City release 11 and appoint new CEO
Striker Famara Diedhiou, defender Nathan Baker and attacking midfielder Jamie Paterson have all been shown the door
It's been a busy day for Bristol City today, as the club announces 11 players will be released shortly following the end of their contracts and the appointment of a new CEO.
Let's start with player departures.
Hakeeb Adelakun, Nathan Baker, Famara Diédhiou, Rene Gilmartin, Jack Hunt, Henri Lansbury, Adrian Mariappa, Jamie Paterson, Tommy Rowe, Liam Walsh, Marley Watkins will all leave the club at the end of their current deals.
Talks with Danny Simpson and Andreas Weimann are currently ongoing as the club looks to extend their stays.
Steven Sessegnon will also return to his parent club Fulham following his loan spell.
City Manager Nigel Pearson said: “I have spoken with each departing player and wish them all well in the next stage of their careers.
“We are entering into a significant transition period for the club and central to that is deciding which players can take this club forward. The first element of that is largely done and now it’s about looking forward to who we can bring in as we build towards next season.”
Now, onto the new CEO.
Richard Gould is returning to the club where he previously spent four years as Commercial Director.
He's held the position of CEO at Surrey County Cricket Club since 2011.
City Chairman Jon Lansdown said: “Richard has the right skills and qualities we need. He has a sport, military and business background, as well as a strong local connection, and we have no doubt that he is the right person to lead this club forward.”
Richard Gould said: “I am really excited to be returning to Bristol City and the area. I understand the scale of ambition and also the energy required to fulfil that. There is a lot of hard work ahead and I am looking forward to meeting the challenges we face alongside Steve, Jon, Nigel and the rest of the club.”