Bristol City boss confirms AFC Wimbledon defender will see out season-long loan

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed that Ryley Towler is set to spend the season with AFC Wimbledon.

The defender, 20, joined on a season-long loan from the Championship side on deadline day.

Towler, who spent the first half of last season with Grimsby Town in the National League before being recalled, has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Dons.

AFC Wimbledon has kept four clean sheets in a row in League Two and are seven unbeaten in the fourth tier, with Towler starting all seven outings.

There was a January window recall option in Towler’s loan deal, but he looks set to see out the 2022-23 campaign with Johnnie Jackson’s side.

“He’s a player that will benefit greatly from having a full season with them,” confirmed the Robins boss.

“If you look at how we look at the loan situation, we don’t apply all the same factors to every player – you have to look at each player on their own merit.

“Ryley needs to stay there and continue his good form – he’s had a good season so far.”

Wimbledon are four points off the League Two play-off spots heading into this weekend’s away clash with Swindon Town.

PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD