Italian defender Pisano signs for City
Posted: Tuesday, June 27th 2017
Johnson on Pisano capture
Tuesday, June 27th 2017
Lee Johnson has rolled back the years with the free transfer capture of Eros Pisano.
The City head coach likens him to a fans’ favourite of the past, 2007 promotion winner Bradley Orr, citing his physicality and leadership as key strengths.
Pisano, 30, has agreed a two-year deal at Ashton Gate to join on July 1st and Johnson believes he represents one of the best free agents around.
The City boss told bcfc.co.uk: “Eros is strong physically; 6ft 1in tall and will add goals to us as well.
“It's great to have a big full back. His style is aggressive but he's also very athletic. He's competent on the ball, using it well and gets up and down the right side.
“He’s his own man, but he's similar in style to Bradley Orr. The personality he brings is important and he's been a captain at every club he's played for.
“Eros brings with him a winning mentality, having just won promotion with Verona. He's a tough cookie and that's what we’re after in that position; resilience and strength to go along with the good young players – Zak Vyner and Taylor Moore – already competing in that place.”
Gallery
“He’s his own man, but he's similar in style to Bradley Orr (pictured). The personality he brings is important and he's been a captain at every club he's played for."
Pisano’s career to date has been spent exclusively in his homeland and he admits his English language needs plenty of improvement.
Fortunately, the defender’s American wife speaks English and he will also have new team-mates Hordur Magnusson and Milan Djuric to assist, given they have both made similar switches from Serie B to Ashton Gate in the past 12 months.
“It’ll be a challenge, learning a new culture and language, but we’ll help him,” Johnson added.
“His wife is American, so is English speaking, and his four-year-old daughter will also be coming across to the schools to integrate.
“Ultimately football is a universal language and if you're a good footballer then everything will come to the fore.
“We've shown him a lot of English football because it is different to Serie B, where he has been playing his football recently. His statistics stack up and we believe he will be able to transfer his qualities into the Championship, just like Hordur Magnusson was able to last season.
“As far as free transfers go, I don't think you'll get many better.”
Also from Bristol Sport
Bristol Ladies host Super Saturday at Cleve RFC
Young rugby fans can enjoy a fun rugby session plus free entry to the Tyrrells Premier 15’s double-header on Saturday, October 28th.
Posted: Tuesday, October 17th 2017 • Rugby
Active Ageing project to give Bristol's older generation a sporting chance
Bristol Sport Foundation has teamed up St Monica Trust, The Anchor Society and LinkAge Bristol to launch a new project for over 55s.
Posted: Tuesday, October 17th 2017 • Football
Shuttle Bus service running for Doncaster Knights
Bristol Rugby have teamed up with First Bus once again, offering supporters transport options across the city on matchdays.
Posted: Tuesday, October 17th 2017 • Rugby
Janet’s 100-length challenge raises funds for wheelchair rugby
Lifelong Bristol Rugby supporter, Janet Marks has raised more than £2,400 for Bristol Bears and Cubs by swimming 1.55 miles.
Posted: Tuesday, October 17th 2017 • Rugby
Highlights: Bristol Flyers 79-82 Cheshire Phoenix - BBL Cup
Watch extended highlights as Bristol Flyers suffered an early exit in the BBL Cup.
Posted: Monday, October 16th 2017 • Basketball