Bristol City boss Sean O’Driscoll says he was disappointed to lose new Blues signing Paul Anderson, who moved to Portman Road in a swap deal which saw Jay Emmanuel-Thomas move the other way earlier in the week.

O'Driscoll told the Bristol Post: "We were obviously extremely sorry to see Paul leave the club, but he goes to Ipswich with our best wishes as he was a credit to himself when he came into the team in the second half of the season.

“His attitude was always first class and he was a consistent, reliable performer in difficult circumstances.

"In an ideal world, you would like to keep Paul and add Jay to the squad, but understandably he wants to play at the highest level possible and, financially, a swap deal with Jay ultimately worked for both clubs.”

O’Driscoll is planning to play Emmanuel-Thomas in a role behind the main striker at Ashton Gate, having previously worked with the 22-year-old during a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers: "Jay is a very technically gifted individual and the type of player who can make something out of nothing.

"He is someone who in the final third can create chances and score goals, and although attention is often drawn to his laid-back style you have to let Jay do the things he does well, which can win you games.

"Jay knows there are areas of his game he can improve, but you also have to give him a freedom to hurt teams, which I've seen him do many times with devastating effect. That is how we will be judging Jay."

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

StuartBrett8 added 09:50 - Jul 10 I think just behind the striker is Jet's best position, was he ever played there for us?
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Benno1990 added 09:54 - Jul 10 Sounds like O'Driscoll has it all planned out for Jay. There is little to no room for luxury players in a Championship team. I would expect Jay to to shine next season at Bristol.
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SouperJim added 10:10 - Jul 10 I hope JET does well for the robins and O'Driscoll certainly knows how he wants to use him, looks like it's all set up for Jay to finally show his quality. However, regardless of whether he is a success there or not, he was unlikely to amount to anything in our side. A good move for all concerned. If he does ok there, I give it 2 months before the short-sighted are bleating about how we let JET get away etc.

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Michael11 added 10:12 - Jul 10 I think JET's best position is just behind the striker. He isn't hard working enough to track back and play on the wing, but given the ball central to the goal i think he could make things happen. Didn't he play in that role when we beat West Ham 5-1? With confidence and a good attitude he'll be a quality player in League One.
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meekreech added 10:18 - Jul 10 Souperjim Just to pre-empt the myopic " Why did we let another star walk away when we can keep the rubbish ( Hyam ) ???
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bluelady added 10:40 - Jul 10 the fact that says there wasnt a host of champ or prem teams q-ing up speaks volumes. i wish him well and yes he may well shine, however his style wasnt working in our team so why keep him?
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Garv added 10:45 - Jul 10 Looks like he might be made the centrepiece of their team in the role that suits him most. You can moan all you like about his laid back style and his weaknesses, or you can focus on his strengths and let him play. Well done Sean O'Driscoll.
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trumanswampy added 11:00 - Jul 10 A 'star' I can't believe some people are that deluded. he has dropped from prem to championship now to div one club. Hardly a good barometer of stardom only Bristol city want you. Wise up peeps he has been a complete waste of money. If only shined a handful of times in my job I'd of been out on my ear long ago.
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JimmyJazz added 11:03 - Jul 10 Go and have a bet on Bristol City being promoted. Still got Baldock on their books and a manager who knows what he's doing. No Championship or Prem teams queuing up to sign JET, wonder if that will change in January
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mawwam added 11:11 - Jul 10 Gutted to see him go, wish MM would have played him more, and in the role Bristol are looking to play him. The little chances he got were some of the most enjoyable moments for me from any of the games last season. Hope Anderson is a good addition, good luck to him and hope he settles soon, If he does turn out a quality signing then very good, but I still feel I'd have liked JET to stay also! Hope he does well at Bristol.

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Pessimistic added 11:31 - Jul 10 Under work-horse Mick the man we will be fit and fearless but lacking any spark of inspiration or delight. The championship is not about quality we know that so will we end up being fit for the battle or fit for nothing?
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Stewart27 added 11:31 - Jul 10 Souperjim To be honest I'd expect JET to do "ok" at a league one club. I wouldn't be short sighted and wanting him back if that was the case.
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Stewart27 added 11:32 - Jul 10 Trumanswampy I agree with you entirely. I accidentally down arrowed you by the way. Was supposed to up arrow you!!!
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Fatcatevans added 13:13 - Jul 10 JETs best position is just behind the bench
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theobald1985 added 13:20 - Jul 10 it is a question of system not divisions in my opinion in a 4231 formation JET could play in the premier league but in a traditional 442 he is proberbly league 1 level he has been brought through an academy his whole career playing continental pass and move stuff so he will always struggle with 442 the only way mick may have had use for him is if we went 5212 with wing backs and he could be the link between attack and defence but mick has not really played that way either which is why lee martin chose to leave because we do not play with somebody in that hole. its a shame because i think that would be taylors best position as well

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WickedBlue added 15:38 - Jul 10 @meechtreach Hyam is rubbish??? Well at least you don't hide the fact you haven't got a clue about football.
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SouperJim added 15:45 - Jul 10 Don't worry meekreech, I understood the context of your post even if others don't.
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h32 added 20:12 - Jul 10 ....... move on people - the so called 'JET' has gone. He had his chance here, and as recent as coming back this season, he had the opportunity to have the right attitude and intention to prove himself to both MM and TC. The opportunity was clearly there. Instead, what did he do ? - talk about where 'he' was going to decide to play his Football this season !! Wenger and McCarthy are no fools - let's see what effect O'Driscoll can have on the 'Jet'. !!!

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IvorFeeling added 20:21 - Jul 10 h32 I am with you. On several occasions last year my wife and I spoke to JET and he is a gent but He is a luxury player that doesn't produce enough for his skills and ability. I wish him well but by Christmas I believe that it wil be proven we've got the better deal.
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