Kenyan Defender Upbeat Despite Bristol City’s Failed Premier League Bid

Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner has chosen to focus on the positives following Bristol City’s failed bid to secure Premier League promotion, despite a heavy 6-0 aggregate loss to Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off semi-finals.

Vyner, ever-present throughout the 2024/25 campaign, played the full 90 minutes in the second leg at Bramall Lane, where the Robins fell to a 3-0 defeat — a mirror of the scoreline from the first leg at Ashton Gate. 

The result officially ended City’s hopes of returning to England’s top flight for the first time since 1980.

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Despite the disappointment, Vyner remains reflective and optimistic about the strides the team made this season.

"I haven’t really had too many chances to sit and reflect. We've played so much football this year that it’s just been a case of staying in that mindset of ‘what’s next?’ and keeping the momentum going," said Vyner in a press conference.

"But yeah, when I do think about it, it’s incredible. Like I said earlier, 10 months ago we were in Portugal for pre-season. If you’d told us back then where we’d be on the first of May, we’d have snapped your hand off for it."

Vyner was one of only six players in the entire Championship to feature in every single minute of the regular season — a testament to both his fitness and importance to Liam Manning’s side. 

Alongside goalkeeper Max O'Leary and midfielder Jason Knight, Vyner formed part of the backbone that powered City into the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.

A naturally right-footed centre-back, Vyner also embraced positional flexibility throughout the season.

"I don’t really mind, to be honest. Naturally, I’m right-footed, so playing on the right does feel more comfortable. But I’m happy on the left too—it opens up different types of passes and angles I can work with," he explained.

"What’s really helped is the continuity—playing regularly this season has made switching sides much easier. It’s tougher when you’re in and out of the team because it can feel unnatural."

City manager Liam Manning echoed Vyner’s sentiments, choosing to view the campaign as a significant step forward.

"I'm hugely proud of the lads for what they've achieved this year. Tonight must be a lesson for us," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

“Credit to the players, staff, and fans — who were phenomenal, making the long trip for such a tough match. Everyone has helped create a real buzz around the club. Of course, there’s room for improvement, but we’ve made significant progress over the past 18 months.”

While the dream of Premier League football will have to wait, Vyner’s resilience and leadership, coupled with City’s upward momentum, offer reason for optimism heading into the 2025/26 season.