Nigel Pearson admits he selected Zak Vyner over Timm Klose at Hull City as reward for his performances throughout pre-season as the defender made his first start for Bristol City since April.
Vyner was the surprise name on the teamsheet at the MKM Stadium ending his long exile from the starting line-up due to a series of unforced errors last season that essentially meant Pearson could no longer trust him in his backline.
The expectation was that the 25-year-old would be among the players departing Ashton Gate this summer but he’s fought his way back into his manager’s affections with some strong displays across the summer and was preferred ahead of the more experienced Klose.
Vyner delivered a strong defensive display and even set up City’s only goal of the game, heading the ball into the path of Andi Weimann for the Austrian to open his account.
Vyner has played both right-back and centre-back for City and Pearson’s words indicate he’ll keep his place against Sunderland next Saturday because Klose is more suited to playing in the centre of his preferred back three. The selection does stay true to Pearson’s maxim that players will be picked on performances in matches and training ahead of reputation.
“Because he’s a more natural right sided player and Zak’s done well in pre-season,” Pearson said following the 2-1 defeat, when asked why Vyner was selected ahead of Klose.
“I can’t talk in terms of saying everyone has a chance to impress and if they do, they can't play and then not be as good as my word. Timm’s probably not been at his best in pre-season, but I’ve got no worries about Timm coming in and doing really well so it’s just one of those things.
“Zak had in some ways a disappointing end to the season, but I think it’s also an indication that when players work hard, they will still get their opportunity.”
City experienced some less-than-ideal preparation for the game when their team coach broke down en route from their hotel, causing the squad to arrive at the MKM Stadium in a fleet of 10 taxis.
Pearson insists it had no impact on proceedings as the Robins started the game as the better side, with Matty James denied by an early Matt Ingram save before Weimann gave them the lead after 30 minutes. They were however undone by a hugely contentious penalty decision and then Jean Michael Seri’s fortunate winner which took a significant deflection to beat Dan Bentley in injury time.
“No, not at all,” Pearson added, when asked to . “It’s something that happens. We had a problem with the team coach, so we had to make our own way here. But it didn’t make any difference to the players, they were in a very good mood and it’s just something you have to take in your stride.
“You can’t let logistical problems which you have no control of. There’s no point making them into an issue, we just got on with it. I think a testament to that would be how we started the game - we were very good.”
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