Nigel Pearson has switched playing styles, formations, systems and personnel throughout his 13 months in charge of Bristol City but if there’s been one constant, whether by circumstance or design, it’s been providing a pathway from U23 football into the first-team.
City’s struggles on the field have been ever so slightly alleviated by the steady stream of talent that has emerged through the academy with some - Alex Scott, Ayman Benarous and Zak Vyner - becoming first-team regulars, while others - Sam Bell, Tommy Conway and Ryley Towler - have had a taste and been given Championship minutes.
With seven games of the 2021/22 season remaining, Pearson and his players ultimately do want to finish the campaign strongly - for a number of reasons - but there will still be a keen eye on the summer and beyond and there is greater scope and leeway for providing opportunity to younger players.
