James one of eight to leave

Bristol City have today announced an exodus Bob Marley would have been proud of as eight players have been ushered through the exit door at Ashton Gate.

Announced on the club’s official website, manager Derek McInnes showed no mercy in packing the bags of eight of his squad, saying it was vital for the future of the club after a year fighting a relegation battle in the Championship.

The 41 year old David James, who was England’s goalkeeper two years ago in South Africa for the World Cup, was the most significant name on the list, with the BBC claiming he now has a choice between coaching or finding another club to continue playing with. Or “calamity” he could delve into retirement and drop many plates in his kitchen.

Amongst the rest of the names is Jamie McAllister, the 34 year old full-back, dispensed after spending 6 years in the south-west with the club. David Clarkson and Jamal Campbell-Ryce have also been booked a taxi away from BS3.

Joining them on the exit list are youth-teamers Christian Ribiero, Marlon Jackson, Dan Ball and Henry Muggeridge as McInnes regretted his cold-blooded omissions, but said he needed to trim the wage bill before bringing players in over the summer.

It hasn’t all been “good-bye” at Ashton Gate today though, as midfielder Stephen Pearson and veteran defender Louis Carey have both been offered new deals according to Sky Sports, as has 22 year old defender Joe Edwards and youth team goalkeeper Lewis Carey, as McInnes looks to the future with the Robins.

The club’s website also mentioned Khalifa Cisse is looking at his options as a free agent, but the club are not giving up hope of re-signing the Senegalese midfielder, as a summer of squad refurbishment sweeps through the red half of Bristol.

@AdamGray1250

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