Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown has opened up on the club's transfer strategy and reassured fans that there is "method behind the madness". 

Outside the arrival of Robbie Cundy from Bath City, the Robins are yet to make any additions this summer but have seen a number of players leave.

The most notable departure was academy graduate Lloyd Kelly, who joined Bournemouth for £13 million.

Many City fans have been frustrated over their club's lack of signings but the club chairman has reassured fans that there is money to spend this summer and a plan in place to spend it.

Speaking to the Bristol Post, he said: "There's always a budget and that's part of the trading plan - where do you need the asset most, how do you think we can improve the overall makeup of the squad. Obviously, Lloyd [Kelly] has left for a big fee which frees up some space in terms of the transfer budget."

"But then it's how we use that and to be honest, it's not saying that we've got to spend all of it, it's got to fit."

"It's a jigsaw puzzle. It's about the wages, it's about personnel, transfer fees. So it's an interesting time of year because it's all a balancing act and it's all about where your priorities are."

"The thing you can say to [the fans] is, we have a plan, we will stick to it. It's our philosophy to develop players and to target young players to improve them and we improve with them."

"That's not going to change. We're not going to suddenly transform and sign really expensive players on really expensive wages. We're not going to do that."

Lansdown also emphasised that selling players is a big part of ensuring that the club stays financially stable.

He explained: "You look at the losses in football generally - you have to sell players. But it's at the right time. We're not scared to trade and your recruitment has to be right."

"Sometimes, you say you're selling your best players. Sometimes, you're getting better by doing it. At that point of time, you may think "what's going on?" but there's method to the madness."

The Verdict 

The chairman's comments shouldn't come as a surprise to City fans. It has been clear for a few years now that the Robins strategy was to buy and develop players rather than splash out on big money signings.

City will need to make improvements to their squad if they are to build on last season and push for promotion again, especially given their depleted defensive resources following the departures of Lloyd, Tomas Kalas, and Jay Dasilva – the latter two at the end of their loan deals.

It will please fans to get confirmation that money will be spent but they will no doubt be eager for the deals to get done.

The comments about improving after selling your best players may raise some red flags given the rumours surrounding the future of Adam Webster but Lee Johnson insisted he was not for sale yesterday.