Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has ruled out any "quick-fix" solutions during the January transfer window. Robins manager Gary Johnson recently went public on the need to recruit a naturally left-sided midfield player to replace winger Michael McIndoe, who left Ashton Gate to join Coca-Cola Championship rivals Coventry during the summer. But millionaire businessman Lansdown today insisted he is not in the business of spending money for the sake of it and warned that he will only sanction new arrivals who he thinks will stand the test of time in English football's second tier. Johnson and Lansdown met earlier this week to discuss the possibility of strengthening the squad and City's chairman, having already helped fund several signings during the close season, is adopting a cautious stance. He argued: "I think you have to look at the squad we've built up over the years. I think we have a squad which has value and anyone we bring in has to be part of a long-term strategy."
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown is focused on building a sustainable long-term future and will not rush into doing deals during January. Lansdown won't confirm or deny whether the Robins will conduct business over the next month - with the decision centring on what situations arise - but he admits existing players may have to make way for any new faces. "It's got to be a long-term strategy. I don't like the January transfer window because too many short-term decisions are made. We have the loan system we can use throughout the season and we've already got two season-long loanees in already," he said.
Teamtalk
Troubled Crystal Palace have been plunged into renewed crisis - just days before they meet Bristol City. Preparations for Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship fixture at Selhurst Park have been overshadowed by news that Palace players have not been paid their wages on time for a second consecutive month. Eagles chairman Simon Jordan has put the cash-strapped club up for sale and, unless a buyer can be found in the next week, Palace manager Neil Warnock will almost certainly be forced to sell his best players in the January transfer window. And worse could follow if Palace fail to come through an HMRC winding-up order later this month and are forced to go into administration. Jordan, who saved Palace from administration in 2000, last year announced his intention to sell the Championship club, and Palace have twice since been subject to a transfer embargo.
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City's rearranged FA Cup third-round tie against Cardiff City at Ashton Gate, now scheduled for Tuesday, January 12 (7.45pm), will be screened live online via TheFA.com.
Bristol Evening Post
Wales defender Lewin Nyatanga will be able to play against Cardiff City in the FA Cup next week. Bristol City star Nyatanga has to serve a one-match suspension after being sent off against Watford and was due to miss Saturday's third-round clash with Cardiff. But that postponement means Nyatanga will now be ruled out of the league match at Crystal Palace on Saturday, leaving him to free against the Bluebirds.
Wales Online
Exeter City have announced the signing of former Bristol City midfielder David Noble. The 27-year-old suffered a serious injury in the spring and has been working with City's medical team to get back fully fit. City boss Paul Tisdale hopes Noble will be available for selection during the next two months. He said: "David is now in full training with the squad."
Exeter Express & Echo
Exeter City have added former Bristol City midfielder David Noble to their squad on a free transfer.
Sky Sports
Exeter City coach Andy Tillson has hailed the capture of former Bristol City midfielder David Noble as a 'fantastic signing'. The 27-year-old suffered a serious knee injury in the spring and has been undergoing rehabilitation with City's medical team for the past four months. City bosses are confident he will feature for the first team during the next two months.
Exeter Express & Echo
