Bristol City have confirmed that Kal Naismith has departed Ashton Gate on loan for the remainder of the season, with the defender joining Luton Town on a temporary basis.
The Scotsman joined the Robins in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer after his contract expired at Kenilworth Road and was a regular, when fit and available, in his first season under the management of Nigel Pearson.
Naismith started the first 13 Championship games of the 2022/23 campaign and was often deployed in the middle of a back three with Rob Atkinson and Zak Vyner positioned either side of him. Two separate injuries interrupted the 32-year-old’s debut season at Ashton Gate, however, and that was a story of things to come.
In his second campaign in the West Country, the former Luton Town man only managed to start two league games and struggled to hold down a consistent place in the Robins’ starting line-up under both Pearson and Liam Manning.
So far this term, Naismith has only made six league appearances, the last of which came against Sheffield United all the way back in November and Reds technical director Brian Tinnion has admitted his desire to play consistent football played a part in the decision to allow him to leave BS3.
“Kal is looking for regular minutes and this move will allow him to do that,” explained Tinnion. “He has been an excellent professional since joining the club and heads out on loan with our best wishes.”
Naismith’s current contract with Bristol City is set to expire at the end of the season. It seemed unlikely the Reds would move to extend his stay anyway, but there is now a very real possibility the 32-year-old has already played his last game for the Robins.
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Although nothing has yet been confirmed about the defender’s long-term future, his statement suggests that he is aware his time as a City player may already be over.
“I’d like to thank everybody involved at Bristol City, staff, my teammates and the fans for their incredible support throughout my time at the club, I will miss you all,” Naismith said.
“I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season and beyond.”
Luton Town currently sit 23rd in the Championship table after a poor start to the season under the management of Rob Edwards. Now under the guidance of Matt Bloomfield, the Hatters are aiming to avoid successive relegations having dropped down from the Premier League last season.
Having beaten Luton at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day, Bristol City won’t face Naismith’s new side until April 21 at Kenilworth Road.