In the first two Championship games for Bristol City, he was not used as a substitute. Shortly after, he was given the chance to sign with Birmingham. Moving to St Andrew’s was swift, and he managed to make his debut this past weekend in the 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient.
When asked whether the move orchestrated by the club or the player, Bristol City manager Liam Manning said: “Probably a bit of both.
“I think I’ve had real honest conversations with Tayls.
“They’re getting someone great with Tayls. He’s got some qualities that we like, but at the same point, when you look at the group and the level increasing – not just in terms of the level but also the competition within it – ultimately nobody’s guaranteed a start. Everybody has to fight, to compete.
“Obviously when you look at it, Knighty and Joe have started so well that then he was going to have to fight and be patient and wait for that. But he came to see me and ultimately had more assurances that he was going to start elsewhere.”
Since his arrival, Gardner-Hickman was given the number 19 shirt which Jordan James wore, and he could be considered a like for like replacement for the Wales international. He made a good account of himself at Brisbane Road on the weekend with Chris Davies hailing him for his display.
“He contributed pretty well, in my opinion, and he was disciplined in this positioning. In that region, he provided us with positive energy when we needed it.
Gardner-Hickman’s loan arrangement includes a buyout option that, should all parties choose to pursue it, could make the loan permanent. If Bristol Live’s news about the agreed-upon amount between the two teams is accurate, Bristol City may be able to turn a profit on him.
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