Bristol City: Tommy Conway has ‘decision to make’ on future

Bristol City striker Tommy Conway has “a decision to make” about his future, according to head coach Liam Manning.

The 21-year-old, who has been the Robins’ top scorer for the past two seasons, is yet to accept a new contract offer.

Somerset-born Conway, who came through the club’s academy, will be in the final year of his contract next season.

“Obviously it’s not ideal for me. Tommy has a decision to make,” Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

“We made him a great offer as a club, I think it’s the best place for him. I totally understand if someone’s journey is going miles faster than the team’s then I understand the move.

“At the moment he’s at the level he’s still challenged at. I think he’s put in some good performances, I still think he’s got a lot to do and a lot to improve on, which I’m sure he’d agree with.”

Conway has been part of the Bristol City set-up since the age of seven and enjoyed a breakthrough first-team campaign in the 2022-23 season.

Manning said he had had “numerous” discussions with Conway since taking over last November, but accepted the decision was beyond his control.

“I think there’s a real danger sometimes people jump in too early,” Manning said.

“I think the most important thing for me is that we want him to stay … but at the same time we need a level of commitment to show that he is all in.

“Ultimately, the ball is now a bit in his court and we’ll have to see how it goes.”

Bristol City finished 11th in the Championship and Manning said any new signings would have to be “within the parameters” of the club’s budget.

“We need a 10, we need a nine and we need a full-back,” he said.

“In terms of the depth, the competition – we already have some really talented players in those areas, (but) in terms of the balance of the group, the composition, having different profiles, I think is quite important. .”