Whether it be Nigel Pearson or someone else, whoever is in charge at Bristol City for this summer transfer window and beyond has a serious job on their hands to rebuild and reshape this Robins squad.
It feels the end of a certain kind of chapter at the club, with Mark Ashton joining Ipswich Town and the CEO having presided over the recruitment operation at Ashton Gate for the last five years.
One reason Ashton remains in position and won’t join the League One club until June 1 is because of the sheer volume of City players out of contract on June 30 with 13 members of the first-team squad.
We know Famara Diedhiou has been offered a new contract, there appears to have been a verbal agreement with Liam Walsh while the Robins hold a one-year option on Andi Weimann’s deal, but the situation is unclear whether that will be activated.
But there are some significant first-team players who are either coming to the end of their time at BS3 or have played their final game for the club. You can see the full list below …
Hakeeb Adelakun (club possesses one-year-option)
The winger is out for the rest of the season with a back injury sustained at the start of the year after being recalled from his loan spell at Hull City.
Nathan Baker
The injury-prone centre-back is yet to play this season after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa in pre-season. Nigel Pearson says there’s a chance he may play between now and the end of the season.
Famara Diedhiou
Has been offered a new contract, one of the biggest in the club’s history, but there’s been little indication the striker will sign it. Has remained a first-team regular under Dean Holden and Pearson and has interest from Championship Middlesbrough and abroad.
Rene Gilmartin
An influential and popular member of the dressing room, plus excellent Robins TV pundit, but the veteran goalkeeper, who has also been involved in the coaching at the club, hasn’t made a first-team appearance for City since arriving from Colchester in summer 2019.
Jack Hunt
The right-back has been a regular this term under Holden and Pearson, making 31 appearances, and has been a key squad member throughout his three seasons at Ashton Gate topping 100 matches for the club.
Henri Lansbury
The veteran arrived on a short-term deal in January after being released by Aston Villa and after an inconsistent start has established himself in the Robins midfield.
Adrian Mariappa
Another veteran performer who was brought in following a defensive injury crisis in November and has made 17 starts in the Championship but has lost his place in recent weeks.
Jamie Paterson
Is the longest-serving player at the club along with Callum O’Dowda but the playmaker’s five years as a Robin look decidedly uncertain as he’s out for the rest of the season following surgery on a groin injury.
Tommy Rowe
Signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2019, Rowe has proven a vital squad player, filling in admirably at left-back during Jay Dasilva’s extended time out injured.
Danny Simpson
Nigel Pearson’s first signing as City manager, reuniting the two from their Leicester days. Simpson admitted this week that his Robins debut (against Stoke) was a greater personal achievement than winning the Premier League with Leicester following his injury struggles in the second half of 2020.
Liam Walsh
There was a wave of excitement surrounding Walsh upon his return from a hugely successful loan at Coventry but the midfielder has been dogged with thigh and hamstring problems and is another who won’t play again this season.
Marley Watkins
City’s injury crisis led to the forward being recalled from Aberdeen in January but he’s made just two appearances since setting foot back in the West Country and is now out with a groin injury.
Andi Weimann (club possesses one-year option)
The Austrian’s absence since October has been keenly felt with an ACL injury sustained against destroying his 2020/21. Was recently praised by Pearson for his attitude during his rehabilitation.
