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.”

“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."

Head coach Lee Johnson

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.”