With the transfer window in full swing, HITC Sport takes a look at some of the best and the worst Bristol City signings.
Over the years, we've seen many spectacular and strange signings in the transfer window. Moves that have amazed and mystified fans and journalists alike, along with the occasional "hidden gem" or the odd "flop". Bristol City are one club who have been subject to all of the above over the years, and so, HITC Sport has decided to take a look at some of the best and the worst of the Robins's transfer business.
A general view inside Bristol City's Ashton Gate
The Best
Arriving from local rivals Swindon Town, Aden Flint was signed by Bristol City to strengthen a defence which had seen the club relegated from the Championship to League One. Known for his height and threat from corners, Flint was bound to be successful at City, but I'm not sure many Robins fans could have predicted just how much of a hit the centre-half has been. Acting as the key part of a three-man back line that saw Bristol City sweep away League One and win promotion back to the Championship, Flint won plaudits from all over the country for his goals and spirited performances. Now a fan favourite, with a massive 24 goals in 164 games from the back, Aden Flint will surely be a vital player for Bristol City in the near future.
Aden Flint of Bristol City in action with Tom Huddlestone of Hull City
One key to being successful in the Championship is using the loan market to your advantage, and at the beginning of this season, Bristol City did just that. Turning to Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham to replace their outgoing striker Jonathan Kodjia, not many City fans could have predicted just how well the young England striker would have started. Scoring 14 goals so far from his first 25 appearances, Abraham has proven, despite his age, to be one of the best strikers in the Championship at the moment, and combined with his strength and excellent passing ability, the striker could well end up being a future England international star.
Bristol City's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring their goal
After two years at Barnet, Albert Adomah made the step up to the big leagues with Bristol City in 2010. Impressed by his pace and power during his 112 appearances for The Bees, Adomah was bound to be a hit with the Robins faithful, and after three years with City, the Ghanaian earned himself a move to Middlesbrough. After scoring 17 goals for the Robins from the flanks, and producing a great number of assists and dazzling breaks down the right hand side of the pitch, Albert Adomah will go down as one of City's better signings over the last decade. Adomah is now playing his trade under Steve Bruce at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa's Albert Adomah
The Worst
In 2008, City moved to improve their attacking options by bringing in former Trinidad and Tobago international Stern John on loan from Southampton. Desperately in need of goals, City fans were hoping John would be the answer to their prayers, but after 24 appearances for the Robins, he managed only two goals. Missing many more than he scored, the Trinidadian isn't a striker City missed much when he returned to his parent club.
Stern John - Bristol City
After winning plaudits at Watford for being a defender who could often help turn defence into attack, many City fans were delighted to see the club bring in Swedish defender Joel Ekstrand in September 2016. However, after making just two apperances for the Robins, Ekstrand has gone off the map, and doesn't look like getting a sniff back in the team with Adent Flint and Holdur Magnusson holding down their places.
Watford's Joel Ekstrand (R) in action
After five years at Derby County, Bristol City moved to sign Scottish midfielder Stephen Pearson, first on loan, and then on a permanent deal in 2012. Known for scoring important goals for the Rams, including the goal which took them to the Premier League, Pearson was a signing that was expected to bring a much needed experience and knowhow to a struggling Bristol City side. However, Pearson's performances were mixed at best for the Robins, and after two seasons, Pearson departed for his native Scotland, joining Motherwell. Now playing in the Indian Super League for Atletico de Kolkata, Stephen Pearson didn't quite live up to the expectation at City.
Bristol City's Stephen Pearson (L)
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