Bristol City announce double signing

Bristol City have announced the signings of QPR midfielder Ben Gladwin and Derby County defender Alex Pearce.

23 year old Gladwin spent two years at Swindon Town between 2013 - 2015, scoring eight goals in 34 appearances. In the summer of 2015 he joined Queen's Park Rangers but struggling for appearances rejoined Swindon on loan at the beginning of the 15/16 season. He scored 2 goals in 13 appearances, his playing time likely restricted.

That loan came to an end earlier this month and Bristol City moved to bring him to Ashton Gate where he will bolster an attack that has scored just 24 goals in 27 league matches this season.

Gladwin will be available for Saturday’s Championship match at Leeds United and has been handed squad number eight.

Joining him is Alex Pearce. The Derby County defender spent much of his career with Reading and after a series of loan spells joined the Rams at the beginning of the 15/16 season. The 27 year old has made just two appearances this season though in the FA and League Cup.

A Republic of Ireland international with six caps and two goals to his name, Pearce harbours hopes of playing a part for his country at Euro 2016 in France this summer.

The 27-year-old, who stands at 6ft 2ins, will join up with the squad for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match at Leeds United. Pearce has been handed squad number 16. He will be unable to play against his parent club Derby when they visit Ashton Gate on April 19th.

The signings will come as a huge relief to fans who have bemoaned the lack of signings since the club were promoted to the Championship. In fact, City have made just one permanent signing since that promotion - Jonathan Kodjia who signed from French side Angers.On Monday's ITV News West Country, new Chief Operating Officer Mark Ashton told Ian Axton the club would be moving quickly to sign players while also looking to recruit a new head coach.