Bristol City could require 'total rebuild'

Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber has seen his side drop to 16th in the Championship [Getty Images] Bristol City could require a "total rebuild" in the summer and need to appoint a sporting director, according to former Robins midfielder Gary Owers. They sit 16th in the Championship table after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home against West Bromwich Albion, and there were boos from fans amid frustration at the club's failure to build on last season's play-off place. Earlier this month, new chief executive Charlie Boss said there were plans to appoint a sporting director , while head coach Gerhard Struber has recently lamented the gap between City's academy and their first team .

"Gerhard has been letting some things out calmly, shall we say," Owers told BBC Radio Bristol. "He has been speaking about the academy, the sporting director and recruitment. There are some big conversations to be had between now and the end of the season.

Latest Bristol City news, analysis and fan views Listen to Bristol City content on BBC Sounds "For City to progress it could be a total rebuild in the summer. It's pivotal [to get a sporting director appointed]. It might need someone from the outside with a fresh pair of eyes.

Someone who knows the club but isn't connected to anyone on the inside. " Mark Sykes is among the City players whose contracts are due to expire this summer, while captain Jason Knight, Ross McCrorie and Max Bird will have just a year left on their deals so might have to be sold unless they re-sign. On-loan players set to return to their parent clubs include Radek Vitek, who has been the Robins' first-choice goalkeeper this season.