Bristol City have confirmed that they have signed defender Adrian Mariappa on a short-term deal.<\/p>\n
The experienced centre-back has signed a deal until January to provide defensive cover for the Robins.<\/p>\n
City are currently without both Alfie Mawson and Nathan Baker at the heart of the defence. As a result, this has left them with just three natural central defenders, meaning Dean Holden has had to look for reinforcements.<\/p>\n
Mariappa will add a wealth of experience to the squad, which will only prove beneficial to team-mates Zak Vyner and Taylor Moore.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old arrives at Ashton Gate after being released by Watford<\/a> at the end of last season. He made 91 appearances during his second stint at Vicarage Road but could not prevent the club from being relegated last season.<\/p>\n Speaking about the arrival of the Jamaican international to the official Bristol City website<\/a>, Mark Ashton, Chief Executive of the Robins, said: “I am thrilled that the club has been able to secure a player of Adrian Mariappa\u2019s quality and experience.<\/p>\n \u201cI am confident he will help Dean, his staff and players kick on after what has been a very good start to the campaign and our supporters should be excited to see him in a Bristol City shirt after the international break.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Head Coach Dean Holden said that the background checks done on Mariappa persuaded him to sign the centre-back.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve done our due diligence and received some fantastic character references and that\u2019s really important for me,” said Holden. “He is a fantastic professional who is reliable, and he can certainly help the guys around him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we spoke I could hear his hunger to come here, continue his career and achieve something special at this football club.\u201d<\/p>\n Main PhotoWhat Was Said?<\/h3>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>