Dean Holden has opened up on Korey Smith's contract situation at Bristol City and said that talks are ongoing regarding Ashley Williams' future at the club.
The new Bristol City head coach was officially announced today to mixed reactions from fans, with many wishing him luck and many others criticising the club for not appointing someone with more experience.
One of the biggest decisions the club has had to make in recent days without the head coach appointed is the future of Korey Smith, who has not been offered a new deal at Ashton Gate.
The club's longest serving player will now be on the lookout for a new challenge, and CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that Holden was involved in the decision over Smith's future.
The captain announced he would be leaving this weekend and Holden confirmed that he has opportunities elsewhere. Smith joined Ashley Williams in being out of contract this summer, although Holden admitted that talks are still ongoing with the Welsh defender.
Speaking in his first press conference, Holden said: "Ash is out of contract of course and at the moment we're speaking to him and we'll continue those discussions as we move that forward to see exactly how we're going to do that.
"I spoke to Korey at length in the past couple of days and I know he's got an opportunity to move on. There wasn't a contract for him forthcoming in time. He's got a young family.
"What I would say is he's been a fantastic servant to this football club and deserves fantastic send of. On and off the pitch everybody has seen what he's brought. On the pitch of course with his goal at Man United probably being the pinnacle, but fighting back through injuries and always coming in and pushing the younger players.
"That's what you get from some of the seniors at the club, pushing them younger players and helping them and using their experience along the way, so fantastic person. I've got a lot of time for him and really wish him well."
Holden also discussed the club's transfer plans ahead of the new season starting on September 12. Teams across the EFL will have difficulty in spending money due to the impact of the coronavirus, and the Robins will look to trade as they have done over the past few summers since Lee Johnson's appointment.
Holden admitted that the side do need some additions, but hinted that several young players returning from loan spells will be involved come the start of the season.
He said: "We're going to sit down as a staff and go through that. We'll see what players are available. Players come on the market, we'll see if we can have an opportunity at getting them.
"I think first and foremost we've got to have a lot at our squad. We've had some great loans for some of our lads last year, who've had a great success.
"We need to see where they're at in pre-season and we do need a couple of additions. I feel that we're going to be strong."
