Bristol City have confirmed their first departure of the January transfer window with centre-back Rob Atkinson leaving Ashton Gate to join Portsmouth on loan for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old joined the Robins in the summer of 2021 from Oxford United and quickly became a mainstay of Nigel Pearson’s defence as he made 35 appearances in his first season in the West Country. In his second campaign with the Reds, he similarly was a regular at the back, before his season was brought to a premature end by an ACL injury in City’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Having recovered from that injury, a hamstring injury sustained in an under-21 fixture further delayed the defender’s recovery. He seemed to have finally overcome his fitness issues this summer but a groin injury sustained in pre-season saw him sidelined until November.
Since then, Atkinson has featured in several games for the under-21s and been named among the substitutes in each of Bristol City’s last 11 Championship matches, without ever managing to make an appearance. His last showing in first-team colours came almost two years ago at the Stadium of Light.
Although Liam Manning has been impressed by the defender in training, he has previously admitted the good performances of Rob Dickie, Zak Vyner and Luke McNally have made it difficult for the former Oxford United man to force his way into the squad.
“I think the challenge Rob’s got at the minute is just what’s ahead of him,” Manning told Bristol Live in December. “Luke’s been outstanding, Rob Dickie’s been terrific, as has Zak Vyner. It’s slightly different when you’re a centre-back. When you’re an attacking player coming back, they’re positions you tend to change. You don’t tend to too often make changes to that position in game. He’s had to be a bit patient. He looks much better physically to me and he’s going to continually push and work.”
The 26-year-old will spend the second half of the season on loan with John Mousinho’s side. His move to Fratton Park is understood to be a straight loan deal. Portsmouth currently sit 21st in the Championship, one point clear of the relegation zone with at least a game in hand on all the teams below them.
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Liam Manning’s side have already played the reigning League One champions twice this term. Their first meeting saw Pompey come out on top as they comfortably romped to a 3-0 win at Fratton Park before the Robins reaped their revenge at Ashton Gate over the festive period. A brace from Anis Mehmeti and first of the season for Dickie helped the Reds secure a 3-0 win of their own.
Discussing the switch, City’s technical director Brian Tinnion said: “This loan move will allow Rob to get valuable minutes at this level, which will continue to aid his return from injury.
“We wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season and will be keeping a close eye on his progress.”
Atkinson will join up with two former City players on the South Coast, with both Marlon Pack and Ryley Towler currently plying their trade at Fratton Park. Pompey will hope the centre-back’s arrival will help sure up their defence and ensure that they avoid the drop to League One.