Rob Dickie has dismissed suggestions that Bristol City have left themselves short of defensive cover following Kal Naismith and Rob Atkinson’s loan exits, admitting he is relishing the challenge of potentially having to play every game between now and the end of the season.
The Robins were one of just two Championship clubs not to add to their ranks in the winter window, with the only movement around Ashton Gate seeing a handful of players depart.
While youngsters Tommy Backwell and Omar Taylor-Clarke completed permanent moves away from the West Country, Fally Mayulu, Naismith and Atkinson instead left on loan, joining Sturm Graz, Luton Town and Portsmouth respectively.
With 16 games left of the Championship season, some fans have been left concerned that the only senior central defenders available to Liam Manning between now and the end of the season are Luke McNally, Zak Vyner and Dickie. Although the latter admits he was disappointed to see Naismith leave Ashton Gate, he insists there is enough quality in the City changing room to cover in the event of injury.
“Kal’s a great character and he was really good around the dressing room,” Dickie told Bristol Live after the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Oxford United. “You don’t want players to leave but I believe we’re still in a situation where I relish the challenge of playing all the games.
“Zak will want to play the games, Luke will want to play all the games and if one of us isn’t fit George Tanner is brilliant at centre-back in a three, Cam Pring can play centre-back in a three, Haydon Roberts can play centre-back in a three so I don’t think we’ve left ourselves short. I think we’re still in a good spot.”
Following Saturday afternoon’s draw with Gary Rowett’s U’s at The Kassam Stadium, the Reds find themselves ninth in the Championship table, just two points adrift of West Brom who occupy the final place in the play-off positions. Manning’s side have a chance to close that gap further this weekend when they face Swansea City at Ashton Gate on Sunday, with important games against Stoke City and Cardiff City to follow next week.
While some fans have begun to doubt City’s play-off credentials after an incredibly quiet January transfer window, Dickie believes the Robins remain in a good place to challenge those around them for a place in the top six.
“Obviously there’s loads of teams still to play,” the centre-back admitted. “I think as we’re in and around it at March time, then we can have a real run and jump at it and go from there.”
One man who could have a real impact between now and the end of the season is Sinclair Armstrong. Having had an impressive start to his Ashton Gate career, injury and a dip in form saw the Ireland youth international fall behind Nahki Wells in the pecking order.
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But after returning to the fold as a substitute against Coventry City, the 21-year-old has impressed in his last two outings, winning the free-kicks that have led to goals against both Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United. Having had to mark him in training most days, Dickie knows exactly what sort of “threat” he provides.
“He’s a handful. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do, so I don’t know what he’s going to do so it’s a bit of a car crash.,” laughed the former OPR man.
“It’s handy on days like today. It’s great for the gaffer to be able to turn around and bring on Sinclair and he’ll run in behind. He’ll run all day, he’s quicker than anything in this league, he’s strong and it’s a threat.”