Bristol City backed to make Sinclair Armstrong exit decision - "there's not really a lot of point" | OneFootball

FLW's Bristol City Fan Pundit has his say on the Sinclair Armstrong transfer exclusive

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bristol City are looking to move on striker Sinclair Armstrong before the summer transfer window shuts at the start of September, as exclusively revealed by FLW.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Robins from Queens Park Rangers for a reported £2.5m last year - and he signed a four-year contract.

Armstrong has struggled to make the impact expected of him after managing just three goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, which includes three games at the start of this season.

"Right time" for Bristol City to get rid of Sinclair Armstrong

FLW's Bristol City Fan Pundit, Tom Rawle, believes the Robins are making the correct call in looking to move Armstrong on - suggesting the striker has not justified his fairly hefty price tag during his debut season in red.

"I think now’s probably the right time to move him on to be fair, he’s not really delivered in the season he’s been here," Rawle explained.

"He’s had plenty of opportunities, he’s got all the makings of being a good striker, but just ultimately he’s not delivering it on the field - in terms of his goal return to appearances," he added.

Rawle highlighted concerns that were raised by QPR fans when Armstrong first made the switch to Ashton Gate.

"I remember when we did sign him from QPR, their fans said that they wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing Champions League football in six seasons time or if he’s playing Non League football in six seasons time," he noted.

"Unfortunately for Sinclair, it’s probably going to be the latter with this one."

Being "big and powerful" isn't enough for Sinclair Armstrong at Bristol City

While acknowledging Armstrong's popularity among the squad and his obviously impressive presence, Rawle was clear that the striker's lack of goals remains the issue holding him back.

"Comes across a really popular player and I really enjoy watching him - just because he’s big and powerful and quick," he told FLW.

"But if you’re not putting the ball in the back of the net, there’s not really a lot of point in being a striker really. It’s all well and good being quick and running, being strong, the games about scoring goals," Rawle concluded.

Remains uncertain how much Bristol City want for Sinclair Armstrong

At QPR, Armstrong was twice named Young Player of the Year despite scoring just three goals for them in 61 Championship appearances.

But it's very clear that Sinclair is not Gerhard Struber's first choice. City moved quickly this summer to sign Danish striker Emil Riis on a free transfer after he left Preston North End.

In the two league games that the Robins have played so far, Armstrong has come on as a substitute for the Dane in the 83rd minute both times.

The club's technical director, Brian Tinnion, had previously revealed to BBC Radio Bristol that Bristol City could have sold Armstrong for "double" their money in January. It remains to be seen whether they're after that sort of fee now though.

With transfer deadline day looming and Sinclair's stock unlikely to be at the same sort of amount, you could argue that Bristol City may send him out on loan to try and recoup some value, before selling permanently if he performs well elsewhere.