Bristol City seeks goalkeeper rivalry with Brad Collins signing

Bristol City have signed 29‑year‑old Brad Collins on a two‑year contract after his summer release from Coventry City. The deal adds a proven shot‑stopper to the Blues as they look to increase competition between their goalkeepers.

Bristol City identified a need for greater competition between their goalkeepers after limited opportunities for the previous starter. Manager Michael Skubala said the signing provides the depth he desires, noting, “He has good experience and will add to the squad in a positive way.”

Collins featured 42 times for Coventry City during his 2025‑26 loan spell, a stint captured by Getty Images]. Those appearances demonstrated the consistency the Blues seek in their goalkeeping department. Prior to that, he spent the previous campaign on loan in League One with Burton Albion, featuring regularly in the English third tier. The Burton spell gave him valuable match practice after limited opportunities at his parent club.

He did not feature for the Sky Blues during their Championship title‑winning season that secured promotion to the Premier League. Nevertheless, he amassed 46 appearances for Coventry City in earlier years, underscoring his experience at a higher level. Collins began his career as a youth player at Chelsea before moving to Coventry in the summer of 2023 from Barnsley. His background across a top academy and lower‑league football equips him for the demands of the Championship.

The two‑year contract offers Collins stability and a platform to re‑establish himself after his release. For Bristol City, the signing provides a goalkeeper ready to contest the number one jersey and strengthen the squad for upcoming matches.