Bristol City fans have become used to seeing their team finish in the mid-table region of the Championship in recent years.
Often flirting with the play-offs at the start of the season, the Robins are never able to sustain it and even the most optimistic fan expects a fall off.
If they want to target those top spots in the 2024-25 season, then a striker has to be top of that list.
Since Andreas Weimann notched 22 goals in 2021-22, they have struggled to find the net consistently. Whilst Tommy Conway has found his feet the past couple of seasons, the interest surrounding him this summer could see him move and that would make room for a new striker.
For the current number nine, Harry Cornick, this is bad news. His time at Bristol City hasn’t gone to plan, with the striker notching a sorry return of four goals in 56 appearances.
His lack of clinicalness mixed with the arrival of an impending striker could spell the end of his woeful time at Ashton Gate.
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Joe Bryan had a superb career coming through Bristol City’s academy and was duly sold to Fulham.
Brian Tinnion’s comments will be of worry to Cornick
Harry Cornick is a player who has risen through the English Football League. From a successful six-year stint at Luton Town to his early days at AFC Bournemouth, he has seen a lot.
But in the last couple of years, his career hasn’t just progressed as he would have hoped, with the forward managing just one season above ten goals in the second tier.
This summer could prove a turning point then, and if Cornick was hoping to feature for Liam Manning’s side next season, then the recent transfer developments may have him thinking again.
In a recent interview with the Forever Bristol City Podcast, Brian Tinnion, the Technical Director, said this: “The 9, we’ve got one identified in England and also have probably two or three abroad, who we’re speaking with the agents and having good conversations with them and we’ll see where we are with them.”
The clear targeting of a new striker not only suggests the departure of Conway but also increases the likelihood that Cornick will make a move away from Ashton Gate.
This view is only supported by Bristol City’s promotion of young talent and in Sam Bell, they have a player who can feature alongside a new striker and the experienced Nahki Wells.
Cornick’s time in the South West hasn’t gone to plan
The signing of the former Yeovil Town man was very much viewed by those around Bristol City as a real statement of intent. But, since his arrival, it has just not gone to plan.
The departure of Nigel Pearson in late October 2023, has seen him make just four league starts since, with it clear that Liam Manning does not see Cornick as a large part of his plans.
| Harry Cornick’s sorry Bristol City spell | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 62 |
| Minutes | 2,053 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes per contribution | 343 |
This will come as a real disappointment for the Robins, who will surely utilise this summer as a chance to recuperate some of the fee they paid for him.
A move to League One or Two would make sense for Cornick as he looks to display the promise he showed early in his career.
Geographically, you would think a team like Bristol Rovers or Swindon Town would show a keen interest and the experience he could bring would be a benefit for any team in the divisions below.
At 29, Cornick’s career has stalled, but he still has a chance to make amends and departing Bristol City due to the arrival of a new striker is the right move for everyone.
