How Tommy Conway & Alex Scott reacted to Max O'Leary leaving Bristol City for West Brom | OneFootball

Max O'Leary has penned an emotional farewell message to Bristol City following his transfer to Championship rivals West Brom.

Max O'Leary has penned an emotional goodbye message to Bristol City following his transfer to fellow Championship outfit West Brom.

The goalkeeper will hope to make his Baggies debut in Friday's clash with Derby County, while the Black Country club desperately need a positive result.

Eric Ramsay has endured a poor start to life in charge of Albion, as his side were beaten 3-2 by Middlesbrough, and then hammered 5-0 by Norwich City in his first two games.

New signing O'Leary, who has arrived at The Hawthorns on a six-month contract, is tasked with helping West Brom stave off the threat of relegation from the Championship.

Max O'Leary pays tribute to 'incredible' Bristol City spell

The 29-year-old rose through the youth academy ranks at Bristol City, eventually becoming a mainstay in the senior squad in 2020, following loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Bath City, Solihull Moors, and Shrewsbury Town.

O'Leary became the Robins' first-choice goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season and helped them reach the Championship play-offs last term, maintaining 10 clean sheets in the second tier.

Following the confirmation of his transfer to West Brom on Thursday, the Ireland international wrote on Instagram: "Bristol City. Where do I start? After 18 incredible years at this club, it's finally time for me to close this chapter.

"I started this journey as a boy, not knowing where it would take me, but I've loved every minute of it. I'm honoured to have lived every young Bristol City fan's dream of playing for this great club.

"Thank you to all the players I've shared a dressing room with. I've made amazing friends and memories along the way. To all the staff I've worked with, you have all played such a big part in helping me grow both on and off the pitch. From managers and coaches to everyone who works behind the scenes, thank you.

"And finally, to the supporters. You've been with me through all the highs and lows. Thank you for sharing so many amazing moments, ones I hope you'll cherish as much as I will.

"Bristol will always feel like home. Max."

The goalkeeper's former Robins teammate Tommy Conway, now of Middlesbrough, commented: "Good luck, brother."

Meanwhile, fellow Bristol City academy graduate Alex Scott, who has gone on to star in the Premier League for Bournemouth, said: "All the best mate."

Max O'Leary can battle for longer-term West Brom contract

O'Leary has completed a permanent exit from Ashton Gate, but his Baggies contract is already set to expire at the end of the current Championship campaign.

However, the 29-year-old proved his worth by helping the Robins reach the play-offs last term, and could earn a longer-term deal at The Hawthorns.

If the Ireland international displaces Josh Griffiths as Albion's first-choice goalkeeper and performs well between the sticks, he could prove himself as a vital asset in the Championship relegation battle.

The Baggies face a particularly important clash against fellow relegation battlers Portsmouth on 31 January, and O'Leary should be keen to show his class at Fratton Park, which could be his second West Brom game.