‘I’m here to establish myself’ – O’Leary

Tuesday, September 29th 2020

Max O’Leary is ready to fight for the first team keeper’s shirt after signing his new contract with the Robins.

Academy graduate O’Leary has completed terms on a three-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

Delighted to have completed the deal, the shot-stopper told the club he is where he wants to be.

He said: “I’m really happy, over the moon. It’s something I’ve really wanted. I’ll continue my career here and to know I have that stability is really good.

“It (Bristol City) means everything. I’ve been here a long time, so to see how it’s changed and developed is so encouraging. It’s only getting better and progressing further and I’ve seen that with my own eyes.”

Since making his City debut against West Brom in January 2016, 23-year-old O’Leary has experienced various loans, which started with Kidderminster Harriers, before Bath City, Solihull Moors and last season’s run with Shrewsbury Town. There he helped the League One side earn an FA Cup replay against would-be Premier League champions Liverpool, producing a fine display though the Shrews narrowly lost out at Anfield.

“I think those loans have helped me, as they have other players,” O’Leary explained. “They’ve helped me to come back and challenge for a starting place and play for the club I want to. To get those games has been good for me and to help me develop.”

And the keeper looked back one his favourite moments with the Robins, as he prepares for the next chapter of his career in BS3.

O’Leary said: “Everyone thinks of their debut as a moment they won’t forget, coming on at half-time I didn’t expect to happen! My full debut too, playing with a packed away stand (at the Hawthorns) was really special, with my family luckily as well so those two stand out. To have that season, play more games than I expected was something I really enjoyed.

“I just want to establish myself here, play as many games as I can.”