Bristol City have had a fairly average Championship season thus far.
The Robins have been inconsistent in the early weeks of the season, winning two, drawing three, and losing two of their first eight league games.
Liam Manning made a lot of crucial additions over the summer, so they may need more time to gel before finding consistency, but there are definitely areas for development.
Bristol City just endured two 3-0 away losses to Derby County and Blackburn Rovers, so they will need to improve if they expect to finish in the top half.
Fortunately, they recovered, winning 2-1 at home against Oxford United and collecting a point away to Swansea City the following week.
However, as previously stated, there are undoubtedly areas for development, and January will provide an excellent opportunity to accomplish this. The transfer window will open shortly, and there may be some action at Ashton Gate.
In addition to strengthening the squad, Manning may have to contemplate some exits in January, including Kal Naismith, according to FLW’s Bristol City fan commentator Tom Sandy.
“One position where I believe we will see a leave is Kal Naismith at centre back. He played a few games in place of Rob Dickie at the start of the season, and I believe if he performed well enough in them, we would not need to buy another centre-back.”
“He was poor. Very, very poor. I believe it was the Millwall game; Rob Dickie was injured with the team leading 2-1, and we conceded three goals. He did not perform well in the Derby, a 3-0 loss away from home.”
“A fifa ratings video came out recently where he said ‘I can’t believe defending is my best stat, it should be my worst!’, which is not really what you want to be hearing from your centre-back.”
“He’s an elite centre-back in terms of a back three scenario, but not only does Manning not play a back three, even if he were to, I’d prefer Haydon Roberts over him as a left centre-back.”
“I think Kal Naismith could be a departure in January. It will be a good time to cash in on him while he’s fit and with time left on his contract.”
“If he departs, I believe we will see another defensive signing.” As I previously stated, if Haydon Roberts is to play left centre-back, we could benefit from having greater depth at left back. I think we need additional depth at right-back; George Tanner is our sole true right-back.
“There is room for improvement in the back line. As it stands, Naismith’s departure would have little effect on our back four. “I don’t think he’s up to standard anymore.”
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