Tommy Conway sends emotional Bristol City message after completing Middlesbrough transfer | OneFootball

Tommy Conway has sent a message to Bristol City fans after he completed his transfer to Middlesbrough.

Highlights

Tommy Conway has thanked all connected to Bristol City after he joined Middlesbrough on a permanent transfer.

The forward joined the Robins’ academy as a youngster, and after a few loan spells, he would establish himself as a regular for the club, scoring 25 goals in 92 games for Bristol City.

However, with his contract entering the final year, and no agreement reached on fresh terms, boss Liam Manning sent Conway to the U21s as the club looked to cash in this summer.

And, that’s exactly what happened, with Middlesbrough winning the race for his signature, as the deal was announced on Friday afternoon.

Tommy Conway sends Bristol City message

That ends Conway’s association with Bristol City, and it stretches back around 15 years since he joined as a kid.

So, it’s a big change for the Scotland international, and he took to Instagram to reflect on the move.

“From a boy to a man, in a place that became my home. I’ve made friends and memories for life. A new chapter awaits but I'll never forget how special this one was.

“Thank you to all managers and staff, past and present. You’ve all helped me in different ways, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

“To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with, thank you. We’ve made memories on and off the pitch that I’ll cherish forever. I’m going to miss you guys!

“Lastly, you fans. From my debut to now, you’ve supported me through the highs and lows. I can’t thank you all enough for that. It’s been a hell of a ride!

“All the best for the future. Lots of love, TC.”

Tommy Conway deal suits all parties

It’s fair to say that a section of fans will have no time for Conway’s statement here, and that is understandable.

The view is that he declined the chance to extend his stay, and he hasn’t even ended up making a move to a Premier League club, or to Celtic or Rangers who had previously been linked. Instead, he has joined Boro, and some Bristol City supporters will feel it’s a sideways step.

But, in the bigger picture, this is an example of the academy doing well, and Conway clearly had a connection with many at the club.

He is a player they have developed and sold on for millions, so they deserve credit for that, and that money will now help Manning add to his squad ahead of the deadline.

It’s a shame for all parties how it played out in the end, but Conway is a success story for Bristol City, and it does feel the right time for him to make the next step in his career.

Bristol City’s summer transfer plans

Now, as outlined above, there will be an expectation that Bristol City are active in the final weeks of the deadline, as the squad does need improving in certain areas.

Thankfully, this hasn’t dragged on, and it did make sense for the club to cash in due to Conway’s contract situation, but he will need to be replaced, even with Sinclair Armstrong now in the building.

So, it will be interesting to see how it plays out, and what business the club can get done.