Bristol City supporters clash over one player's place after Lincoln City defeat | OneFootball

Sam Tickle has had an inconsistent start since joining Bristol City from Wigan Athletic in the summer transfer window.

Bristol City missed the chance to move into the play-offs after they were beaten 1-0 at home to Lincoln City on Tuesday night.

It was a summer of change at Ashton Gate, with Michael Skubala coming in as the new head coach, joining the club from the Imps, who he had led to the League One title.

So, it was an exciting appointment, and Skubala received backing in the summer market, with Dom Ballard and Lorent Tolaj among the many new arrivals.

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Sam Tickle hasn’t found his best form since joining Bristol City

Whilst strengthening in attacking areas was a priority for the Robins, they also needed a new goalkeeper after Radek Vitek returned to Man Utd.

The stopper was outstanding for Bristol City last year, which is why he was named as Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

Therefore, it was going to be difficult to find a replacement for Vitek, who has since joined Middlesbrough, but the Robins thought they had done a smart bit of business by finalising a move for Wigan’s Sam Tickle.

The academy graduate did play once for the Latics in the Championship, but he had predominantly played in League One, so this was a step-up for Tickle.

And, even though Tickle had a great reputation in the third tier, and it’s still very early days, it’s fair to say that he hasn’t fully convinced at his new club.

Sam Tickle is a long-term investment for Bristol City

But, at 24, Bristol City signed Tickle with the long-term in mind, and they won’t be too concerned at his relatively slow start.

Plus, it’s not like Tickle has been making howlers, but his goals prevented record of -1.2 does rank 20th out of 26 keepers in the Championship so far this season, so there is room for improvement.

Tickle also hasn’t kept a clean sheet for his new club, and whilst that is a collective responsibility, that is something he will be hoping to rectify as soon as possible, as he knows that keepers are judged on how many clean sheets they record.

Bristol City fans discuss Sam Tickle’s performances following his signing from Wigan

Nevertheless, Tickle’s performances have become a talking point among some Bristol City fans, especially as he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory during the 1-0 defeat to Lincoln.

Of course, it was always going to be difficult for someone to replace Vitek after the impact he made at Ashton Gate, but there are some Bristol City fans who are keen to see Brad Collins given a chance, but this supporter made it clear he thinks they must persevere with Tickle...

This fan agreed that Tickle should be kept in goal, although he did state that Max O'Leary, who is now at West Brom, would have been a better option.

Yet, there are supporters who are unhappy at how Tickle is playing, and believe Skubala should look to change his number one ahead of the game against Watford on Friday.