Darrell Clarke features heavily in the recent history of Bristol Rovers but it is the red half of the city that are featuring more in his future.
The Saddlers boss has developed a link with Bristol City's Brian Tinnion, with several young Robins having joined up at Bescot Stadium this season.
That carries on from taking two players on loan in 2019/20 that has resulted in a permanent transfer this last summer.
The Gas boss from 2014-2018 took defender Cameron Pring and midfielder Rory Holden on loan last season, and has returned to Ashton Gate to snap up young left-back George Nurse for this season. Holden rejoined Clarke permanently in the summer, meanwhile, and scored a cracking goal last weekend his new club.
Clarke has spoken about the relationship he has with City and has mentioned the ‘good attitude’ of their academy products as one reason why he likes what he keeps links with the West Country.
“We’ve had Cameron Pring, done the deal with Rory Holden and now we have George Nurse,” Clarke told the Express and Star.
“I deal with Brian Tinnion a lot at Bristol City and he’s someone I respect very well.
“I believe they do it very right as a football club with the younger players, real good lads with good attitudes.
“When they tick those two boxes it gives those players an opportunity. Obviously they have ability, but they do a lot of things right down there.
“George has come in and done very well. He’s not had many minutes and he’s been injured in pre-season, but he came in for his debut and did well.”
Walsall drew 2-2 with Harrogate Town last Saturday with former Robin Holden smashing in from range after just four minutes.
George Nurse - one of several up-and-coming left-backs at City - has started one game (against Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy competition) and featured from the bench against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup so far for Clarke.
