Bristol City sign former Pats and Drogheda defender Luke McNally from Burnley

Bristol City have added to their defence with the signing of centre-half Luke McNally from Burnley. The 24-year-old Irish defender joins the Robins on a four-year contract.

McNally expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating, "I am really excited and very grateful to be at a club like Bristol City. I wanted to join for the project really, and the manager has been successful, and I can see he is really building something here."

The young defender has gained experience at the Championship level with loan spells at Coventry City and Stoke City over the past two seasons.

His stint at Coventry saw him reach the 2023 play-off final, where the Sky Blues narrowly missed out on promotion to Luton Town in a penalty shootout.

Bristol City's head coach, Liam Manning, praised McNally's attributes and experience.

"Luke has a great pedigree and a lot of experience at Championship level," Manning said.

"He has all the attributes you would want in a defender, and we are pleased he is joining us."

McNally's early career saw him progress through the ranks of St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland, with a loan spell at Drogheda United. He later moved to Oxford United in 2021, before signing for Burnley in 2022.

At Burnley, McNally found opportunities limited, prompting loan moves to Coventry and Stoke.

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