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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Former Bristol City favourite announces he will leave rivals Cardiff City on a free transfer

Former Bristol City captain Marlon Pack will be released from Cardiff at the end of his contract.

The 31-year-old midfielder announced his departure with on social media to end his three-year spell in Wales having made 107 appearances since leaving the Robins.

Pack's exit may come as little surprise having fallen out of favour under manager Steve Morrison. His last league appearance for Cardiff coincidentally came against Nigel Pearson's side in City's 3-2 victory over their rivals on January 22.

He wrote on Instagram: "My time Cardiff has come to an end, I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to play for the club. I want to thank the fans for all your support over the past 3 seasons especially during the pandemic and this season where it hasn’t gone how we all wanted.

"Special mention to all my teammates, the members of staff, the managers I’ve worked under and the numerous people I’ve crossed paths with in and around the football club over the last 3 years. I’ve made some great friends and met some fantastic people and that’s what football is all about.

"Enjoy your summer and all the best in the future... Packy."

Pack spent six eventful years at Ashton Gate before his surprise move to Cardiff on summer deadline day in 2019, and was part of the side that lifted the double in the 2014/15 campaign, winning the League One title and the Football League Trophy.

Korey Smith was also released by Swansea (Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

A popular figure among the Bristol City faithful, whether the club ever truly replaced his defensive qualities in front of the backline remains up for debate but it's certainly an area Pearson will have a close eye on solving during the summer.

Pack isn't the only former Robin to be looking for a new club. Swansea announced last week that Korey Smith won't be retained beyond this summer, following his departure from BS3 at the end of the 2019/20 season.

Cardiff centre-back Aden Flint is also out of contract at the end of June with no indication as to whether a new deal is on the table. Morrison's side finished the season one spot below City in 18th spot and like Pearson, the manager wants to use the opportunity to develop his squad with the aim of finishing higher up the league next season.

Midfielders are likely to be towards the top of Pearson's transfer wishlist with ongoing doubts over Han-Noah Massengo's immediate future and Joe Williams' long-term fitness.

Veteran Andy King is also out of contract next month, although the club do have the option of extending his stay by one more year. The long-term injury to Ayman Benarous, in which he will be sidelined for around seven months with a ruptured ACL, could also have an impact on Pearson's transfer plans in midfield.

After the defeat on Saturday, Pearson highlighted how he wants to score more goals from midfield to ease the burden on City's prolific front three.

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