Styvar struggled to adapt to the English game and his new surroundings

Bristol City striker Peter Styvar will spend the 2009/10 season on loan at Greek side Skoda Xanthi.

The 28-year-old Slovakian joined City in the January transfer window from MSK Zilina, but struggled to make an impact and played just 12 games for the club.

"He never quite reached his best form because he didn't have the opportunity due to illness and not settling," boss Gary Johnson told the club website.

Xanthi have an option to turn the loan agreement into a permanent deal.

Styvar started just four games and failed to find the net for the club, while off the pitch he was hit by bouts of illness and his family's failure to settle.

Johnson added: "He was disappointing. He just lost all his confidence and we felt rather than take a chance we'd let him get some sun on his back so he didn't get his colds and flus and get some games under his belt.

"I've got other options, but he needed to go out and play some games and get his confidence back."

One option Johnson is not taking up is the signing of Izzy Iriekpen.

The central defender, 27, joined City in January on a short-term contract and made nine appearances, but talks broke down over a potential new deal after he failed to prove his fitness.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version