'No-brainer' - Joe Lumley's first words as Bristol City make goalkeeper second summer signing | Bristol Live

Bristol City have announced the signing of former Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley ahead of the new Championship season

Joe Lumley has admitted that his decision to join Bristol City was a "no-brainer" with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a two-year contract at Ashton Gate to become the Reds' second signing of the summer.

The Robins confirmed on Wednesday evening that the 30-year-old would be joining Gerhard Struber's ranks in BS3 having departed Southampton as a free agent at the end of last season. The former Reading stopper played three times for the Saints in the Premier League as they were relegated to the Championship.

Throughout his career, Lumley has gained plenty of experience, particularly in the EFL where he has made more than 200 appearances during spells with QPR, Middlesbrough, the Royals as well as Southampton.

Having been a part of Russell Martin's Saints side that won promotion to the top flight in the 2023/24 campaign, the 'keeper is looking to repeat his success in the West Country.

Speaking to City's media team, the goalkeeper said: "Hopefully I can come in and help the lads to push that step further.

"I've heard amazing things about the club; it has an amazing training ground. It was a no-brainer to sign here.

"It's exciting for me, hopefully I can get to work straight away and show what I can do."

Increasing competition between the posts was always likely to be a priority for the Reds this summer. Max O'Leary has been City's clear number one since taking over from Dan Bentley under the management of Nigel Pearson and prior to his departure this summer, Stefan Bajic had done little to show he was a better option than the Ireland international.

It remains unclear where third-choice 'keeper Lewis Thomas' future lies. City confirmed they were 'in talks' with the former Forest Green Rovers man over a new deal when they published their retained list last month but no update has been provided on his situation.

Young stopper Joe Duncan has also put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Ashton Gate which will see him remain with the Reds until the summer of 2027.

Although at this stage it is unclear who out of O'Leary and Lumley will be City's number one when the Championship season gets underway in August, the hope is that Struber will now have at least two competitive options to pick from.

On the latest addition, the Robins' technical director Brian Tinnion said: "Joe is a goalkeeper with experience in the EFL and the Premier League.

"He adds both strength and depth to the goalkeeping department and we're excited to work with him."

City's pre-season preparations get underway this week with friendly fixtures set to be played in the coming weeks. Matches against the likes of MK Dons, Cheltenham Town and Bournemouth should provide fans and Struber with the chance to see their new 'keeper in action.