Bristol City’s defensive talent is ready to take the next step as he completes his loan move to League Two

Bristol City defender Jamie Knight-Lebel believes his loan move to League Two Crewe Alexandra is the “perfect match” as he continues his development in the professional game.

Knight-Lebel has moved to Gresty Road for 2024/25, following promising Robins talents Ephraim Yeboah (Doncaster Rovers) and Seb Palmer-Houlden (Dundee) to complete temporary moves ahead of the new campaign.

The 19-year-old was a regular in the senior squad last term, making 41 matchday squads and earning three appearances, including the Severnside derby at Cardiff City and playing extra-time in the penalty shoot-out defeat by at Nottingham Forest in an FA. Resumption of the fourth stage of the Cup.

Knight-Lebel also captained the under-21s during the Professional Development League season but opportunities in the upcoming campaign are likely to be limited with Zak Vyner, Rob Dickie, Haydon Roberts, George Tanner and Rob Atkinson and Kal Naismith that return before him. in the hierarchy of the back center.

He was subsequently sent to Crewe, who lost in last season’s League Two play-off final, not just to earn regular game minutes but also as a different experience for the teenager, who lives away from Bristol and the familiar limits of High Performance. Center for the next 10 months.

“Obviously I’m excited to be here, the next step in my career and it’s exciting times for Crewe,” said Canadian youth international Knight-Lebel. “The next step for me is men’s football.

“Training with the first team is amazing but you also want to play and I’m keen to play men’s football and League Two is a competitive league and I feel it’s good for my development.

“But also speaking to Crewe and the gaffer, it’s been really positive – we’ve just come off the back of a good season with the play-off final and this season is looking promising too; these are very exciting times – and the style of play suits me perfectly So I think this is the best club I could go to in the next step of my journey.

“It’s nice to see there’s a plan for me, it doesn’t mean I’m going to stop working, I’ve got to keep pushing and that’s part of the development. Bristol City have shown that they want to put their trust in me, for which I am very happy and grateful.”

Crewe finished sixth in League Two last season under Lee Bell, who is in charge from 2022. They took Ed Turns on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the second half of the season, with the 21-year-old lining up -joined the experienced Mickey Demetriou in a 4-2-3-1, although Bell also used a three-man defence.

It represents a journey into the unknown for Knight-Lebel, who spent time at Southampton’s academy before joining City aged 14. His experience up to this point has only been in youth football.

“I’m mobile, I like to read the game well, get in when I can, I like to be on the ball – drive, drive, talk and be vocal. I enjoy defending myself. I’m really excited to get on the field and show everyone what I can do,” added Knight-Lebel.

“There is a lot of ambition here, there is a lot of momentum and after such a positive season it gives everyone a lot of excitement about the season ahead. I’m extremely excited to see what we can do this season.

“I want to go as high as I can in my career and Crewe, despite how far away it is from Bristol, I don’t mind. I’m excited, I’m moving and it’s something everyone has to go through eventually. It’s the perfect match.”

Knight-Lebel signed a new three-year contract earlier this year and, in the long term, the hope is that this loan spell will see him ready for the first team for the 2025/26 season. The Robins also have a recall option in January if they need or want to bring him back to BS3 midway through the campaign.

“Jamie is an exceptional talent and a player we are very excited about,” said technical director Brian Tinnion. “It’s a great opportunity for him to play regular football at a good level.”

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