool!
The bookies have us as high as 4th favourites for the league. That tends to suggest that we have a chance but it won't be as easy as last season.
The media on the other hand are writing off our chances, saying we'll finish in mid-table. To be honest, I wouldn't be happy with 10th. We should be pushing for the playoffs.
Finances
After Rob and Ryan's cash injection and the sale of Sessegnon, our finances are looking very good indeed for the time being. I do think we may need to look to expand the stadium soon with our wage bill growing.
Results
A really solid pre-season campaign has seen morale rise to quite a high level. The confidence in the squad going into the new season is great, I just need to make sure that the lads don't get overconfident.