Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

'Champions by Christmas' - Bristol City fans share optimism after Timm Klose signs new contract

On the back of a rather underwhelming campaign by all standards, supporters can be forgiven for their growing sense of optimism with three important pieces of business already concluded.

Mark Sykes' swift arrival from Oxford on a free transfer kick-started the summer with the versatile midfielder making the step up to the Championship following an impressive season in League One where he registered eight goals and five assists.

He'll bolster the numbers behind the strikeforce following the departure of Callum O'Dowda before Nigel Pearson pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing in Kal Naismith - City's second key arrival.

It was a deal that caught everyone off guard and appeared to upset a fair share of Luton supporters who were reeling with the fact they have lost their Player of the Season just weeks after their semi-final play-off loss.

His arrival has undoubtedly raised spirits among the fanbase that the club have pulled off a coup and addressed an area of the field that desperately needed strengthening.

Just five days later and City may have pulled off one of their most important deals of the summer by agreeing Timm Klose to a new one-year deal with the option of an extra year ending speculation and uncertainty over his future.

The Swiss centre-back played a crucial part during the second half of last season, starting in every game following his arrival in January up until the final game of the season with City undoubtedly looking more stable at the back with Klose marshalling the middle.

There's a long way to go in the transfer window that officially opens on June 10 and they'll undoubtedly be plenty of speculation linking City's top players with moves away with interest set to intensify. Han-Noah Massengo, Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly continue to be linked with moves to so-called bigger clubs.

But for now, news of Klose's extension, possibly until the summer of 2024, has proven one more reason to look forward to the new season that gets underway on July 30. Here's what the supporters had to say.

City are now likely to turn their attentions to getting a deal over the line to agree his centre-back partner Robbie Cundy to a new contract. The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal after finally forcing his way into the side three years after joining Ashton Gate.

It would complete a turnaround in fortunes for centre-back whose career at City appeared all-but over in January when he was told he was free to leave.

The Robins are also waiting on Kane Wilson's decision. The Forest Green Rovers right-back has been offered a deal by City to join on a free transfer but he has other options to consider after winning the League Two Player of the Season.

SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.