Rob Atkinson left Bristol City on loan during the winter transfer window, joining Portsmouth where he impressed at Fratton ParkRob Atkinson left Bristol City on loan in January(Image: Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bristol City defender Rob Atkinson admits he would like his future “sorted” after his loan spell with Portsmouth, insisting that while he would be “absolutely buzzing” to remain a Pompey player, he “will be happy” should the Reds decide to keep him at Ashton Gate.

Atkinson was one of three senior players to depart BS3 on loan during the winter transfer window, making the temporary move to Fratton Park, having not made a competitive appearance in almost two years. The 26-year-old had suffered an ACL injury in early 2023, which was followed by subsequent hamstring injuries.

While he returned to the City bench in the lead-up to the January window, the decision was taken to allow him to head to the South Coast in order to build both his match fitness and confidence.

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Although his loan was interrupted by a calf injury, which saw him miss two months of action, he managed to make 14 league appearances, scoring twice, as John Mousinho’s side comfortably avoided relegation by five points.

Atkinson’s displays not only won over the Portsmouth support but Mousinho as well, with the Pompey boss open about his desire to re-sign the 26-year-old if possible this summer. Though the centre-back is more than open to the idea of returning to Fratton Park, he hasn’t shut the door on remaining a Robin.

“I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen,” the defender told Portsmouth News. “I’m going to have to wait and see how it pans out and what Bristol City want to do with me.

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“I love Bristol City as a club and I have loved my time there, but, ultimately, I only have one year left, and that has to factor into my decision-making as well. There’s a lot of things which need to happen. Truthfully, I am very fortunate. It’s not nice to have that uncertainty, but it’s nice to be wanted. Whatever happens, I’m sure I will be happy.

“Pompey have told me they want me to stay, which is honestly flattering. If, in the future, I’m a Portsmouth Football Club player I will be absolutely buzzing. If I’m at Bristol City, I will be happy as well.

“I don’t really see a scenario where I won’t be happy, but I would like it sorted. I don’t want that uncertainty, I want to relax and get on with my football without having to worry about where my future lies.

“If it doesn’t work out at Bristol City and, for whatever reason, they don’t want me any more, I will be more than happy to play for Pompey again,” Atkinson continued. “The way I see it, it’s up to Bristol City whether they want to keep me or not.

Bristol City defender Rob Atkinson(Image: EFL)

“I have not heard anything, I probably need to have a meeting at some point. This is not me trying to rush Bristol City into anything, I acknowledge the fact their season has just finished and they’re entitled to have a bit of time to themselves. I watched the play-offs and I’m devastated about the result against Sheffield United, I don’t think the scoreline reflected the quality between the clubs whatsoever.

“They have other things to think about at the moment, which won’t include me, so I’m not expecting a conversation soon, not at all. I would just like it sorted.”

Atkinson put pen to paper on an initial three-year contract with the Robins when he made the move to Ashton Gate from Oxford United in the summer of 2021. Just a matter of months after his knee injury in early 2023, he signed a new three-year deal, which is set to expire at the end of the next season.

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The 26-year-old isn’t the only senior player in such a situation at this moment in time. The likes of Anis Mehmeti, George Tanner, Cam Pring and Zak Vyner, among others, are also set to be out of contract in just over 12 months’ time. The uncertainty of being in such a situation will play a part in whatever decision Atkinson makes this summer as he looks to find as much security as possible.

“Going into the final year of your contract isn’t a situation you want to be in,” the defender explained. “It’s kind of crunch time, all or nothing.

“Anything can happen, the worst case scenario is you get injured and then run out your contract, not having shown anyone what you can do. There’s so much uncertainty around it.

“On the flipside, if you do super well, you could get a really good move somewhere because you’re a very attractive prospect as you aren’t tied down to a contract. Clubs can get you on a free, so it’s a risk and reward.

“Ultimately, though, security is the most important thing. You want those years on your contract so you can rest easy and not worry about dips in form, injuries or whatever circumstances happen.”

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