ROBINS INTERESTED IN GRIMSBY`S LEVER
The 30-year-old is to have talks with Ashton Gate boss Danny Wilson, and is excited at the prospect of a move to the West Country, after a previous plan to move to Luton Town fell through when manager Lenny lawrence was sacked.
Lever has spent 14 seasons at Blundell Park and now seems ready for a fresh challenge, and the defender is relishing the possibility of a promotion-chasing season to Division One with City next term.
Lever told the Western Daily Press: "I've been a one-club man all my career, but I feel it's now time for a change.
"There has been interest from other clubs but I've been keeping my options open.
"I must admit that I've not got fond memories of Ashton Gate as a player because Grimsby always used to get stuffed down there, but I do recall winning 2-1 once which was a nice change.
"There's no doubt that, potentially, Bristol City are a big club and I look forward to hearing what Danny Wilson has to say."
A fan favourite with The Mariners faithful, Lever has earned a great deal of respect for a number of solid performances in the heart of the Grimsby back-line.
The 6ft 3in player has been described as a no-nonsense centre-half in the mould of previous Robins stopper Shaun Taylor.
Lever said: "I suppose you could say I'm very much from the old school of defending, but I don't just see myself as a stopper.
"One thing that I can promise is that I will give 110 per-cent effort in every game."
Having fallen out of favour with Grimsby manager Alan Buckley last season, Lever slipped down the Mariners pecking order behind Richard Smith and Peter Handyside for the centre back roles, and he is now keen to return to first-team football.
Grimsby have offered Lever a two-year extension to his current deal, but the veteran defender is believed to have been holding out for a three-year deal.
Lever has spoken to ex-Grimsby team-mate Andy Tillson, who plays with City's arch-rivals Bristol Rovers, about life in the city and the rivalry between the two Bristol clubs.
If Lever does decide to join The Robins, he hopes City supporters can forgive him for an aerial challenge with ex-City striker Steve Torpey, which badly concussed the hitman three years ago.
Lever said: "Thankfully, Steve doesn't bear any grudges, and I hope the City fans feel the same way. We both went up for the ball and he just came off worse.
"I was very worried for him at the time and I even tried to call him in hospital later that night to make sure he was OK."
