Thursday, June 13, 2013 Profile image for The Bristol Post The Bristol Post Follow ADEN Flint says Sean O'Driscoll's reputation as a coach had a major influence on his decision to join Bristol City. The 23-year-old defender stunned Swindon Town fans when leaving the County Ground to pen a four-year deal at League One rivals City this week. ​AdenFlint2 Aden Flint Although leaving Swindon came as a wrench after winning the League Two title in 2012 and reaching the League One play-offs last season, Flint felt the opportunity to work with Robins head coach O'Driscoll was not one he could turn down. And the 6ft 5ins centre-back jumped at the chance to move down the M4 to Ashton Gate after seeking the opinion of former Swindon team-mate Alan Connell. Now at Bradford City, the striker worked under O'Driscoll at AFC Bournemouth in 2004-05 and spoke highly of the Midlander after being contacted by Flint. "I've heard a lot of good reports about Sean and some of my closest friends in football have played under him before," said City's second summer signing. "I got to know Alan Connell very well during my time at Swindon and he played under Sean at Bournemouth several years ago. "When I knew Bristol City were interested, I sounded Alan out and he told me everything he knew. I also spoke to other players who had worked with Sean and they all told me the same thing. "I have been told he is an exceptional coach who likes his teams to play football. He is also very good when it comes to developing players and that is the kind of opportunity I cannot afford to turn down at this stage of my career." Signed by former Swindon boss Danny Wilson in 2010, Flint returned to Conference North side Alfreton on loan before being given his big break by Paolo Di Canio, who took over at the County Ground two years ago. Flint featured regularly in the side that won the League Two title and forged a formidable partnership with Darren Ward as the Robins reached the play-off semi-finals in their first season back in League One. And Flint admits he owes the Italian, now in charge at Premier League Sunderland, a debt of gratitude. He told the Bristol Post: "I'm thankful to Paulo Di Canio for believing in me and giving me the chance to play football. "There is no way I would have improved as much as I have over the past couple of years had it not been for him. I learned so much from playing regularly under him and I'm a far different player from the one that came out of non-League football in 2010. "He gave me a chance in League Two and then helped me establish myself as a League One player. I still have plenty of learning to do, though, and that is why I've come to Bristol City." Meanwhile, head coach O'Driscoll is awaiting a call from former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Martin Woods. Released by Rovers at the end of last season, the 27-year-old is looking for another club and contacted O'Driscoll earlier this month asking if he could train with City when they report back for pre-season on June 27. But Ipswich Town have since invited the left-sided midfielder to train with them at Portman Road and O'Driscoll, who signed Woods while in charge at Doncaster, is seeking clarification from the Scot. Read more: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/story-19269547-detail/story.html#ixzz2W5UxYau0 Follow us: @thisisbristol on Twitter | thisisbristol on Facebook
