Bristol City defender delighted to sign new contract after 'tough times' on the sidelines Former Manchester United trainee George Tanner has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Bristol City, in his second season at the club George Tanner is delighted to be rewarded for perseverance and professionalism after signing a new three-and-a-half-year deal with Bristol City having experienced doubts last year over his long-term future at the club. The 23-year-old right-back had to remain patient for his opportunity this season after just 45 minutes of action in City's first 17 league matches, as Nigel Pearson favoured a wing-back system, but has since cemented his place in the manager’s first-team plans following the switch to a four-man defence. Pearson has previously admitted he's had to fast track Tanner into his plans following his arrival from Carlisle in 2021, given the shortage of options at the back. His debut campaign at Ashton Gate was then dogged by two hamstring injuries that saw him sidelined for the second half of last season. However, his return to fitness and consistent levels of performance having made the step up from League Two has been a undoubted positive in 2022/23, evidenced by the new deal he's agreed. "There have been talks for a few weeks but it all got agreed very quickly and I'm over the moon, so happy to commit my future to the club. Really exciting times ahead," Tanner said. "I've been through a period of tough times during my spell here. It started off well but then with the injuries and I started this season out of favour. I've had to work hard for my place and since I've been back in the team I've been really happy and proved to myself and the club I can be the main right-back going forward. "With my injuries last year, as a manager you've got to do what's best for the team so he changed shape, went to a back five, which probably suited other players instead of me which is absolutely fair enough. So, at times, I was probably thinking how I was going to get back into the team but I've just had to be patient and wait for my chance.” Former Manchester United academy talent Tanner is part of a core of young talent at City, who have either emerged through the academy, or, like him, been signed from elsewhere. The make-up of what’s now become Pearson’s go-to defensive line-up is interesting in the sense that three of its members, Tanner, Zak Vyner and Cam Pring have faced periods of uncertainty around their long-term prospects at the club, but have since worked their way back into the starting XI. The 23-year-old missed the midweek defeat at Luton Town due to illness but is said to return for Sunday's trip to Swansea City. "There are examples all over the pitch where players have not played for certain periods of time and now you're seeing what they can do in the team,” Tanner added. “Sometimes you just have to wait for your opportunity and take it when it comes, which is what I've done and other players have as well. "As a player, all you want to do is play football. When you're not playing you do question the future and it's uncertain times which is not nice so, yeah, I'm really happy to be playing now. It's really rewarding. "We've got a young team and it'll be really nice if we can all stay together, progress together and we're all really hungry. Hopefully we can go on a journey as a team.” Tanner becomes the third senior player to recently sign a new contract in BS3 following Nahki Wells in December and goalkeeper Max O'Leary last month. The striker accepted a pay cut to stay with the club with an agreement in place until the summer of 2025 while O'Leary penned a deal until 2026. Before the New Year, Pearson confirmed a number of players had been offered new deals. Jay Dasilva's current deal expires at the end of the season with the manager suggesting nothing has been decided with his future beyond the campaign. Zak Vyner, Tomas Kalas, Han-Noah Massengo and Andy King are other notable names whose deals are expiring at the end of June. Bristol Live understands talks have taken place with Vyner although the club do also possess a one-year option on his contract which they are yet to trigger. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-defender-delighted-sign-8262417
well that is the start of putting together a squad for next 3 years building on players that will be here for at least the next 2 seasons [ I know he is on 3 seasons but should take us thereon the brink ]
We basically know our fate for this season but it is so important to start the building blocks for next season and beyond. George is one of those players that I believe will only get better with time and full marks to him for stepping up to the higher level of competition. I, and many others, want to see a squad that can take the field next season and compete right from the start and complete the campaign with consistency and belief in their own ability each and every time out.
A good prospect, but if we are to challenge for the playoffs next season, RB is an area we need to strengthen lMO.
Greetings from Nerja. Managed to see old Vyner wearing his divers boots at Luton. What is he like ? I'll be shocked if Pearson doesn't get a right-footed CB to replace Vyner this summer. Not sure Tanner is the answer at RB either but we'll have to wait and see. Watched parts of the Leeds and Southampton games. Bloody hell, whoever comes down are almost assured of an immediate return. Burnley - the 'best Championship side in 25 years' slaughtered tonight and the powers to be do sweet f a about it. When is someone in authority going to wake up.
Can't remember which interview, but one this week...Pearson very complimentary, singing his praises for Vyner's contribution to the side this season....you could be very disappointed!!
what he has improved considerably I agree but st still the weak link. Notice he has not been offered a new contract. If we are serious next year of this promotion push will need replacing.
Atkinson & Kalas are both injured, both have poor injury records recently, Kalas is also on Megabucks and his contract is due to expire, so there are questions about him staying. I would argue that puts Vyner in a very strong position. Think about it at present he’s the only fit centre back we have. There are much higher priorities in my view. We’re seriously short in midfield, there are also questions about our keepers and we need recruitment to add to Vyner at the back, both at LB, where Jay is likely to leave and cover for Kalas, (if he stays) and Atkinson, who seems rather injury prone. Even if Kalas stays we’ll need at least one more CB, if we get rid of Vyner as well we’ll need to replace him as well. Then there’s the question of wages, I’m sure Vyner is not on a massive amount. On balance I think his position is pretty secure.
We don’t need to yet, as he’s got an extra year to be extended, on low wages. It’s all about cost cutting at the moment. Tanner was on very low wages when we took the gamble on him.
I think Kalas will go injury prone and I would like to see Williams go injury prone. Vyner is definitely the weak link and either he is replaced or kept as back up. But for me no way good enough for a promotion push. Just saying.
yes watching the game -think he is saying well done for the massive improvement. But against Luton he was back to his old ways. Do you think he is good enough for a promotion push.