Adrian Mariappa has opened up on how a conversation with Bobby Decordova-Reid proved to him that he was making the right decision in joining Bristol City.
As revealed by Bristol Live earlier this week, the 34-year-old has now completed a move to join the Robins on a free transfer, with the 34-year-old former Watford defender signing a short-term contract until January.
Mariappa has plenty of experience in the top two tiers in English football from his two spells at Watford, along with stints at Crystal Palace and Reading.
City boss Dean Holden has explained why he decided to bring in the Jamaican international, who he has described as a "fantastic professional" who can help the players around him.
And Mariappa has spoken of his delight at making the move to Ashton Gate, with the central defender detailing a conversation he had with former City academy star Reid, who broke through in BS3 and made more than 150 appearances with the club.
Reid is now at Premier League side Fulham, but is international team-mates with Mariappa and the defender admits he did speak to the former City man about the club.
“Bobby told me what a great club it was and he had nothing but good things to say– and I know he wouldn’t lie to me!” Mariappa told Robins TV.
“Everyone I have spoken to at the club or who has previously been at the club have all said the same things and it’s brilliant to hear.”
And Mariappa has been impressed from what he has seen so far this season from City, who currently sit fifth in the Championship after back-to-back wins on the road against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, prior to the international break.
“It’s evident from the outside what a good club it is, how well run it is and in the games that I have watched you can see the togetherness of the players and those are very attractive things for a player,” said Mariappa.
“The most important thing is that there are good people here who are all striving to push forward and reach new heights. I’ve been in football a long time and being around good people and in a good environment is key for me. I also know how talented the players are and that bodes well for a club in the Championship trying to push forward.
"You can see it’s geared for the Premier League and the standards around the whole place are really top-notch so you have to commend the club for the way they have progressed.”
