City: Akinde heading back to Ashton Gate Rovers: Stockport match called off

By The Editor
Jan 7, 2010

Football round-up

BRISTOL CITY

John Akinde is heading back to Ashton Gate from his loan at Wycombe Wanderers. The club has recalled the striker during the second month of his spell at the League One club.

Manager Gary Johnson told the official club website: “We’ve got a busy few months ahead, especially if there are any more postponements, and we need him here at the club right now.”

Akinde played six times in his loan spell, scoring once.

• Meanwhile, Adriano Basso’s agent has said the out-of-favour goalkeeper could be allowed to move for a free transfer. “Bristol City have informed us they could be willing to let Adriano leave on a free transfer in this transfer window under the right circumstances,” Halliwell told Sky Sports. “As his contract is up at the end of the season they could consider letting him go this month.”
• Boss Gary Johnson has called for an early decision over Saturday’s match with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The wintry weather could put paid to the match and, as City were planning to travel to London on Friday, Johnson does not want a wasted trip. “We all want the match to be on,” he said. “A weekend without a match feels a little empty.”

BRISTOL ROVERS

Rovers’ match with Stockport on Saturday has fallen victim to the Arctic weather. The pitch is currently under a thick blanket of snow and, with freezing temperatures forecast for the next few days, the decision was made to call the game off early to stop the opposition travelling to Bristol on Friday.

Even if the snow was cleared off the pitch, the surface underneath would be frozen and unsafe to play on.

A date for the rearranged fixture will be announced by the club.

• Chairman Nick Higgs has said negotiations with Chris Lines are continuing. A second offer is currently on the table, and was hopeful something can be agreed in the very near future. “Chris is an integral part of our side and a local boy,” he said,  “so we will be delighted to see him put pen to paper and commit himself to Bristol Rovers”.