Bristol City have confirmed a second new contract in as many days with George Tanner putting pen to paper on a new deal at Ashton GateGeorge Tanner started both legs of Bristol City’s play-off semi-final(Image: EFL)

George Tanner admits that Bristol City feels like his “home” after the Robins confirmed the defender has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at Ashton Gate, extending his stay in the West Country until the summer of 2028.

Tanner, a product of the Manchester United academy, made the move to BS3 in the summer of 2021 from Carlisle United and was handed his City debut by Nigel Pearson against QPR. The then-21-year-old went on to make 14 Championship appearances that season before truly becoming a regular starter in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Having started all but 11 league matches last season under both the management of Pearson and Liam Manning, the now 25-year-old played a crucial role as the Reds secured a first top six finish in 17 years this term.

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In total, Tanner started 23 Championship matches, popped up with two goals, both of which were screamers against Coventry City and Luton Town, and impressed both at right wing-back and as part of the Robins’ back three. City’s technical director Brian Tinnion is hoping to see a few more special strikes in the coming season.

“George is a key player who has extended his stay with us after another solid campaign,” Tinnion explained.

“We are excited to continue working with him and seeing more wonder goals!”

It had looked as though the defender’s season had been ended prematurely when he was forced to undergo knee surgery following an injury sustained against Sheffield United in March, but the former United prospect recovered quicker than even Manning expected to return to the fold less than a month later having missed just three matches.

In the end, Tanner ended up starting all of the Reds’ final four regular season games, as well as both legs of the play-off semi-final against Sheffield United. Having had a taste of that success, the 25-year-old is hoping for more over the next three years.

“A few years ago we weren’t so competitive,” Tanner explained. “Since the gaffer has come in, we’ve improved so much as a team.

“Last season to make the play-offs has been massive for the club and it was great to see the reaction from the fans. I think it’s really brought the club together and that relationship with the fans has been amazing.

“It certainly feels like my home now,” the defender continued. “I’m really comfortable here and it’s a great place to live.

“I’m really settled and to stay here for a few more years is going to be great.”

The news of Tanner’s new contract comes just a day after Cam Pring put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at Ashton Gate. With a host of first-team regulars set to be out of contract next summer, the Reds appear to be working to tie down the majority of their squad.

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