Football / Bristol City
Bristol City introduce their four new summer signings
There is a whir from the rotor blades of a drone hovering over the lush green grass of Bristol City’s training ground on Thursday morning.
The World Cup in Russia might be taking up most of the attention of football fans this summer, but in Failand the Robins have now begun their pre-season training in advance of the new Championship campaign that starts on August 4.
The drone is a way of getting a higher vantage point of proceedings than that from the double-decker shed where manager Lee Johnson and his team were watching Thursday’s session.
“Well done, boys,” Johnson tells his players at half-time in a practice match. “Good game. End to end. Punters would pay a bit of money to see this game.”
There are no clattering tackles – the shin pads have been left in the changing room – but this training session is still a tough workout for the players.
The first pre-season friendly takes place at Bitton on Sunday, followed by games against Cheltenham Town, Newport County, Shrewsbury Town and Bournemouth.
The team have also arranged two friendies during a training camp in Marbella including against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
This morning was the first chance to see four of City’s new summer signings in action:
Hakeeb Adelakun
The 22-year-old striker holds the record as being West Ham’s youngest ever player. He arrived at Ashton Gate after his contract expired at Scunthorpe United, where he scored 20 times in 169 appearances.
Andreas Weimann
The 26-year-old Austria forward joined City from Derby County, where he scored nine goals in 88 games.
Adam Webster
The 23-year-old defender previously played for Ipswich Town, where he made 51 league appearances and had a loan spell at Aldershot Town.
Marley Watkins
City signed the forward from Championship rivals Norwich City for £1m. The 27-year-old has played twice for Wales.
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