Robins can't do everything straight away - Lansdown

Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown says the club do not have the finances to do "everything straight away" following criticism of their transfer strategy.

The Robins have had eight players leave during the January transfer window so far, including top scorer Anis Mehmeti, who was sold to Championship rivals Ipswich.

Lansdown, speaking before Bristol City's heavy 5-0 home loss to Derby on Friday night, said the club's hierarchy are working hard to bring success to Ashton Gate.

"I know the fans got upset when we sold Anis and were singing 'sack the board' at the last game, but they realise what's going on and have seen what's happened since," Lansdown told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We didn't sell Anis without thinking about what we were going to do when he went. We're constantly doing this all the time.

"People think we just do nothing - absolute twaddle. I am getting a bit emotional about this, because everyone at this football club works hard to get the success everyone wants."

Lansdown has been affiliated with his hometown club for 29 years, and has invested more than £280m of his own money during that time.

However, the most recent set of accounts showed the club had pre-tax losses of £18.6m for the 2024-25 season with wages accounting for much of the club's outgoings, compared to their income.

"This is a very, very expensive business. Just look at the accounts and it doesn't take much to notice that there's a big gap between our income and what we pay out, particularly in wages," Lansdown said.

"The only way that happens is because I put my hand in my pocket. That's why, when people start criticising, I get a little bit annoyed.

"They've got to understand that we can't do everything straight away. This club is very close to my heart and I believe what we're doing is correct.

"We'll keep at it until we get into that top league."

The Robins have brought in players such as on-loan goalkeeper Radek Vitek who has thrived at the club so far this season, as well as Emil Riis and Adam Randell last summer, while Middlesbrough forward Delano Burgzorg is among four players signed so far this month.

But among the exits is Harry Cornick, who has struggled with injuries and made just one appearance this season and has gone on loan to Stevenage, while Fally Mayulu could also be leaving having scored just twice in only 28 games.

Lansdown however rebuffed the suggestion that the transfer strategy has been wrong.

"I'm going to name three players: Tommy Conway, Alex Scott, Antoine Semenyo," Lansdown said.

"There have been lots of good players besides those. Our recruitment and development has been second to none, and I challenge anyone to tell us otherwise.

"Yes, there are always one or two signings who don't make the grade and aren't as good as they might be.

"Anis Mehmeti improved so much as a player with us. He was a great acquisition. Yes, we had to sell him - but that was business and we made a good profit."