Robbie Cundy has revealed the opportunity to play regular first-team football was the deciding factor in turning down Bristol City's contract in favour of Barnsley.
The centre-back completed his move to the League One side on Wednesday, joining on a free transfer after penning a two-year contract at Oakwell.
City had a contract offer on the table for Cundy before the end of last season after he eventually forced his way into the side in the absence of Tomas Kalas. He eventually made 10 Championship starts after having to wait three years to make his full club debut.
With manager Nigel Pearson bolstering his backline with the arrival of Kal Naismith, Timm Klose signing his contract, Rob Atkinson's end of season form and the expected return of Kalas from injury, there is healthy competition for a spot in defence next season. Bristol Live also understands the manager wanted at least one more central defender even if Cundy had signed his contract.
Taking the decision to drop down a league, Cundy confirmed his reason came down to first-team reassurances, indicating it was something Pearson couldn't guarantee at an important stage in his career.
Admitting it was a move that had been on the cards for several weeks, he told Barnsley's official site: "It had been in the pipeline for a while, so I'm delighted that it's finally over the line and I can't wait to get started.
"It's about getting game-time for me now, at my age, so hopefully I get that and we can get this club back to where it belongs, which is the Championship.
"Personally it's to just play as much as I can. Consistency in football is key if you want to keep your levels high so for me it's just playing game time.
"Obviously I played Barnsley when I was at Bristol. The stadium, the facilities are lovely, I've played here at Oakwell before and when I spoke to the CEO he sold the club to me, his ambition and his plans, I just wanted to be a part of it. I had two years in non-league, and that toughened me up as a centre half. I feel privileged to be where I am today, but I don't forget where I came from."
Cundy, who joined City from Bath in 2019, endured nine loan spells throughout his career including four during his time in BS3. He also spent around seven months out injured after fracturing a cartilage in his knee during a stint at Gillingham.
City are expected to seek out a replacement in the transfer window and have been linked with a move for Northampton Town's Fraser Horsfall, according to Bristol World.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave the League Two side at the end of this month with his contract set to expire although it is believed several sides are interested in his signature.
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