Bristol City chief says Mifsud deal done

Malta striker Michael Mifsud will be playing for Bristol City next season.

According to Robins chairman Steve Lansdown, Mifsud, who still has one year left on his Coventry City contract, will complete his move to Ashton Gate today after agreeing personal terms following some time to reflect during the weekend.

Lansdown was speaking during an Open Day at the club's Dolman Exhibition Hall yesterday when he revealed that the Maltese forward had already passed a medical and agreed terms.

"Mifsud took his partner around Bristol during the weekend and liked what he saw. We expect to seal that deal tomorrow (today)," Lansdown was quoted as saying on the official Bristol City FC website.

Before Mifsud, Bristol City were close to signing Emad Meteb from Al Ahly but the move failed to materialise as the Egyptian forward played in his country while the club was waiting for his work permit to be issued by the UK authorities.

"He broke a promise and we had second thoughts," Lansdown said.

Mifsud and his representatives met Bristol City manager Gary Johnson last week to conclude negotiations. It was reported that the striker was holding out for better terms and Johnson issued a take-it-or-leave-it final offer which, apparently, was acceptable for all parties in the end.

Lansdown confirmed Mifsud's transfer on the day he was unveiling new plans on his club's move to a new stadium in 2012 with a 30,000 capacity. This can be extended to 42,000 if it is necessary for World Cup football.

The Open Day at Ashton Gate attracted more than 5,000 fans yesterday. They met the first team squad and management to get autographs and pictures. The first match at home of the season for Bristol City is on Friday, a friendly against Belgium's Royal Antwerp.

Meanwhile, Coventry City fans appear split over Mifsud's imminent move away from the Ricoh Arena.

When asked if the selling of Mifsud was a good idea, 54.2% of those who responded to a poll thought it was a good idea to cash in on the striker who has a year left on his contract.

However, 45.8% thought that any sale of a player of Mifsud's calibre would not be good for the club who just managed to avoid the drop to League One last season.