Flint position unchanged - Johnson

Wednesday, August 9th 2017

Lee Johnson insists Aden Flint’s position at the club has not changed, even after the big defender was left out of City’s squad for last night’s Carabao Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle at Ashton Gate.

Assistant head coach Jamie McAllister conducted post-match press duties and revealed Flint had earlier spoken to Johnson, who then made the decision not to include the centre-back against the Pilgrims.

But as far as the boss is concerned, Flint is going nowhere unless another club meets City’s valuation.

“At this point we’ve had two bids for Aden Flint without Joe Bryan involved, and both have been rejected,” Johnson told BCTV. “It’s as simple as that.

“The club have been very strong from the start. Every player has got a price and, unless you meet our price demands, the player will be staying with us – particularly one on a lengthy contract and one that everybody at Bristol City Football Club respects.

“My job here is to get the team performing on a Saturday and a Tuesday. It’s been good to have the owner come out and talk about it.

“You’ve also got Mark Ashton and any offers will go into him. Of course I’ll advise and be a part of the thought process, but the final say will always go to higher powers than me.”

WHAT HE SAID

"The club have been very strong from the start. Every player has got a price and, unless you meet our price demands, the player will be staying with us – particularly one on a lengthy contract and one that everybody at Bristol City Football Club respects."

Lee Johnson

Johnson also clarified that Flint did not refuse to play in the cup tie, but that he decided to "unselect" the 28-year-old following their chat on the morning of the game.

The head coach refused to be drawn on whether Flint would be in the squad for Saturday's trip to Birmingham City in the Sky Bet Championship. "The door is still open for Aden," he added.