"Bristol City Reveal they let Tomlin go because of an issue"

Dean Holden explains further background to Lee Tomlin's move to Cardiff City from Bristol City

Dean Holden:"There were issues in his private life"

Bristol Post

Thursday 28th September 2017

Bristol City assistant head coach Dean Holden has been talking about the transfer of Lee Tomlin to Cardiff City in the summer.

The switch saw the former Robins star make the short move over the Severn Bridge and was seen as something of a surprise in the last transfer window.

And speaking on Monday evening on Geoff Twentyman's BBC Radio Bristol show - during a revealing interview - Holden explained that the attacking midfielder needed to commute to training from Leicester during last season.


Lee Tomlin swapped Bristol City for Cardiff City this summer

Asked how the club agreed to such an arrangement, Holden replied: "Well the club didn't agree to that."

"I think that was something that transpired as time went on. It's obvious that's come out and it's difficult to talk about.

"There were issues in his private life and he needed to get back to Leicester to see his family - and that's absolutely fine, but at the same time it's not great preparation for a professional footballer.

"The club are adamant that you come and live in Bristol, that you relocate and it's a fantastic city."

"I'm out in Portishead myself but I go into town and have a look around - a really historical place.

"It's a great city and all the players love it."

Holden went on to explain how he strained his medial ligament trying to hack down Scott Murray in front of the Dolman Stand during his own playing career.

Tomlin, meanwhile, has only featured for 169 minutes so far this Championship season and has yet to score for his new club.

Interesting isn't it. Clearly a big talent. I hope whatever the problem is he overcomes it quickly and gets down to business for us. Already got us points in his brief appearances though

He has the GBH charge hanging over him as well doesn't he?

Probably not in the right frame of mind for football right now and with the side doing so well not worth gambling on.

Hopefully everything will work out and we'll see what the Bristol fans saw from him before his troubles.

He has the GBH charge hanging over him as well doesn't he?

Probably not in the right frame of mind for football right now and with the side doing so well not worth gambling on.

Hopefully everything will work out and we'll see what the Bristol fans saw from him before his troubles.

Yeah he has, had a court appearance