Rob Atkinson claims his new three-year Bristol City contract will aid his recovery from a season-ending ACL injury as his three-year deal will ensure the centre-back can take his time over his rehab and not rush his return back to the first team..
Atkinson’s present deal was due to expire next summer and after undergoing surgery in March to address the injury which he sustained the previous month against Sunderland, he’s not likely to be back in action until September/October, as a best-case scenario.
Under his previous agreement, signed in 2021 when he joined from Oxford United, that could have created a situation where the 24-year-old would be feeling anxious about his long-term future and potentially force an early return, which could then have been detrimental by running the risk of suffering another problem.
But with his recovery now firmly underway and a long six months of rehab laid out in front of him - with Atkinson admitting there have been a few “bumps” already - he has the peace of mind that the club have retained faith in him not just for next season but beyond.
“I’m feeling good. It’s been in the works for quite a while now - way before my injury - and to have those doubts that come with a long-term injury, it’s good to have that security and protection,” said Atkinson.
“It definitely helps me from a mental point of view. I can relax and there’s not that pressure to get back and earn that contract. Now I can chill and make sure when I’m back I’m back right and don’t get injured again. It allows me to clear my mind and really focus on my rehab so I can come back and be even better for the team.
“Over my time at the club I feel as though I’ve developed into a better player and person here, and that’s thanks to all the staff and my teammates. I’m in a really good place here and long may it continue.”
Atkinson made 31 appearances this term and established himself as one of Nigel Pearson’s most consistent and reliable defenders while also chipping in with four goals, with the injury curtailing his progress.
His absence and unique quality as a left-sided centre-back has been keenly felt by City, with Cam Pring deputising in the role, and the 24-year-old is now excited that when he’s ready to return, he can continue his development.
“It’s gone slow but it’s also gone quickly, it’s been eight weeks since the operation,” Atkinson added. “There’s been a few bumps, it’s swollen up a few times but that’s to be expected and finally right now I’m making some good progress and building up that muscle mass. All things considered, it’s going alright now.
“Seven to nine months I’ve never had to experience in my career and I think you can turn it into a positive light; you want to benefit from this time, learn something and get better.
“Before I got injured I think I was playing my best football, I felt really good, I was happy and I was playing well and the injury came at an unfortunate time from that point of view. I’m really looking forward, as soon as I get back, to picking up where I left off.”
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