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Certainly makes sense to get Pring and Vyner on extended contracts with improved deals with some of the resources from an almost inevitable Alex Scott sale. After all, both were contenders for player of the season. Pring is such an important player and it's not easy (or cheap) to pick up players with his athleticism, pace, consistency and ability defensively and offensively. I wouldn't want to see him wasted at centre-back either so a LCB signing whilst Atkinson recovers would be a good use of resources if Scott is sold. Naismith shouldn't be inhibited from the way he plays and the team benefits from it, but I'd prefer him to make his occasional error in midfield rather than central defence. I suspect one of the reasons for not being too extravagant with new contract offers is because Pearson's approach is to have a greater togetherness and he has wanted a squad that has greater parity in terms of wages to help achieve that objective. That said, I think the likes of Pring should be given an offer at the top end of the pay structure to ensure his contract is extended. I wouldn't want to see Vyner leave on a free either.

I think it's in his best interests to go somewhere where he'll get games and in the Premier League to showcase what he can do. That will probably accelerate his chances of going to a top team and playing rather than being a peripheral player. Best wishes to Alex and I hope he goes to the very top, but I just want to see City get as much money as they can to invest in a couple of players that could mean we swap places with Bournemouth. That's the main thing.

The details of the deal cited would be unusual, usually the sell-on % is a % of the profits rather than the entire fee.

It's a tricky one because if an offer was too low then retaining him might be advisable. He seems the type of personality who would still give 100% with the added factor that he would want to either impress other clubs or show by his performances he was worthy of an improved offer here. Balanced against that, NP puts commitment into the equation when trying to build a team togetherness mentality so anything above 500k might well be accepted. More so, if releasing him helped secure the likes of Jason Knight in the absence of any sale of Alex Scott. I think Zak performed impressively when we switched to a back four but his positioning in a three gave far too much space on the right and was a factor in why so many goals were conceded when playing with that formation. It's a pity if he goes as he has pace and athleticism and is the type of player who fits in with the current recruitment criteria plus he is improving and, as a centre-half, is coming into what should be his best years.

Yes, and even England defenders have mistakes in them like John Stones and Alexander-Arnold have a fair few mistakes in them although they might have other attributes that the likes of Vyner don't have! The point is all professional sportsmen can make mistakes if they lack confidence, are under pressure or if they have a lapse in concentration. The mind plays a massive part in performance. Vyner has improved his focus, developed confidence and took on leadership responsibilities with the likes of younger and less experienced players such as Tanner and Pring alongside him in defence. Both pace and athleticism would be lost in defence if Vyner (and Pring) move on.

I think the issue is that neither Pring or Vyner have signed new contracts. With just one year to go on their contracts, I think the focus on defensive signings includes some forward planning in case they don't sign. I hope they both sign but, just as QPR's hand was forced with Dickie, we are in a similar situation with both Pring and Vyner. I'd be really disappointed to lose Pring so, fingers crossed, he will sign. I think he could play in the Premier League with his defensive and attacking attributes. Vyner would also be a loss and they are both good athletes as well as excellent defenders. They are both probably waiting to weigh up options but I suspect they will either sign before the new season or move on. The Club won't want that uncertainty within the group or rely on bargain basement transfer fees in January.

I know he has already broken through from the academy but the injuries mean Benarous has to re-establish himself. He's immensely talented and it must have been a mental and physical struggle with the cruciate ligament injury reoccurrence. It would be great to see him back, playing at the same level as before and for him to have an injury-free season. Joe Low is an interesting one and was just selected for the Wales squad. I honestly don't know if he is ready to compete for a place at Championship level. I suppose it comes down to whether the mistakes he has made for the first team and recently for an academy game were down to nerves or just simply because he isn't ready. Probably the latter. There will be a couple of centre-backs signed and Atkinson should return from injury as well but if Kalas doesn't sign and Vyner doesn't extend and City cash in with just a year left on his contract then there might be sub-bench opportunities for Low. Palmer-Houlden could have a breakthrough year despite the number of strikers we have on paper. Wells' goals dried up, Weimann struggled last season, Cornick still has to prove he is better than a late impact substitution player and Bell appears to play better out wide. That leaves Conway as the main striker. Palmer-Houlden seems to have that same natural scorers instinct and he's got the aerial ability to play centrally. I suspect that if Scott is sold, another striker to compete for Conway's position will be signed.

Almost certainly he will leave for a fee that works out with add-ons as above £25m. There are enough clubs who will be interested for a potential bidding war. Much as every fan would still like Alex to be showing his skills at Ashton Gate then a sale makes sense for both the club and player. He's the type of footballer who loves playing and I suspect he would just the likes of Brighton over some of the elite teams if it means playing more. £25m plus will be transformational if the available sum is used wisely in the transfer market, so I'd question if it is worth playing him these last two games aside from a cameo farewell minute or two to avoid any injury scuppering a deal. Different if there was something to play for aside from pride and an upper-half league table position.

A younger version of Niki Maenpaa would be ideal. The sort of keeper who didn’t have to make too many spectacular saves because his positioning was so good. He had stature, commanded his area and a quiet authority that gave the defence confidence. He is 38 now and I do remember the poor decision to go for David James who was a bit older. So age means he’s not really a forward thinking option even if available but I was very impressed with him. A class above both Bents and Max.

Almost inevitably Scott will play the final games (and everyone wants to enjoy watching him while we can) but the likely transfer fee will be transformational for the Club, so It must be a temptation to limit time on the pitch and keep him free of injury.

Palmer-Houlden really does have an eye for goal. I know fitness stats as much as anything play a key part on when NP decides a player is first ream squad ready. The other factor is that, unlike other areas, the squad isn't short of attacking options. I trust the manager's judgement (he was right on Britton who also had an eye for goal at under 21 level) but given there is no promotion push or relegation threat it would be interesting to see S-P-H get some time.

Mark Hughes, Roy Keane, Chris Hughton , Mick McCartney & Sam Alleradyce. Pearson gets lumped in with some of the old-fashioned managers who relied on discipline and giving players a hard time . He demands a lot but he's a lot smarter than that and generally all the players who have played for him are quite glowing in their praise for his man management. I'm not saying all the managers above are old school but we did pick the right guy from those who would be labelled 'experienced' and one who has been motivated (and stubborn) enough to transform the Club at all levels without whinging about lack of funds. He's brought in academy players out of necessity to some extent but he's done it willingly and astutely.

So we can add 'decent prefrontal cortex' to the Pearson/Tinnion criteria of athleticism, stamina and good attitude. I'm being light-hearted but it's an interesting point. I think Zak performs much better in a back four than a back three as does the team generally. Hope he gets an extended contract as he is a real asset to the team and, as has been mentioned, developed leadership qualities which are much needed in a side with lots of young players.

Yes indifferent when played as centre forward but consistently a threat with the addition of goals when played wide so he can use his pace to cut in. It's a squad game and it's tricky for Pearson due to lack of depth this season but it shouldn't be next season. with cash available to ensure players can be played in the positions they excel in. Weimann yesterday played much better when moved centrally supporting the attack (disallowed goal which was marginal) and there should be enough depth next season to ensure he plays in that central 10 position or is on the bench rather than stuck out wide. He'll work his socks off anywhere in the team and never give short of 100% effort but it doesn't really work for him or the team if he plays wide. Yes it's a squad game but players shouldn't be moved to accommodate incoming players when they are playing well in a position and the team is winning. I remember Lee Johnson getting a lot of flak with his square pegs in round holes approach and I think Weimann out wide and Bell at centre forward fall into that category. Not to the same extent of playing Bell at full back but it's not ideal.

Yes, I acknowledged injuries require flexibility especially with such a depleted squad, but I made the accurate point that injuries weren't so much of an issue in the centre of attack with just Conway injured at the time and Wells, Cornick and Weimann available. The point was that Bell was moved to accommodate Mehmeti rather than juggling for injury reasons. That move slowed the teams's counter attacking style down and Bell on the left is perfectly suited to that set-up as he showed yesterday. It's not meant to have a go at Mehmeti who looks a real talent and quite driven to succeed. He might be suited to performing more centrally in the position Alex Scott has played in although that's a tough act to follow for sure for any player. He'd contribute more goals though. I know Pring has had to be moved out of necessity due to injuries but he's another example of someone who is excelled in his preferred position. Looking forward to when central defence additions are made so he can return to left back. We have an exciting and pacy left side with him and Bell there. Not forgetting Atkinson's ability to bring the ball out as well from the left either. Let's hope he can return to his level after such a serious injury.

That's my point , I want to see Sam Bell playing on the left and cutting in with his pace rather than as centre forward which relies on more physicality and the asset of Bell's pace isn't used as much. Others have pointed out Bell as played as centre forward in the under 21's but that really does demand a different level of physicality.

Looks like Sam Bell had another good game on the left. Davefevs, yes Sam Bell largely played centre forward in the under 21's but there is all the difference in playing in that position at that level compared with the greater physicality demanded by the Championship. Besides, playing deeper with his pace with an ability to cut in suits our counter attacking philosophy There is generally a sensible rule that players who are excelling in a position aren't moved elsewhere in the team or dropped unless injuries necessitate. Injuries for centre forward options wasn't the prime reason why he was moved from the left - it was to accommodate Mehmeti. I also think Anis will be a real asset and will be more of a threat from a more central position. Good to see him get off the mark and that will boost his confidence.

He was playing superbly on the left and on a scoring run. Why change it? I accept the need for players to adjust positions due to injuries but that wasn't the case in this situation as he was dropped to accommodate a new signing. I just think it wasn't the right thing to do for the team.

I think it's been unfair on Sam Bell in particular - first full back and then centre forward this season after thriving out wide this season and going on a scoring run. I think it's unhelpful to both the team and the two players to play them anywhere but their best position. There are a few players who can excel in a few positions (Scott and Pring for example) but Bell and Weimann need to play in their best positions where they thrive. Weimann played in Alex Scott's position last season and scored 22 in all competitions. Bell had a prolific run where he was playing on the left side of attack and used his pace to run on to through balls and score. Goals have since tried up since the two new players (Mehetmi and Cornick) were recruited and Pearson has done his best to give them game time. Bell, with his pace and eye for goal, is a terrific counter attacking asset and that's the way the team is designed to play whereas Anis slows down play out wide. I know Weimann has had injuries, he's not getting any younger and can't get picked before Alex Scott but I still feel he has another prolific season in him if played in Scott's position next year. It's probably Bell who has been more hard done by and it's no coincidence the goals up front have dried up as well. Scott will inevitably be sold so why not give Weimann a chance to play in that role next season where he was a prolific scorer and perhaps with Mehmeti as cover there as well as he has goals in him. I think Mehmeti would do well centrally and that leaves the left side for Sam Bell although cover is needed of course. Obviously Conway is a candidate for the the number 10 position (and he does click with Nahki Wells) but I think he would do well playing as the central striker as he has aerial ability and has a natural goal scorers instinct in the box. I think with the attacking players we have mean we can be a free scoring team next year if set up correctly and the money should be focused on defence, midfield and probably a top class keeper as well. If only another Maenpaa could be unearthed. Injuries were an issue but he's the best keeper with the best temperament and positioning I've seen for us for many years.

I think he will come good and might be a candidate for Alex Scott's position if the latter is sold as expected although, personally, I'd play Weimann or Conway there. Andi Weimann has been a bit unlucky having scored 22 goals playing centrally last season to be stuck out wide. Conway plays exceptionally well in that number 10 position as well. It's a balancing act coaching players like Mehmeti as you don't want to curb their natural instincts too much by over-coaching or give a mass of instructions that makes them lose their natural flair. Players like him are often confidence-based players so once he has got his first goal then I expect him to push on. Another player who, like Weimann, might feel harshly treated is Sam Bell who lost his position out wide to Anis despite going on a mini-prolific scoring run before the new signings. I think with both him and Andi Weimann it highlights that certain players only thrive in their favoured positions. As some have mentioned, both Bell and Mehmeti play better with Pring at full-back. Pring, even more than Zak Vyner who has pushed on so positively, has taken his chance and grown (at full-back especially) from being perceived as a squad player with potential, to an essential starter with top Championship qualities. A rare player with both defensive and offensive attributes. Pearson also recognises his athleticism and engine and calls him a modern footballer. You never know with Nige, but I think that's his version of high praise!

Main points for me were that some clarity on players and their best positions from this injury crisis.: If King wants a new contract it will be as a coach as he is no longer up to the pace of the Championship. He will make an excellent coach and mentor if he is offered an opportunity and chooses to stay. Jay Desilva has such quality with close control but sadly his height and variable attacking contributions mean it's best for the Club and Jay if he is moved on. He won't be offered a new contract and rightly so. Cam Pring is terrific in that role and makes a commendable stand-in centre back but it's not his position and he's wasted there. Omar Taylor-Clarke is yet another impressive academy product who didn't look out of place in the Championship with his debut. He deserves another opportunity and with someone who still has his legs. That's harsh on King but sadly it's evident that his Championship days are over. The massive plus from the season has been the number of academy players who have stepped up and excelled. Harry Cornick the patient view - he may make a decent squad player and it's harsh to judge prematurely. The equally reasonable view is he doesn't really fit the criteria of someone who improves the team and doesn't fit the young and hungry up-and-coming player from a lower level who needs time to adjust. He wasn't needed given we have strength up front and it would have been better to recruit in midfield. The existing attacking quintet of Wells, Bell, Conway, Sykes were banging in the goals. It shows that certain combinations click and it's hard to integrate players in the January window. An in-form Weimann in a central forward position is a great asset but played out wide or too deep just doesn't work. Play him in his best position. If not then just don't start him as it isn't particularly fair on Weimann based on his prolific form last season. The same point can be made about Sykes in that he has performed so well in a wide-forward position. It also applies to Bell who is a terrific pacy wide attacking player with an eye for goal but he is not a centre forward. Perhaps it's a bit harsh to judge the shuffling given the injuries but Bell and sykes were banging in the goals from wider positions and Weimann deserved a chance centrally. Up front, the injuries only included Conway so it's perhaps been an overly hasty effort by Pearson to integrate the new signings and keep them happy. Alex Scott will be sold - will the transfer money be used wisely? I like the criteria outlined (young, pacy lower division players who deserve a chance to step up) but not the Harry Cornick type of acquisition - a late 20's player who at best is a useful squad player in an area where we are already well covered with talent and someone unlikely to improve much. I suspect with Tinn's influence there will be some exciting young signings but the jury is out on if we also recruit worthy quad players who don't improve us. If we sell Alex Scott for 25m plus the scope with some of this plus the Semenyo money pick up the very best of the talent from leagues 1 and 2 and equivalent levels In Europe. We need to be in touch with the play-offs next season given the opportunity A quality goalkeeper is needed to compete with Max.

A few years back my choice would be Jim Rosenthal - even better than Des Lyman in my view. I can only assume anyone suggesting Clare Balding has their tongue firmly in their cheek. She's on everything and ruined Wimbledon coverage. If the Test card was still around the BBC would put her picture on it.

Is that on the official site?

There's a large bit of luck in getting a decent manager. There was a clamour to get Chris Hughton appointed by a lot of fans before Dean Holden was appointed but Hughton had poor results and dour performances with Forest and ultimately was sacked. Like him or loathe him, Forest then made an inspirational appointment with Steve Cooper It's a very difficult situation as SL has to make a decision before the transfer window opens. He either backs Pearson with a bit of dealing and then sticks with him to see how the 'freshening' goes or he removes him and allows someone the choice to shape the squad with Brian Tinnions's influence of course. With Richard Gould leaving it would make the Club rudderless at a key time as SL loves to drag out making appointments. They would have to have an inspirational appointment in mind and someone who can work with young players. won't complain about the lack of a large transfer budget, plays attractive football and would be a better coach and tactician than Nigel and his team. Is there a Steve Cooper waiting in the wings to be appointed? I doubt it. Mark Robins appears to be a good fit but probably wouldn't be tempted. Who knows who would be the right person and SL hasn't got the greatest track record with appointments. I suspect he will let Nigel Pearson have the transfer window and then give him the time to see if the freshening-up works. I'm not convinced but either way, it's not an easy decision.

Man management requires a different approach to different players. I suspect Atkinson is a confidence player arm round the shoulder player rather than someone who will respond to Pearson publicly airing his lack of trust in the player. Scott and Conway highlighted he came out of his shell after scoring which shows he is a confidence player. He has had some decent performances this season and added goals to his game - something we have missed since Flint's prolific seasons. I suspect part of the issue is that Pearson favours Naismith on the left due to a few gifts to the opposition in central defence. Quite rightly he wants Naismith in the team and just doesn't feel Atkinson is vocal enough to play centrally. There is also the fact that Pearson will be, quite rightly, grumpy after a defeat (or should I say more grumpy) so these post-match interviews are going to throw up some answers such as the recent one which he probably wouldn't give when in a less 'heat of the moment' mood.