Ephraim Yeboah has made 12 substitute appearances for Bristol City in his first professional campaign
Three months following his last league game for the Robins, Bristol City attacker Ephraim Yeboah has been loaned to Bath City for the remainder of the campaign.
At the beginning of 2023–2024, Yeboah was a revelation for the Robins, making 11 appearances off the bench under Nigel Pearson despite only having signed his first professional contract at Ashton Gate after turning 17 in July.
But since Liam Manning took over at the beginning of November, his playing time has drastically reduced. By the end of 2023, he was a consistent member of the matchday squad, but he only made one appearance under the 38-year-old’s leadership—11 minutes as a substitute during the 2-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Manning acknowledged in January that the teenager was going through “a challenging period” that would eventually make him a better player because he had essentially returned to the academy set-up, where he was playing for the Under-18s and Under-21s. The teenager had not been included in a matchday squad since the 0-0 draw at Birmingham City on December 29.
There was an internal belief that regular match minutes would better assist his long-term development than continuing to be a part of the senior squad but not actually playing.
“He rose to fame really quickly, but he’s also going through a difficult moment right now, which is okay. It doesn’t alter our opinion of him. We are here to coach and assist him because we are aware of his qualities, Manning said.
“His job is to show up and work as hard as I can every day, and I have to say, he’s a credit to himself because his attitude is terrific,” the speaker emphasised.
Jerry Gill will now coach Yeboah in the National League South for the 2023–2024 season. The Romans also have goalkeeper Josey Casa Grande, who inked a new contract with City last week, and former U21 midfielder Ewan Clark, who moved to Twerton Park last month on a permanent basis, in their ranks.
With 13 games left in the season, Bath is presently ranked fourth in the table among the sixth-tier play-off spots. Additionally, Isaac Vassell, a former striker for Birmingham City, Luton Town, and Cardiff City, has finalized his agreement with the Romans.
Yeboah is still qualified to represent City in the FA Youth Cup despite the transfer along the A4. The U18 team will meet Swindon Town in the competition’s quarterfinals at Ashton Gate on Thursday.
