The verdict

Bentley is thoroughly deserving of the recognition he has been given by the Robins following the end of the campaign. The keeper was often their star performer in very challenging moments and without his level of consistency at times between the sticks things might have been even worse for Bristol City this season.

The links with Southampton will be a concern for Pearson because the keeper is someone that the Robins have to try and keep hold of if they are to improve their performances next term in the Championship. Bentley is someone that has had his critics in the past, but this term he has been much better with his consistency and when others have struggled he has stepped up.

You can see how much the rest of the squad appreciate his performances by the messages he has received here from the likes of Paterson, Moore and Hunt. They clearly feel that he has been heavily influential for them this term and helped to avoid things becoming even worse on the field at times.