Latest Bristol City signing indicates commitment to system that should help next target thrive: Opinion

The signing of Kal Naismith took many by surprise as Bristol City made a strong move to shore up their backline ahead of the 2022/23 Championship season by signing Luton Town’s reigning Player of the Season on a free transfer. 

Clearly, the Hatters were not pleased with the way the business was conducted but that is the risk that is run when players are allowed to see out their contracts – something the Robins know only too well.

It’s a statement signing for the Robins, making many sit up and take notice of a side that underwhelmed in 2021/22, but more will be needed to convince they can find a consistency that was clearly lacking last season.

While Naismith’s arrival strengthens a defence that was a problem area for City last term – conceding more than 21 of the other sides in the Championship – it also signals a commitment to a back three moving forward.

The Scot, once a winger before converting into a full-back and now a centre-back, thrived in that formation for Luton last season and would be a strange signing to make if Pearson plans to switch to a back four.

With the Robins seemingly committed to the system that they finished the 2021/22 campaign in, to some success, the conditions appear to be right for their next target to thrive.

According to Bristol Live, City have tabled an offer to out-of-contract Forest Green Rovers right wing-back Kane Wilson as they look to land the 22-year-old on a free transfer as well.

Wilson won the EFL League Two Player of the Season award for 2021/22 after a campaign that saw him make 17 goal contributions from the right flank and help Forest Green secure promotion to League One for the first time.

He could be a real asset for City if used properly and solve the issue they’ve had on