Sinclair Armstrong's departure explained as aim to change City exit culture

The only confirmed bit of transfer business involving the Reds so far this summer has seen City announce that Armstrong will leave south Bristol, after two years on the club's books, for Süper Lig side Göztepe when the Turkish transfer window opens later this month.

Armstrong's exit comes after a mixed second term in the West Country. While the 22-year-old showed signs of improvement under Gerhard Struber, he was unable to hold down a regular starting role, ultimately making just three substitute appearances during Roy Hodgson's interim spell.

Rather than see how he fared under the management of new boss Michael Skubala, Armstrong and City have now headed their separate ways.

Though he hopes the Ireland international will be a success in Turkey, something he is keen to ensure is clear whenever a player leaves the Robins moving forward, Ellis feels the "right decision" has been made for all parties involved.

"Now, Sinclair has some raw attributes, and we just didn't feel at the time - and listen, again, back to the business and football, let's not shy away from these conversations - when an opportunity comes you have to talk about it. I think, for everyone, that was the right decision.

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"Listen, I hope he goes and does brilliantly, and I'm trying to change the exit culture so that the players that go will get a token, but it's just a bit of class from the club to say 'We really appreciate your contribution, thanks very much.' I think it was the right decision.

"Sometimes in squad-build, a gap creates opportunity or a knock on the door creates an opportunity where you need to think," Ellis added when asked if such decisions created a clean slate for him and Skubala to work from. "But most of these opportunities, if you're set up right, you know they're coming or - if it comes - you're prepared, and we're prepared.

"All of us in football, when a player goes, it's tough, but it's nothing personal."

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With the sale of Armstrong, the Robins do have an increased need to strengthen their striking options during the summer transfer window, which opened in England on Monday.

At the time of writing, Emil Riis is the only senior striker contracted at Ashton Gate, with Delano Burgzorg also departing BS3 this summer, upon the conclusion of his loan spell from Middlesbrough. The Reds remain keen to tie Sam Bell down to a new deal, but an extension has yet to be confirmed.

Both Ellis and Skubala told Bristol Live last week that they are "clear" on what is needed in south Bristol before the Championship campaign gets underway in August.

While City's sporting director has confirmed the Robins have a competitive budget, he insists the club will operate with a "longer lens" rather than spending unsustainably.