Yeovil Town boss Gary Johnson has admitted his surprise at the loss of defender Luke Ayling, and also the gain of full back, Brendan Moloney.
Defender Ayling had informed Johnson that he would not be renewing his contract with Yeovil as he wished to stay in the second tier of football.
However, despite being in the third tier, League One rivals Bristol City were able to move in and steal Ayling from Town. A compensation deal was agreed due to Ayling's age, and Moloney headed in the opposite direction in an unrelated deal.
Related articles
- Peterborough 'close to transfer embargo'
- Blackpool look set to lose talented youngster
Speaking to the Western Morning News, Johnson spoke of the surprise he felt at Ayling joining a league rival.
“It was only really last week that we understood that it was Bristol City who were in for Luke. The two weren’t done together as such, although both teams have ended up with a right back.
“I was a bit surprised because Luke said he would only leave - like Webby (Byron Webster) - to stay in the Championship. I was a bit surprised he ended up at Bristol City."
But Johnson also expressed his delight at securing the services of Moloney
Mixed emotions
"We’d heard a couple of weeks ago that Brendan was available and we didn’t know why he had become available.
“I had always liked Brendan, his style and the way he played so I was interested. We spoke to the agent and found out he was interested in us."
But will recent transfer business add a bit of spice when the two clubs meet on boxing day, in the West Country derby at Ashton Gate?
“It’s got enough in it already, just with the fact that all the teams in this region want to be the best in the west - that’s the opening gambit.
Aspirations
“I’m sure both teams feel that they are going to compete this year at this level. Luke gave his all for this club and contractual circumstances mean that you lose players sometimes, that’s the way of the world.
“All I’ve got to do is make sure I bring in a similar quality and - if I can - bring in better than the last, that’s what I’ve got to achieve. There’s a lot of business that has been in the last few weeks and there are two bits to do.”
Write for GiveMeSport! Sign-up to the GMS Writing Academy here: https://gms.to/1a2u3KU
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.