Bristol City boss Derek McInnes has leapt to the defence of striker Nicky Maynard over the 25-year-old's decision not to ink a new deal at Ashton Gate. The Championship club are now looking to cash in on the seven-goal forward in January.

McInnes said supporters - some of whom cheered the hitman's substitution in the 1-0 defeat to Coventry on Boxing Day - need to move on.

He told the Bristol Evening Post: "I can understand the frustration and anxiety among the supporters."

McInnes added: "There is a lot of emotion in football and that is why we all love the game - but I think Nicky is quite within his rights to see out his contract if that is what he wants to do.

"We still want him to commit to a long-term contract and he has told us he does not want to do that at the moment. That means we have to look after the interests of the football club and try to get back some of the money invested in him.

"I'm disappointed by his decision but I respect it at the same time. Now is the time to draw a line under the whole hullabaloo and move forward."

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