Bristol City boss respects Joe Bryan’s honesty as Fulham defender plumps for Millwall transfer

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has praised Joe Bryan – who is set to be confirmed as a Millwall signing today – for being honest over doubts about heading back to his boyhood club.

The 29-year-old left-back has opted to join the Lions following his release by Fulham this summer.

City were keen on a deal for Bryan, who spent seven years on their books before a transfer to west London.

Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol: “I spoke with him a number of times. He was actually brave enough to talk about having some reservations about it.

“We here are trying to create a side that is driven by a real thirst and hunger, it’s important that we don’t make mistakes in terms of bringing players in.

“Joe would have been a fabulous signing for us in many ways, but only if it felt right and for him to verbalise that to me I was very pleased.

“I said to him the door’s never closed but it would have been an expensive signing for us and we can’t afford to have players in the building who question whether it’s the right move for them.”