Bristol City boss hails 'outstanding' Vyner after Harambee Stars prospect breaks club record

Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber has showered praise on Harambee Stars potential defender Zak Vyner, describing him as an “outstanding” player and “a really good guy” after the academy graduate became the club’s record Championship appearance maker.

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Vyner reached the milestone during City’s 3-1 comeback win over Southampton at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night, a result that extended their impressive form and ended a home drought stretching back to August.

The Robins recovered from an early setback when Adam Armstrong gave the Saints the lead after 30 minutes.

However, Anis Mehmeti quickly leveled with his fifth goal of the season before Scott Twine struck twice in the second half to secure all three points for the hosts.

Vyner, who played a key role in Twine’s first goal when his deflected shot rebounded off the post into the midfielder’s path, capped a memorable night by making his 219th Championship appearance, surpassing Marvin Elliott to become Bristol City’s record holder in the competition.

Speaking after the game, Struber was full of admiration for the versatile defender’s quality, consistency, and professionalism.

“From the first second I took over the team and saw Zak Vyner, he was, for me, an outstanding player profile-wise,” Struber told Bristol Live.

“He has pace, physical power, technical ability, and he’s tactically smart. He has everything you want to work with in a player and to develop him further.

Now we can see he’s not only a centre-back, he can also play as a six at a really good level. He’s consistent and reliable every game. A very interesting profile and a really good boy.”

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The Austrian tactician went on to describe Vyner as a model professional both on and off the pitch.

“I like him so much, how we work together, how he is in the dressing room, and how he acts after top performances. He’s humble, and it’s very nice for me as a coach to work with players of this level, especially with his attitude.

Every single player in the dressing room likes being around him, as does my coaching team. So, Zaky is a really good player and a really good guy.”

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Before Tuesday’s victory, City had been unbeaten in five Championship games away from home but had managed just one win from five at Ashton Gate this season.

That sole home win came against Hull City back in August.

In the weeks that followed, home fans endured defeats to Oxford United and Queens Park Rangers, along with a draw against Ipswich Town.