‘We share the same ambition’ – Bentley

It’s a personal dream for the 25-year-old goalkeeper who had completed his move from Brentford.

The former Arsenal Academy and Southend United shotstopper arrived in BS3 on Friday and explored the new surroundings he will call home.

“It’s a really impressive stadium, I’ve played here before but it will be different playing here as a City player,” Bentley explained.

“I’ve seen the stadium evolve over the last three seasons and it’s really impressive. I can’t wait to get started and play my first game here.

“This is a huge club with so much ambition, which matches my ambition as well. I’m sure everyone wants to reach the Premier League and so do I.

“I felt coming here I have a great chance of doing that. Watching how well City did last year from afar, they just missed out by a couple of poor results in the end. I’m here to help next year to help us go that extra mile and get promoted.”

Bentley was a centre-back as a youth player before he was tasked – for what he thought was a one-off - between the sticks. He also enjoyed playing as a striker but impressed as a goalkeeper and the rest is history.

And there are some big names from years gone by who have influenced his development.

Bentley said: “There are people who revolutionised goalkeeping to make it what it is today and Peter Schmeichel was in a bracket of his own. Another two for me are Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas who were the pinnacle. They were two keepers I would love to emulate.”