Andi Weimann has been named Bristol City captain after the Austrian was chosen for the role by his teammates following the departure of Dan Bentley last month.
Bentley has served as club captain since the summer of 2021 but his sale to Premier League Wolves over the January transfer window has left the position vacant with Weimann deputising in the role from October through to the start of last month, while midfielders Andy King and Matty James have also worn the armband.
With Weimann out injured due to a hamstring injury, James has led the Robins for the last five matches including for Saturday's 2-1 win over Preston North End with the Austrian among the substitutes at Deepdale.
Tellingly, James passed the armband to Weimann when he emerged as a 88th minute substitute and following a squad meeting, the Austrian international has now been bestowed with the responsibility for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign with James acting as vice-captain.
“It’s a great privilege to be the captain of Bristol City and always a proud moment leading the team out,” said Weimann. “We’ve got so many leaders and it’s nice that the lads have that faith in me. There’s a positive spirit within the squad and I’m looking forward to what we all believe will be a positive second half of the season.”
Weimann is one of City’s longest-serving players having signed from Derby County in the summer of 2018 and has made 177 appearances for the club, scoring 48 goals and producing 26 assists, while he’s been a consistent starter under Lee Johnson, Dean Holden and now Nigel Pearson.
A popular figure in the dressing room, Weimann has the instant respect of his peers - at both ends of the age spectrum - and his relentless work rate on the field means he can lead by example.
The Austrian made a sensational comeback from an ACL injury last season as, despite having missed the previous nine months due to his recovery, the 31-year-old enjoyed his most prolific season of his career finding the target 22 times in 47 games and winning City’s Player of the Season award.
While his ascension to the position of club captain doesn’t guarantee selection, as prior to his departure Bentley hadn’t played since October, it does emphasise his importance in the squad, although there is fierce competition in the forward positions.
Mark Sykes has scored four goals in five games from the right-hand side, since replacing Weimann in the starting XI, while Sam Bell has added three in his last two appearances from the left flank. The Robins also signed fellow wide forwards Anis Mehmeti and Harry Cornick on deadline day giving Pearson serious options in that area of the field.
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