On the eve of the Robins’ victory over Derby County at Ashton Gate, Rob Atkinson left Bristol City on loan.
Following Bristol City’s victory over Derby County at Ashton Gate, Liam Manning provided an explanation for the club’s decision to loan Rob Atkinson to Portsmouth.
Luke McNally’s third goal of the season was sufficient to guarantee that the bragging rights would stay in the West County as the Robins defeated the Rams 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, earning their first three points of 2025.
Atkinson’s move to Fratton Park to join John Mousinho’s club for the second half of the season was confirmed by City 24 hours before to the Reds’ victory over Paul Warne’s team, marking their first first-team departure of the January transfer window.
Despite being in many matchday squads this season, the former Oxford United defender has not yet played under Manning at Ashton Gate. He sustained an injury when the 39-year-old first replaced Nigel Pearson last season.
Although some have suggested the 26-year-old’s departure could leave City slightly short of defensive depth, Manning feels Atkinson needs match minutes in the Championship to rebuild his confidence and fitness.
“Rob’s gone out which I think will be good for him to go and play,” Manning explained after the full-time whistle. “He’s missed such a long period of football. To get the opportunity to go and build up minutes and get some confidence back in his body by playing which he wouldn’t have done sat on the bench here with us.
“That will be good for him. We’ve got George [Tanner] back and we’ve also got people that can play in numerous positions. We’ve got all three centre-backs on the pitch today, we can go to a back four if need be, Ross [McCrorie] can play left or right, George can play centre-half of full-back, Haydon [Roberts] can play centre-half as well as full-back or wing-back. We’ve got [Kal] Naismith back next week and Josh Campbell-Slowey is one we’re quite excited by.
“I think we have options because he is also returning in that same time frame. Rob is training with us and waiting for the chance, therefore I need to know more about him. I believe it is crucial that he go play 20 games, learn about his physique, and gain some confidence.
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