"We had no intention to do much business". That statement from Nigel Pearson on Thursday indicates that for all the hopes and dreams of fans for a reasonably busy January, the minimal activity Bristol City engaged in can, from an internal perspective, by qualified as success.
The manager didn't want many coming in or going out, and that's precisely what transpired. So, in very simple terms: mission accomplished. The Robins boss has a settled squad, increasingly on-message in terms of what's expected and a belief that they are improving with each performance.
In that context a hectic January of multiple incomings and outgoings could have set the club back. Instead, their relative silence spoke volumes.
But to gauge the opinions of the fanbase, we asked six supporters for their take on the 31 days of January, what should or shouldn't have happened and what their thoughts are heading into the final 17 games of the season. There's an opportunity further down the page for you to take part in our transfer survey, as well.
How would you grade City's transfer window out of 10?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): "I’d rate the window a middling 5 out of 10. Purely for the fact we only brought one new face into the club in Timm Klose. We didn’t need to bring in a host of names as there’s little point now this season.
"We’re safe, but not pushing for anything. Throw in the financial troubles, and it was what was expected."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "7 - Maybe slightly controversial as we only brought in one player and our wage bill wasn't massively cut, though the signing of Klose already looks significant to our backline.
"The biggest plus would be keeping hold of our biggest talents in Antoine Semenyo, Alex Scott and Han-Noah Massengo, who are already proving themselves as solid Championship footballers despite their age, and clearly have a very bright future ahead."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "6/10. The signing of Klose was a smart addition, adding experience and a calmness to the backline.
"For me however, the most crucial thing was keeping hold of Semenyo, Scott and Massengo. I think we could have signed a right-back and a striker, but with financial circumstances and Pearson not looking at loans it was always going to be difficult."
Angelo Miccichè (@Gigz1988): "I would rate City's transfer window a 7 out of 10. The major success of the window was that we retained our key players like Massengo, Scott and Semenyo."
Rob Collins (@AlbuQuirky): "7/10. The good points - nobody who should and could form the basis of a top-half team left; Max O’Leary, Tanner, Tomas Kalas, (Klose), Baker, Cam Pring, Zak Vyner, Ayman Benarous, Matty James, Andy King, Williams, Scott, HNM, Weimann, Semenyo, Chris Martin, Tommy Conway - and I’ve probably forgotten some, but you take the point.
"The slightly less good - the highest paid who have not found favour with Pearson are still here - Wells, Kasey Palmer, Danny Simpson."
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): "I’d probably break it down into two; incoming and outgoing.
"Incoming 6/10 – I really didn’t expect much if anything to happen on the signings side of things, unless we got a nice windfall from Webster or Kelly. So to pick up Klose as cover/replacement for Nathan Baker seemed very sensible. The video and stats from his loan at FC Basel last season looked positive, and he quickly showed his class at Deepdale last Saturday. A full week of ice baths to get any stiffness out will have been very welcome.
"Outgoing 3/10 – on hearing Nige’s comment upon his return in November that he’d get rid of any players not “on the bus”, I thought we might see more than just Tyreeq Bakinson leave (on loan to Ipswich) and this might create a bit of wiggle room to bring a player in. That hasn’t happens, but moving on high earners is going to be very difficult in this climate, especially those not playing much to justify someone picking up their tab."
At the start of the window, were there any players or positions you felt City needed to sign?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): " I think we needed a body at the back. Nathan Baker’s injury proneness, Zak Vyner’s unreliability and Pearson not seeming to rate Rob Atkinson left us chopping and changing.
"We got it in Klose. I was fairly happy with a young core everywhere else in the context of the remainder of the season. Let them get minutes now."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "We certainly needed signings in the defensive area with Baker continuing to be absent and the news that he may well be out for the rest of the season, as well as the absence of George Tanner on the right-hand side.
"I didn't feel there were any significant areas of need elsewhere on the field, especially with the likes of Joe Williams among others set to return in the coming weeks."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "Right-back and striker. Tanner injury needed covering but Jay Dasilva has done well to cover. Striker was a priority for me (Luke Jephcott at Plymouth being my choice) but with Martin, Semenyo and Weimann firing it looks like we will be okay until the summer. The 46 big chances created this season also shows we're actually doing okay in the final third."
Angelo Miccichè ( @Gigz1988): "At the start of the window I would have liked to have seen a new striker being signed but I feel the loan market is also being over-inflated making it difficult in our position to be able to compete financially.
"Heading in to next season I would like to see us sign a couple of taller players across midfield and up front to add some more height and steel in our squad."
Rob Collins (@AlbuQuirky): "Right back/right wing-back and a hard-as-nails defensive midfielder (I used to live near, and support, Arsenal as my Premier League team when I moved to London for work, so I keep on dreaming about recruiting the children of Viera, Ljungberg, Petit, Pires and Parlour!)
"I think the arrival of Klose has eased my fevered brown because it takes Zak out of the firing line for a while and he still has a lot to learn before he can become a first team regular; and the defensive midfield area is clearly covered if we can keep Joe Williams fit - but 'if' is a big word isn’t it?"
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): "I certainly saw no need to sign a striker. I think Scott and Massengo’s mature performances in midfield did away with any need to bring in a central midfielder as a short-term fix, especially when Joe Williams wasn’t far from returning to full match fitness and Matty James hopefully isn’t not too far away either.
"That left me really looking at a wing-back, preferably one who could play on either side. Someone in the mould of Jordan Williams at Barnsley, but he’s someone who you would really want to wait until the summer, when hopefully Barnsley are down, we therefore look more attractive, and so might his price!"
How concerned are you about the club's financial position?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): " It would be naive to not be a little worried about the financial situation on its own. It makes for grim reading. I’d be more worried though without Lansdown’s backing.
"I think there’s the caveat of COVID and also the fact we won’t be the only ones in this situation. There’s a storm coming for sure in our league."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "Fairly concerned, though I feel that it's just something we need to accept and work around for the time being.
"Many other clubs will be in very tough financial positions in current times, and with said clubs likely to publish their reports in the upcoming weeks, it should show that we aren't alone.
"I just hope that those within the FA and EFL can accept that these past few years have been tough and will not sanction those who have been hit the hardest."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "I think currently it looks negative. However once all 24 clubs have released their accounts, I'm not convinced City will be the highest losers. The lack of big player sales has contributed to this definitely, and may lead to players like Kalas or Wells being sold this summer."
Angelo Miccichè @Gigz1988: "I wouldn't want to be in Richard Gould's position heading in to next season but that being said, we have yet to see other clubs in the EFL reveal their finances and I don't think we will be the only club turning over a loss.
"So it will be interesting to see how this all plays out with FFP rules and if clubs can somehow band together and reform the regulations in light of Covid."
Rob Collins @AlbuQuirky: "I’m not - but I am concerned about Stephen Lansdown's long term commitment given he has already chucked in almost 15% of his once £1.6bn fortune.
"If he decides to cut back future investment we are toast. But given his commitment to the development of the hotel; basketball arena/stadium, offices and housing he is clearly a man with a mission.
"So although the Covid collapse in revenues blew a huge hole in his budget expectations I am confident he will support us, health and family welfare permitting, until he can finder a new partner who shares his vision for Bristol as a community to whom he may pass the baton."
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): " Despite the announcement of a massive £38.4m loss, it was not much higher than I predicted. It also really showed many fans why we made the decisions we did in the summer with the players who were out of contract.
"It doesn’t mean I was happy about how costs had escalated out of control (even without the impact of Covid), it just brought forward the reality of the worries I had about the previous regime and the way we’d wasted money.
"But I’m really happy we have an experienced manager in Nigel Pearson in charge of the rebuild from a football side and a CEO in Richard Gould who seems to want to do his job quietly in the background, and communicates with the fans because it’s appropriate to do so, not to boost an ego!
"Whilst next season’s FFP/Profit & Sustainability cycle needs addressing, a big part of the heavy lifting was done in the summer. It will still mean austerity this summer, but with the exposure the youngsters are getting in the first team, it should mean we don’t need too much, but it might influence decisions on those out of contract this summer."
How are you feeling about City going into the final portion of the season?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): "As I’ve said, we’re almost safe whilst not having that much to look forward to in terms of a push for play-offs. Mid-table mediocrity beckons.
"It’s vital we use the remaining games to provide relatively stress-free, continuing opportunities for the clearly excellent young players we have. I think Pearson is doing a stunningly mediocre job too. Finally, please, no more conceding in injury time."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "I think content would be the best word. I'm not massively worried about our position in the table, especially if we can continue performing as we are currently, though I think hoping for a promotion push may be slightly too optimistic.
"I'm feeling far more confident than I was at the start of the season, and in the early months, though I'm particularly positive about the long-term future of the club, rather than this season alone."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "Much better than a few weeks ago. The front three has really improved, especially Martin. Weimann is also having a great season. My only concern is the ability to keep the ball out the net. We can’t be scoring two goals a game and losing or drawing matches - we have to be more resolute."
Angelo Miccichè @Gigz1988: "Since the turn of the new year I'm genuinely excited to see the progress we have made on the pitch.
"We are now playing with more pace and directness and we are looking more clinical scoring goals compared to the early season struggle. Major concern still for our defending especially at set-pieces. We always seem to throw it away in injury time."
Rob Collins @AlbuQuirky: "Better than any day since we beat Manchester United! I’m enjoying going to the home games again!"
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): " I’m pretty happy. Middle-eight was where I thought we’d be, and although we are bottom of the middle-eight, we are improving. It was never gonna be a quick fix, a rebuild doesn’t happen overnight."
Which City player are you most looking forward to watching?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): "Han-Noah Massengo. I doubt we’ll see him in a Bristol City shirt for that much longer. A stellar talent who will see his future much higher than Championship."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "It's tough to say, but the youngsters are definitely performing well at present. Scott and Massengo are certainly on form at the moment, as is Semenyo, who's ability in front of goal has massively improved in recent months (check out our goals vs. Fulham for evidence).
"I'm also looking forward to seeing Williams back on the pitch, as he has certainly shown his quality in the few cameos that he has had for the club, and hopefully he can stay fit for the rest of the season."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "Scott always gets me on the edge of my seat, what a player! But for me, has to be Semenyo. His ability to turn his man and drive towards goal is fantastic, and something we were much in need of."
Angelo Miccichè @Gigz1988: "What is there not to love about Massengo? The confidence and ability he has on the ball, he has the potential to be one of the best players we have ever had at City. We should do all we can to keep him."
Rob Collins @AlbuQuirky: "Obviously I have to choose between Han-Noah and Antoine! I think HNM just gets the vote.
"He is like a terrier buzzing around your ankles. He never stops and he never lets go. You must want to punch him in the mouth after he has grabbed the ball off your feet for the fourth time in 10 minutes and he must be an absolute nightmare to play against.
"Semenyo has the same characteristics except he uses his pace and power differently. He does not shimmy around a player like Hoddle or Gascoigne or Cruyff, he just walks through or over challengers and defenders have to remember their rugby skills to stop him. Both are absolutely fab."
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): " I really can’t name one. Like most fans I have been hugely impressed with Scott, he just has it, and his versatility has been a big boost to us, as well as meaning he’s almost a guaranteed starter now. He has such a mature game, I sometimes can’t get my head around how he’s become a fixture in this team as quickly as he has.
"Onto Semenyo. I joke that 2022 is the Year of the GOAT, but he really has given City that extra dimension and I don’t think it’s any coincidence that City have playing better since his return from injury setback earlier this season. Power and pace will be a pre-requisite of a Pearson side going forward, Antoine meets those requirement, and some!
"Of course there is also Massengo and Cam Pring to enjoy, but a final mention for Williams. If we can keep him fit, even if that’s being ultra-careful for the rest of this season, we have a top quality all-round, all-action midfielder. He reminds me of a Championship version of Steven Gerrard in the way he plays. I pray we see more than 402 minutes between now and May."
What do you think constitutes success between now and May, and has your opinion changed since the summer?
Simon Tovey (@ToveySimon): "Success now will be to show steady improvement and signs we’re finally getting fundamentals in place. Mid-table would be acceptable. From the start of the season, I’d have also taken that. I was worried we’d be a relegation candidate after the appalling end to last season."
George Townsend (@GeorgeT_UK): "It's tough to say, I think staying in the league is our ultimate goal, and anything on top of that would certainly be a bonus.
"Further developments of youngsters, more entertaining performances and a solid league position would be what I'd want to see in the final stages of this season.
"I think in the summer I felt similar, wanting to see more exciting football and to essentially stay up, but especially in recent games, I think City will be able to push for promotion in the upcoming seasons if we continue to perform as we are."
Dan John-Howard (@DxnBS3): "Anywhere from 10th-16th would be fine for me. I heard Pearson say in a 'Robins Uncut' that if we did the basics (stopping crosses etc) we could get the play-offs, but I’m not convinced we are there yet.
"Richard Gould also didn’t seem happy when we were 17th so, the club may be over estimating the ability of the squad, as is is very similar to the one from the second half of last season - the worst City team I’ve seen."
Angelo Miccichè @Gigz1988: "Realistically we are too inconsistent at this stage to be thinking of challenging for play-offs. If we can tighten up at the back, I feel we can have a good run to the end of the season and finish in the higher end of mid-table and lay a solid foundation for next season."
Rob Collins @AlbuQuirky: "Finish between 12th and 18th is fine by me. Everyone knew 2021 was a rubbish year and this would be a season of rebuilding.
"My astonishment is that Pearson is getting the performances he is getting so early; my disappointment is that the mistakes made in the final 10 -15 minutes of so many games ends up misrepresenting our place in the table.
"I am very confident next season will be better as the youngsters will be both smarter and stronger. My opinion has not changed since the summer."
Dave Featherstone (@FevsFootball): "Pushing on towards mid-table, conceding less poor goals, further development of the youngsters and some consistency. That consistency might help better inform Pearson what is needed in the summer, and just as importantly who isn’t needed as we enter the next part of the transition.
"I’ve not changed my view much from pre-season. There was a poor run during October and November where many fans were getting restless, but it coincided with injuries to key players and a change to a back three.
"James, King and Williams all became available, unfortunately not all together, plus the return of Semenyo allowing Chris Martin some rest, and we now look a totally different team to the one that struggled during Autumn.
"It was never gonna be anything other than a series of ups and downs, but it rarely is anything else being a City fan!"
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