Football Manning expecting Mayulu back for pre-season after tough year

LIAM Manning has confirmed that he expects Fally Mayulu to return to Bristol City for pre-season, with the Robins boss planning to speak to the forward in the summer following his “unfortunate” spell on loan with Sturm Graz this season.

- Daniel CARTER

Mayulu joined City last summer, making the permanent move to Ashton Gate from Rapid Vienna as the first addition of the transfer window, and the Frenchman couldn't have got off to a better start. In his first two Championship appearances, both of which came off the bench, he scored against Hull City and Millwall to raise expectations among supporters.

However, the 22-year-old started just once in the Reds’ opening 21 league matches before struggling in back-to-back starts against West Brom and Luton Town over the festive period. Having led the line in the Robins’ FA Cup defeat to Wolves, Mayulu was left out of City’s next three matchday squads before completing his loan move back to Austria.

Manning, pictured inset below, explained at the time of the deal that the intention was to provide the young striker with more consistent minutes than could be offered in BS3 to continue his development. Ultimately, things haven't quite worked out as planned, with Mayulu limited to just one league appearance as a result of injury.