Chairman Steve Lansdown has defended Bristol City's decision not to sign players on loan ahead of last month's transfer deadline.Lansdown has revealed that money was available for new recruits, but manager Gary Johnson opted to place his trust in the players who had taken City to the top of the Championship table.

Many of the Robins' rivals dipped into the loan market in March to freshen up their squads, yet Lansdown insists his manager was right not to follow suit.

"I have learned from experience not to put too much store by loan signings," Lansdown told the Bristol Evening Post. "We have had plenty of short-term signings during my time at the club and, in just about every case, they have fallen short of expectations.

"Let's face it, you are not exactly getting the best players. You are either picking up young lads from Premier League clubs who don't have much experience, or older players who are not good enough to get in the first team elsewhere.

"You have to be so careful when bringing someone in on loan. Speaking from personal experience, they rarely make an impact."

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