Bristol City NEWS: Stoke City loanee Peter Odemwingie keen for permanent switch to the Robins PETER Odemwingie has not ruled out the possibility of joining Bristol City on a permanent basis in the summer. Out of contract at Stoke City at the end of this season and surplus to requirements at the Britannia Stadium, the 34-year-old Nigeria World Cup star has joined the Robins on loan in order to put himself in the shop window. And although he believes he still has a future as a Premier League player, he says he will be prepared to drop down a level to join a club whose ambitions match his own. Impressed by City's £48 million stadium rebuilding project at Ashton Gate and their desire, not only to stay in the Championship in the short-term, but to press for the play-offs and promotion next season, Odemwingie is certainly open to the idea of throwing in his lot with the Robins. He said: "I spoke to a couple of people at Stoke who know Bristol City well and they talked well of the club. I then spoke to and had text messages with the manager (Lee Johnson) and had a positive feeling after that. "I've told the manager I want promotion and he wants the same. The stadium is almost completed, they want to strengthen the squad and push for the play-offs next season, the finances are there, the city has a lot of potential and the club's ambition is the same as mine. "I still see myself as a Premier League player but, sometimes in life, you have to take a step backwards to take two forward. I think coming here was the right decision for me rather than waiting until the summer and looking then. please log in to view this image "I'm 34, but I started late in the game, I still feel young and can play for another couple of years. Stoke are not offering me a new contract and I'm in the shop window. Hopefully, that will be good for me and good for Bristol City. It's a win-win situation." Of course, Odemwingie needs to perform well and impress in the nine games that remain between now and the end of the season if he is to earn the offer of a long-term contract. Odemwingie certainly made a good first impression, making his debut as a substitute when coming on in place of Jonathan Kodjia against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. His side trailing 1-0 at half time and bereft of inspiration, head coach Lee Johnson decided to introduce his latest loan signing and home-grown midfielder Bobby Reid after 46 minutes. Both played their part in a turnaround in fortunes that saw the Robins fight back to win 2-1 and move four points clear of the relegation zone. "I cannot afford to look too far ahead, because the really important thing is the here and now and keeping Bristol City in the Championship," added Odemwingie. "If the next two months go well for me and for the club, then we will see what the future holds. In the meantime, I have to prove to myself that I can get back to the level I was once at and show the manager here what I can do. "I had a serious injury (cruciate knee ligament) last season and I need to test myself. I had a good pre-season, but friendlies are not the same as league games. I did not get that opportunity at Stoke and have come here to work hard and, hopefully, get games here." If the 4,000 City fans who made the journey to West London at the weekend were encouraged by Odemwingie's debut, they were all raving about the wonder goal from Lee Tomlin that secured a dramatic last-gasp win. Tomlin completed a stunning come-from-behind victory when smashing in a 90th minute free kick to help City move four points clear of the relegation zone. The Bournemouth player described his second goal in City colours as the "high-point" of his season so far. He admitted: "That was a sweet moment – the high point of my season so far. I've had frustration and I've had to be patient, but it is all worth it when something like that happens. To score a goal like that, in front of our own fans in a game of this importance was a great feeling." Head coach Johnson said: "I'm proud of the club today. I'm proud that the players were able to fight back like that and show tremendous character and spirit, I was proud that we were able to take so many fans to the game and I was proud that we were able to get in a player of Peter Odemwingie's quality. "I felt we were a bit flat in the first half and after 30 minutes it was difficult to see how we were going to get a foothold in the game. Having that extra man in midfield helped in the second half and I thought Bobby (Reid) had a great game. "Odemwingie just gives us that bit of quality and knowhow and I thought he played the right ball at the right time and could even have ended up with a goal." http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-City-NEWS-Stoke-City-loanee-Peter/story-28917903-detail/story.html
How many of our loan players should we try and sign, I would love Baker and Tomlin, I want to wait and see with regard to Odemwingie .
People seem to think Baker will be in Villa's team next season (assuming they are relegated) and that we don't stand a chance there, but we'll see. I think Tomlin's kinda burned (or at least singed) his bridges at Bournemouth, so I'd like to think there's a strong possibility there, though there's the matter of his wages - I'd assume that we could afford them, but that they'd be possibly the highest in the whole team. Agreed that Odemwingie needs to show his worth between now and the end of the season, but even then there has to be caution. There are loads of players out there that try extremely hard when their contract is running out, but then fall into relaxation mode once they have the security of a long-term deal - Mark Viduka seemed to be like that in his day.
O'Donnell saved Odemwingie's blushes Saturday and kept us in it. We might have different views if it had gone in, however it's very understandable, he's hardly kicked a ball this season.
The feel good factor seems to be returning, fingers crossed. I listened to LJ on the tv on that dreadful Championship programme and thought he came across very well, despite the reference to the Bristol Sport franchise. I hope Odemwingie works out for us, would very much like Baker and Tomlin to stay with us too.
try before you buy ... ... ... in my opinion, a good option, whilst there is no facts to really back up the .. .. " buying your loan players work better than shots in the dark " .. a 2 year contract for Odemwingie, and maybe longer for Baker ? others not to sure of ... Connie worked!
Would need a two year contract to attract him but don't know if he'll keep going, would probably tire out like Wilbraham
these are the 3 things that may or may not happen.. His loans spell is unsuccessful and he will be available to buy, we may or may not want him, many fans will say there is better out there. His loan spell will be successful and he will then become unobtainable to us due to bigger clubs wanting him/ wages/ him looking elsewhere. When he goes 2 games without scoring Red Robin will want him sent back anyway. (this one will happen!)
Thought we were quoted as saying we wouldn't be buying Baker,I could be wrong. Heard that he is on £40,000 a week. Tomlin is quality. No idea what wages he is on
I believe that the article is likely to be either his agent gathering interest for the summer or possibly some sweetalk to get us on his side
if we are going to build a squad for challenging need to start paying the rate ... not saying £40k ..but at least £20k for a core of 5 or 6 .... ... .. .
Think we are paying a big percentage of that fee with Villa paying the remainder. But I've been told the same unless he lowers his wages he won't be coming here. Especially now Villa are virtually down and no doubt players there will leave, leaving the door open for Baker to the first team.
You don't know that for sure, plus Villa ain't short of a few quid so not neccassary so only YOUR opinion
do not quite understand why you commented? I made a comment he may have to reduce his wages.. not an opinion I stated villa will have plenty of money .. not an opinion ..... you concur Villa have a few bob, which is exactly what I said then emphasise that it is an opinion ...
