Just as George Tanner was well on the road to becoming a bona fide Championship-level right-back, not one but two hamstring injuries curtailed his development. And now, having worked his way back to full fitness after a significant absence, the 22-year-old has to deal with the fact his speciality position no longer exists in Nigel Pearson’s preferred system.
It may not have seemed it, given how quickly he initially adapted to life at Ashton Gate, but Tanner’s first 12 months as a Robin have been a relentless challenge, and one that has taken on a slightly different turn.
Signed towards the end of the summer window 2021, Tanner was initially viewed as something of a long-term project for Pearson who said at the time of his arrival: “Our Academy is excellent in producing players capable of making the progression to the first team arena preferably with us, but it is also important to look for players for the future from elsewhere too.”
