“As it stands at the moment, I can’t see us spending any money.”
That was the assessment of Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson when asked about the Robins’ summer transfer plans.
With losses of £38.4 million posted in December, it’s understandable that Pearson will need to sell to buy players, or look towards the free-agent market, to strengthen after a difficult first full season in charge of the Robins.
The ex-Leicester City manager has also spoken about the need to improve his midfield as he stated that City “don’t have any,” defensive midfielders with the likes of Han-Noah Massengo and Alex Scott more comfortable in an advanced role.
One name that will be familiar to City fans is that of Cardiff City midfielder Marlon Pack, who spent six years on the red side of the Severn, making 283 appearances and scoring 12 goals.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires at Cardiff this summer and, having seen his minutes limited over recent months, the possibility of him being available on a free transfer at the end of this season is ever increasing. There are plenty of reasons why the Robins should be interested.
Pack at home at Ashton Gate
As previously mentioned, Pack is no stranger to BS3, having spent so long in the West Country in his first spell, which would suggest that there would be little transition required for the midfielder to fit in once more.
Other than Korey Smith, who left the Robins a year later in 2021, Pack was the last surviving member of Steve Cotterill’s 2015 double winning squad as City won both League One and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
In what is an incredibly young squad, barring a couple of experienced heads, Pack would help with mentoring and leading City from the middle of the park in a way that Andy King has at times during this campaign.
Although it was Lee Johnson who was at the helm when Pack was sold, it seemed to be a deal the club had to agree to with Johnson saying, “at this stage in his career and what was offered for him it makes this move the right decision for Marlon and Bristol City.”
Johnson had previously touted Pack as a future Bristol City manager, such was the quality of leadership he possessed. There’s also still a love for the club from the midfielder who after the 3-2 defeat at Ashton Gate this season clapped all four stands, much to the bemusement of some Cardiff fans.
A physical presence in the middle of the park
The return of Joe Williams to fitness has seen an extra bit of bite to the City midfield, with an average of two tackles per game and at least one foul, but Pack is a master of the role as the defensive screen.
At points this campaign we’ve seen Williams adopt this almost quarterback role, where he drops between the centre-backs to take possession and progress the ball, allowing the likes of Scott and Massengo to play in more advanced role.
When looking at Pack’s time at City he was the primary outlet with Aden Flint and Nathan Baker stationed behind him, he had to be the main avenue of progression while also the physical presence alongside Korey Smith and Josh Brownhill.
At just over 6ft 1 tall, Pack would easily be the tallest of Pearson’s available options in the middle of the park, assuming the out of favour Tyreeq Bakinson departs BS3, and the element of physicality is one that cannot be overestimated in England’s second tier.
He may not be as technically gifted as Williams or Scott but there’s an argument that if Pack was deployed alongside one, or if not both, of these two there would already be enough creativity.
A great injury record
If there’s one thing that has plagued Bristol City over the last two seasons it’s been an appalling injury record. Something that both experienced midfielders, Andy King and Matty James, have fallen victim to.
King has missed 28 games so far in the league this season with injury, while James has also missed 13, which has often resulted in Pearson fielding incredibly young midfield combinations.
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Pack may not have been a regular for the Bluebirds this season but over his career injuries have rarely been an issue. In his last season with City he played a part in all 46 games with over 4000 league minutes.
The advantages of a settled starting eleven are evident as a team can build an identity and momentum. If a midfielder can play over 80% of games in a season it will only benefit Pearson and City.
The view from the fans
It’s fair to say that the Bristol City fans are still divided over whether a return for Marlon Pack would be a wise decision.
There are plenty of possible outgoings with Massengo and Scott rumoured to leave Ashton Gate as well as King’s contract expiring at the end of the season, so it’s only natural the Robins will one looking strengthen in the middle of the park.
Only time will tell whether Pearson opts to bring Pack back over the Severn, in what’s expected to be a financially limited but busy summer transfer window.
Dan Carter Sport 