A Reason To Be Kinnearful?

Joe Kinnear, the Newcastle United interim manager recently handed a six month contract by much maligned club owner Mike Ashley has, to the neutral, stabilised the saga filled North East club. But as wins keep slipping away and the January transfer window looms, the long suffering Magpies fans are beginning to get a sense of déjà vu.

Kevin Fletcher, editor of newcastleunitedmad.co.uk speaking on behalf of the fans said, “I fear for this club. For the first time, the fans have realised there is a real threat of relegation.” Kinnear was unveiled as Kevin Keegan’s replacement on the 26th of September 2008, initially as an interim manger until Ashley found a buyer for the club after Keegan’s departure led to supporter revolt and protest. Kinnear himself only expected to be in charge for only five or six games. However, as Ashley was unsuccessful in finding a buyer, Kinnear will be holding onto the post until the end of the season.

His first game in charge, an away game against Everton showed early promise as his team talk at half time inspired his Newcastle side to come from behind and earn a draw. Famous for guiding his team of misfits and nearly men at Wimbledon to several impressive Premier League seasons, Kinnear enjoyed the gang mentality. His players played with an aggression and intimidation that had them christened ‘The Crazy Gang’ and at Newcastle United, Kinnear had hold of a club and a squad in need of a leader.

Inspirational centre half Steven Taylor, a goal scorer in that game, gave Kinnear strong backing in the media, saying “Joe took me to one side during training last week and told me he had complete confidence in me. As a result, I was back on top of the world at Goodison Park and I hope I went a little way to repaying the confidence he has had in me.” This seemingly newly invigorated Newcastle, with Kinnear at the helm, looked hungry again with Taylor the epitome of desire. Three points though, keep evading the Magpies, with results under Kinnear seeing Newcastle take twelve points out of a possible thirty, with six draws, two draws and two losses.

The latest draw, against Stoke City last weekend saw Newcastle throw away another lead, something worrying Fletcher and his readers, “Kinnear’s tactics are so naïve, they are 1990’s tactics, trying to hold out for wins by sitting back. Man for man we are better than Stoke and in the end we were lucky to get a draw. Our wingers terrified their full backs and we were two goals up, then we went with five at the back and failed to hold out for the win.”

This argument that Kinnear is too set in his ways may have some substance, but if you want a manager that demands everything from his players in a relegation fight, surely there are few better men for the job. Kinnear himself is of course a highly competitive and passionate man, who arrived with a touchline ban from his Nottingham Forest days for calling a referee ‘Coco the Clown’. His ten game reign so far has seen him twice charged by the FA, once for foul and abusive language and once for his comment about referee Martin Atkinson being a “Mickey Mouse referee doing nothing.”

The transfer window allows Kinnear to mould his own team; a team he feels can escape relegation to the Championship and look at gaining ground on those clubs above them. He was brilliantly cryptic when describing two of his targets, saying “One has scored against us this season and one is out of favour at Roma.” The transfer window more importantly, opens up the anger Newcastle United fans feel towards Mike Ashley and his Director of Football Dennis Wise.

‘The Messiah’ Kevin Keegan cited his lack of input on transfer policy as to why he left, following the sale of James Milner to Aston Villa. Wise and Ashley faced protests from angry fans at St James’ Park who christened them part of the ‘Cockney mafia’. Top players have been linked with moves away from the club, and fans will be vocal with their feelings if they feel the club has been mishandled by Ashley and Wise in the January transfer window.

Fans are sceptical Kinnear is right when he told the BBC “I identify the players I want and then that will go back to the chairman, and then I assume he will give Dennis the order to go and get them, but they are strictly my players. I identify them.”

Kevin argues, “Ashley makes decisions like he is playing a computer game, he didn’t realise the passion the fans have for this club and that is why he is hiding away, because he has made terrible decisions. I really fear for this club, and the sooner he goes, the better. We deserve better than Mike Ashley, and we deserve better than Joe Kinnear for that matter. He is doing his best, but he is not the man for the job.”

Despite these arguments, Kinnear has been praised by others for his performance as Newcastle United manager after a four year absence from the touchline. The aggressive, underdog attitude of Kinnear and his teams does suit Newcastle United in their current predicament and for this season at least, the fans might just be thankful Kinnear is at the helm.

Lightning Strikes Twice As City Falter Again

Another week, and another exciting Championship match at Ashton Gate. The league provides consistently good matches and is a welcome step up from the seven enduring years of League One. Nottingham Forest were this weeks visitors, and the young side who have struggled recently following their return to the second tier, really gave a good account of themselves and played with a confidence that defied their lowly league position.

The rivalry between the two teams has intensified since our four meetings in League One, where City failed to beat the former European champions, but the fans did manage to beat a wine cellar, unfortunately smashing the window of a busy public house. Rioting ensued, and yours truly left Nottingham with no points and a sadness in my red and white heart.

With Nottingham Forest unbeaten against Bristol City for a remarkable 34 years, it appeared that things were not looking hopeful, but the only statistic that really mattered was Bristol City were in 9th place and Nottingham Forest were lying in 21st. Nottingham were coming off the back of three unbeaten games, however and Bristol City had only won two home games out of eight, a run that will have to improve if they are to repeat last years performance.

The game started at an exhilarating pace, with the 4-5-1 of Bristol City allowing attacking players David Noble and Lee Johnson the license to be creative because of the defensive duties of Marvin Elliott in a three man midfield. With Bristol City playing an attractive brand of football, it did leave them susceptible to counter attacks, and with the strike force of Joe Garner and Nathan Tyson in devilish mood Forest looked dangerous.

It was a very open game with both teams trying to win the game. It was pleasing to see City playing their attractive brand of football once again, with short passing and movement the key rather than a direct ball from full back aimed towards danger man Dele Adebola being plan A, plan B and plan C, a tactic which means we are harder to beat but harder to watch. I have coined this approach as Diet Stoke.

The more open style of The Reds proved negative in the 11th minute however, as Nathan Tyson used his frightening pace and improved strength to edge out Liam Fontaine on the left hand touchline and when he reached the by-line of the penalty box his squared ball found Garner. The £1.14 million pound signing from Carlisle then dummied past the onrushing Marvin Elliott and Jamie McCombe, who comically crashed into each other like villains from Home Alone and the striker showed the composure to curl the ball into the goal.

The Ashton Gate crowd,which had been so appreciative of the flowing football fell silent, as the Forest fans jubilantly celebrated in the Wedlock Stand. To Bristol City's credit, the game plan did not change, because the direct balls did not come and they kept plugging away trying to create an opening. It wasn't long before the chances arrived, with Dele Adebola and Michael McIndoe both guilty of missing glaring chances. This was looking like being the game that highlighted a lack of a clinical finisher in the side, before Marvin Elliott finished a sweeping move in the 38th minute, with a rasping half volley from 30 yards which crashed in off the cross bar bringing the crowd into rapture.

Half time arrived and city legend Chris Garland was introduced, promoting his new book to a nice ovation which was a nice touch. Moments later Tristan Plummer, youth academy prodigy and YouTube celebrity for his ridiculous skills was also introduced. This time however the reception was frosty at best, with I am pretty sure only me applauding him - who says the YouTube generation are a throwaway culture?

Jamie McCombe, who has a metal plate in his cheek following a stray knee from Derby's Claude Davis was substituted at half time. He took a knock to the other side of his face, but luckily he has since been given the all clear. With a fully fit squad, it was a risk that Gary Johnson took by only having Cole Skuse as defensive cover on the bench. That risk was about to be tested as the centre midfielder joined Liam Fontaine at centre half.

Within two minutes of the restart Skuse was involved in a communication mix up with Fontaine and Adriano Basso, as a rudimentary long ball from Luke Chambers was allowed to bounce and Nathan Tyson, again utilising his speed ran past Skuse. It was reminiscent of a Lamborghini up against a Morris Minor, and as Skuse slipped, Tyson side footed the ball underneath Basso in the City goal to make it 2-1. Skuse, looking like a player out of position was nervous and cagey on the ball. Tyson was like a shark sniffing blood chasing him down every time. The crowd were all talking about Tyson, a City transfer target this summer and accordingly the talk turned to 'What ifs and If only's.

This season's ability, or inability has been letting in goals at home. We constantly have to chase the game from a goal or two behind. It shows character to come from behind, but we have had to do it too often this season. The football was becoming more desperate and David Noble and Stern John were sacrificed for strikers Nicky Maynard and Stern John. The direct balls returned, and in the 80th minute a McIndoe corner wasn't cleared and the ball fell to Liam Fontaine on the edge of the area. His scuffed shot went through the crowded area and squirmed past Lee Camp in the Forest goal. City had come from behind again, and this time the crowd believed we could go on and win it.

Both sides had chances to win the game in those final ten minutes, but the most obvious came right at the death. A Bradley Orr floated ball into the area was chested by Stern John, who was bundled from behind by Luke Chambers. The crowd's cries for 'Penalty!' were heard by pedantic referee Graham Horwood and he awarded the penalty.

Euphoria descended upon Ashton Gate. Michael McIndoe, who missed a penalty last week against Southampton eagerly rushed up to the ball and placed it on the penalty spot. The euphoria turned to a nervous hush. 'Should he be taking this?'

Once the Forest players finished their protests, it was set. Michael McIndoe in front of the Atyeo Stand against Lee Camp from 12 yards out. 17,440 people stood in unison. McIndoe, with his left foot, side footed the ball and it was saved by Lee Camp. Anger, bewilderment and confusion spilled from the stands. McIndoe ran to the post and kicked out as hard as he could. The final whistle blew and a draw felt like defeat.

Football eh?

Ross Verbals

When The Baliffs Go Marching In

A wet and windy evening in Hampshire played host to Southampton's televised clash against Bristol City, and it was an evening that signalled future questions of both clubs. Southampton, with their elegant and impressive St Mary's Stadium, built in 2001 to replace the Dell was a sign of their intention to expand and build on their impressive stay in the top top flight of 30 years.

However, the move away from the intimidating and claustrophobic Dell and into the state of the art St Mary's Stadium didn't enhance the club on the pitch as the Saints were relegated under the management of Harry Redknapp in 2004. Despite several high profile departures bringing in plenty of much needed finances, Gareth Bale (5m), Theo Walcott (5m), James Beattie (6m) and Peter Crouch (7m) the club failed to gain instant promotion from The Championship. In doing so, the Hampshire side lost the parachute payments made to recently relegated Premier League teams and had to sell players in order to re-structure the wage bill.

As the squad became more fragmented with changes of managers and players alike, the club slipped into a downward spiral and only survived relegation to League One on the final day of the season. The match was against Sheffield United and a 3-2 win in front of a sell out 31,000 crowd. This season, the crowd which filled the pitch on that emotional day have stayed away from St Mary's with average crowds of 15,000 and the half empty stadium feels stale, soulless and beyond its means. Wholesale changes to the squad, with experienced players on high wages released, such as Inigo Idiakez, Darren Powell and Claus Lundekvam has seen the club take a bold stance and give Academy graduates the chance to shine. After years of trying to get out of the league with players of Premier League experience, and therefore wages, the club must be applauded for the brave decision to bed in youth.

The average age of the current squad is just 24, with most coming through the club's impressive academy system. Taking charge of this raw set of players is 1974 world cup winner Jan Poortvliet, whose total football approach has filtered through to his exciting, but inexperienced lineup. The side, with attack minded, pacy players such as Andrew Surman, Jack Cork and David McGoldrick play high tempo football but are being punished for their mistakes.

The match unfolded with Dele Adebola being absolutely monumental playing as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation, giving the 19 year old centre halves Alex Pearce and Oliver Lancashire a lesson in physical and direct play. Not surprising, really as the 33 year old Bristol City forward was recently described by Coventry boss Chris Coleman as "The strongest player in the league."

Adebola was instrumental in the only goal of the game as he shrugged off the attention of both Lancashire and Pearce and struck a left footed shot against the bar. The rebound fell to David Noble on the half volley who squared the ball to Lee Johnson, and his first time shot beat Kelvin Davis in the Southampton goal. The centre midfielder, son of manager Gary Johnson celebrated his goal with a passionate display of redemption having been ironically cheered off the pitch at Ashton Gate last week as he was substituted. This constant argument of nepotism has followed the player throughout his career at Yeovil and now Bristol City. Johnson said of his celebrations, "It was the celebration of a player who hadn't scored for a while. There was a lot of passion and frustration in it."

As the Bristol City travelling support sang in full voice, the emptiness of the stadium became more apparent, and Jan Poortvliet said of his sides "Fear of playing in front of the home crowd." A clear sign that the young team find it hard to believe they are worthy of such a setting because of the negative atmosphere around the purpose built stadium.

However, as Southampton pressed for an equaliser, the atmosphere became partisan and intimidating, as if the ghost of The Dell was returning to give it's killer some new life. Lead by calls from Kelvin Davis with his waving arms for more support, chants of "When The Saints Go Marching In" rang around the ground. I imagined that a full capacity would cause a racket similar to that of Stoke City's Britannia Stadium, recently announced as The Premier League's noisiest stadium.

The setting is built for the Premier League, where as local rivals Portsmouth hold their home games at the modest Fratton Park, but they are current FA Cup winners and taking on AC Milan in the Uefa Cup next week. Appearances can be deceptive in life, something Bristol City have to take into consideration when building their new stadium at Ashton Vale.

Ross Verbals

To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man

Gary Johnson signalled his intention to defeat championship rivals Reading when his Bristol City side take on The Royals at Ashton Gate this afternoon. Speaking ahead of the clash dubbed a derby because of the relative closeness of the two sides, Johnson said, ""It is one we can look forward to because if we've got aspirations and ambitions to get where Reading have been, then we've got to show that we're good enough to compete with the likes of Reading."

It is a rallying call that comes with a tinge of regret, for a manager that took his side to the Championship play-off final last season, only to lose 1-0 at Wembley to Hull City, the club now causing a stir in The Premier League. With this season's Championship league table taking shape after 14 games played Bristol City lie in 8th place, 3 points and 4 places behind today's visitors Reading.

Last season Bristol City did not lose in both home and away fixtures to any Championship side, but failed to beat the top brass sides around them, which ultimately led to the Reds slipping out of the top two and into the unforgiving play-off system. This season, The Reds have threatened to make the same shortcomings again, losing to both Wolves and Birmingham and failing to take all three points off of Cardiff and Sheffield United.

Johnson knows that City will be up against it to make sure Reading aren't added to that list, "They've still got a Premiership club and Premiership players. They've got a work rate second-to-none and they've got quality. Put all those together and it makes them a very dangerous club team. And we've got to match them all over the field."

That work-rate and desire is epitomised by the Irish trio of Kevin Doyle and brothers Noel and Stephen Hunt, whose work-rate off the ball is just as impressive as their quality on it. Reading, still managed by Steve Coppell, a manager who in 2007 was awarded the Manager of the Year award for guiding The Royals to an 8th placed finish in The Premier League.

The following season saw them relegated back to the Championship, where despite their fourth placed position they are struggling away from home, winning only once this season. The Ashton Gate crowd will need to provide a cauldron of noise and make Reading's players nervy and anxious, whilst trying to silence the sold out Reading following.

Stern John, the Trinidad and Tobago international on loan from Southampton is in line for his first start in a Bristol City shirt but Jamie McAllister and Louis Carey are still sidelined by toe injuries.

Probable Line-up:

Adriano Basso GK,

Bradley Orr RB, Jamie McCombe CB, Liam Fontaine CB, Brian Wilson LB.

Gavin Williams RM, Lee Johnson CM, Marvin Elliott CM, Michael McIndoe LM

Stern John CF, Dele Adebola CF

ROSS VERBALS

Three Weeks Is A Long Time In Football

Three weeks ago Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane seeking a win to enhance their playoff push, only for a James Beattie double and a Liam Fontaine own goal to really dampen the mood in a 3-0 loss which couldn't be argued as an unfair result.

This evening, the return leg is at Ashton Gate, with Bristol City having secured 7 points out of 9 in a two week spell that has seen the Reds bounce back up the table into the final playoff spot, sixth place. Now, three weeks on just one point and one place separate the two sides.

Since the 3-0 drubbing, both sides have added to their forward lines, with Sheffield United signing Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on a three month loan and Bristol City striking a similar deal to sign Stern John, Trinidad and Tobago's all time top scorer from fellow Championship side Southampton.

Team News - Sheffield United

Former Premier League stars Gary Speed and Gary Naysmith are rated as 50/50 because of injury, but target man Darius Henderson is out through injury and centre back Matt Kilgallon is suspended. Manager Kevin Blackwell doesn't appear to be too worried though, saying "We have a squad of very good players so when someone drops out it is nice to be able to bring someone else of equal quality in who can do a good job."

These injuries and suspensions means the team could look like this:

Paddy Kenny will be between the posts, and will hope for the lack of action he had at Bramall Lane three weeks ago.

In defence, Kyle Naughton the you right full back will be given the task of keeping out Michael McIndoe, who scored in this fixture last year. If Gary Naysmith is fit, he will start at left back alongside centre halves Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Morgan.

In midfield, the wingers will be Danny Webber and former Bristol City player David Cotterill. It will be interesting to see what reaction the Welsh international gets, as his transfer did bring the club £2 million pounds when he left for Wigan Athletic. However, following the East End abuse Leroy Lita had against Norwich, I think Cotterill will be facing some boo-boys. In centre midfield Gary Speed will be replaced by Brian Howard, Barnsley's FA Cup hero at Anfield last year should he be ruled out through injury, and playing alongside one of them will be the all action Stephen Quinn.

Up front Sheffield United will play former England international James Beattie alongside Billy Sharp, a potent strike force with a combined transfer fee of £6.25 million pounds. Set pieces are going to be crucial as all 3 goals at Bramall Lane were scored from free-kicks or corners.

Blackwell, is confident in his team's ability but is under no illusions. "They will be a different animal at Ashton Gate, where the fans are on top of you and their is a great atmosphere. When we beat them at Bramall Lane we caught them at their lowest ebb, and since then they have picked up points and are playing very well.

Bristol City Team News -

Bristol City Captain Louis Carey and full back Jamie McAllister are sidelined with toe injuries, so Andy Webster or Brian Wilson could deputise. Bradley Orr is back from suspension and is in contention for a starting place.

The side could look like this:

Adriano Basso will be in goal, after keeping 3 clean sheets in a row.

Bradley Orr and Brian Wilson could play right back and left back, with the centre half pairing of the dominant Jamie McCombe and the dexterous Liam Fontaine.

In midfield, Michael McIndoe and Gavin Williams will play left wing and right wing respectively, with Lee Johnson and the ever improving Marvin Elliott in the centre.

The strike partnership will be Dele Adebola alongside one of Lee Trundle, Nicky Maynard and Stern John.

Talking of the heavy defeat three weeks ago City boss Gary Johnson said, "Pride was hurt, in fact everything was hurt, but it is similar to when we lost 6-0 to Ipswich and then had the chance to put it right at Ashton Gate, where we beat them 2-0. Last season we didn't have any side beat us twice and this is the first chance this season to stop that happening."

Gary Johnson Quote of The Week -

"It's not just about revenge. We want the three points. Revenge has to be in your hearts, not your head."

Ross Verbals

City Lose Ground In Title Push

Bristol City right back Bradley Orr claimed last night's clash against Birmingham City was a must win tie, with both sides unbeaten and Birmingham already four points clear of The Reds he stated they "Simply couldn't allow Birmingham to go seven points clear already." Unfortunately for Bradley and the rest of his teammates, a poor first half performance meant Birmingham City did stretch their lead over last year's play-off finalists, beating Gary Johnson's side 2-1 at Ashton Gate.

A near capacity 18,456 fans enjoyed a game that thanks to a spirited second half wasn't a walk in the park for Alex McLeish's Birmingham City side. However, the first half was something of a horror show for Bristol City, beginning in the eighth minute when Bradley Orr needlessly brought down Gary McSheffrey on the left hand touchline. The resulting free-kick saw Swedish international Sebastian Larsson beautifully flight his cross into the crowded Bristol City penalty area with whip and pace. Louis Carey's skimmed header flew across Adriano Basso in the City goal and into the corner of the net. Ashton Gate was silenced, as the travelling support celebrated going a goal up.

With Bristol City's usual short, crisp passing and moving of the midfield apparently moribund, the system was switched to a 4-5-1 with plan A being get the ball to dangerman Dele Adebola. His strength and aerial prowess was working as he won free-kick after free-kick and flick-on after flick on. The change in tactic did, however, mean that the midfielders were being bypassed and therefore felt short of confidence when in possession of the ball. The case in point was most apparent when Cole Skuse, a ball playing centre midfielder inexplicably gave possession away in his own half. James McFadden gathered the ball and ran from right to left, where left back David Murphy had made himself available. The pass was made and as Murphy looked up he saw a through ball was on and immediately laid in Cameron Jerome whose first touch got the ball out of his feet and his second hit the ball hard and sweet through the legs of the onrushing Adriano Basso to mak it 2-0. Just twenty four minutes were on the clock and the match was in danger of becoming out of Bristol City's reach.

The attacking play got more and more desperate with hopeful long balls hit in the direction of Adebola causing the only damage to the back line, if only in terms of winning Bristol City free-kicks. Of these free kicks, Lee Johnson came closest as a deflection took his low drive just past the post for a corner.

Alex McLeish had got his tactics spot on. Despite having a plethora of attacking talent in his squad, the back line were organised and solid, Maik Taylor was commanding and confident in goal and the centre midfield pairing of Agustien and Carsley had eyes only for defensive duties, marking the potentially dangerous pair of Williams and Johnson out of the game with their hard work and superior physicality. Too often were the Bristol City midfield outfought of possession. This solid base allowed the front four of wingers Gary McSheffery and Sebastian Larsson, and forwards Cameron Jerome and James McFadden to counter attack at pace which looked goal threatening every single time.

In contrast, Bristol City were struggling to play their passing game, and were playing record signing Nicky Maynard on the left hoping for the pacy ex-Crewe man to see more of the ball. To make matters worse Adriano Basso had to leave the field due to a calf injury, being replaced in goal by Chris Weale.

As the half time whistle was blown, something magical happened. Despite the poor performance and the disappointing score-line the players trudging off into the tunnel at the Atyeo end were not greeted with an angry mob and boos and whistles, but a defiant chant of " We always believe... we always believe! We're Bristol City, we always believe!"

That chant and a probable rollicking from Gary Johnson gave the side a belief, because the difference between the first and second half was startling. The midfielders were more committed in attacking the ball, and did not seem frightened when in possession. The Birmingham players were beginning to show signs of nerves as the atmosphere in Ashton Gate grew louder and louder. James McFadden who was excellent throughout, almost ruined the atmosphere with another run from right to left, this time taking the shot on himself and only just seeing his effort go wide.

Gary Johnson brought on Ivan Sproule to replace Gavin Williams and reverted to a 4-4-2 with Sproule on the right, McIndoe on the left and Maynard returning to his forward position. The pace and energy of Sproule was immediate. His runs were troubling his opposing full back and former Hibernian team-mate David Murphy, and importantly seemed to shift Bristol City as a team up a gear. He was an inspiration and the fans grew louder and louder in supporting their team, sensing the improbable.

Bradley Orr made Maik Taylor work in the Birmingham goal with a left footed curling effort, and a great ball in from Sproule saw Adebola felled in the box only for Skuse to charge in and skew his shot high and wide with a complete lack of composure. With the atmosphere still bubbling, Gary Johnson made a bold substitution as right back Bradley Orr was replaced by 'magic daps' himself, Lee Trundle. An attacking 3-4-1-2 was employed with Trundle just behind the front two and the waves of Bristol City attacks kept coming.

A quick Lee Johnson free-kick was brilliantly flicked on by Maynard but Adebola was just too slow in reacting with his slide at the back post as he failed to connect with the ball. Another set-piece was pulled back to McIndoe, whose shot was blocked and fell out to Sproule on the right and he delivered a threatening ball into the area. A resulting goalmouth scramble saw Adebola's effort hit the outside of the post and go wide.

Birmingham, sensing the opportunity of a counter attack brought on the pacy pair of Quincy and Marcus Bent, but it was Bristol City who got the next goal. A back pass to Maik Taylor was chased down by Maynard and as the clearance did not reach the Bristol City half, Carsley battled Skuse for the ball. Skuse won the battle and the ball slipped out underneath their bodies and Trundle saw the opportunity to hit for goal. From all of 40 yards his first time left footed strike swerved from left to right and with one bounce nestled into the corner of the net. Ashton Gate exploded, knowing City had 11 minutes still to find their equalising goal.

To their credit, Birmingham City came closest to scoring in those resulting 11 minutes as Quincy forced a great save from Weale with a curling effort and Bent also hit just wide when well placed. City were unable to spread the ball and were resorting to straight long balls which Martin Taylor and Liam Ridgewell did a great job of defending, and the knock downs then resulted in Birmingham City attacks. As the final whistle blew both sets of supporters applauded their respective teams but it was clear who the happier manager was.

"We played really well in the first half, but gave ourselves problems in the second by giving the ball away. Overall, however, I am thrilled with the lads" a chuffed Alex McLeish said of his players.

Gary Johnson on the other hand was not impressed with the attacking of his Bristol City side, "Where it matters in both penalty areas we were second, they had two good finishes - even our finish was 45 yards out - it wasn't in the penalty area and we've got to do quite a bit of work."


BRISTOL CITY ARCHIVE OF THE WEEK:

Bristol City face Everton, featuring the now Birmingham City pair of Lee Carsley and James McFadden in the Carling Cup, back in 2005. Enjoy Duncan Ferguson, Luke Wilkshire, Leroy Lita and of course Christian Roberts in all their glory.

Ross Verbals

To Download, Or Not To Download, That Is My Very Modern Question

I have had the official 2007/2008 Bristol City squad photo as my laptop's desktop background since last August and as we all know, we have had a truly exceptional year which has carried into this season where we remain undefeated. So, with the recent release of the 2008/2009 squad photo my dilemma is a superstitious one.


Like many footballing fans I can be very superstitious and currently have a 'lucky' scarf, epitomised by the match away to Leicester City where I missed a bus into Birmingham city centre to reclaim my scarf having left it at home. The match went on to be a mauling, with Leicester having an incredible 21 shots on goal and and Adriano Basso being equal to every one on target. The Reds scraped a 0-0 draw, thanks mainly to Adriano, but I honestly believe my lucky scarf played the supporting role.

I used to have a pair of 'lucky' trousers before I forgot to wear them to Hillsborough a few years back culminating in a last minute 1-0 defeat, a defeat so cruel that on my 4 hour trip home to Clevedon I decided that the jeans no longer held that special power over opposition teams, I could no longer feel the safety of the cords, because they were not there for me and Danny Wilson on that fateful day.

So is my current screensaver the next 'lucky' item which i would be foolish to recycle? Or should I take the plunge and download the current squad photo, even though we sit pretty in fourth place, showing no signs of a Wembley hangover. Would the team really experience a screensaver hangover? Knowing that any dip in form lies firmly on my head?

What do you think readers?

ROSS VERBALS

"It's A Game Of Two Halves, Kid."

Bristol City failed to capitalise on a very impressive first half display, as the televised match against transitional Derby County finished one apiece in a match both clubs failed to sustain their dominance.

The Sky Sports cameras were treated to an overcast evening at Ashton Gate without the fireworks of last season, literally, as the display was absent in what presumably has been scrapped as part of the cost cutting for Nicky Maynard's transfer fee to Crewe Alexandra. Bristol City started with purpose and Michael McIndoe and Dele Adebola combined as early as the fifth minute to force a point blank save from Roy Carroll. Derby's full back pairing of Tyrone Mears and Jay McEveley, so often terrorised by Premier League wingers last season were finding normal service resumed in The Championship as they were caught in behind by the clever and energetic movement of the Bristol City front line.

Adebola found his way to goal impeded twice, only by his failure to get the ball out of his feet, as Ashton Gate roared with approval to the positive football being played against a solid opposition, orchestrated by the diminutive figure of Lee Johnson. Just as the momentum was peaking, with Derby firmly on the back foot, a shocking injury to centre half Jamie McCombe halted play for five minutes as Paul Jewell's Derby County side tried to re-organise and rejuvenate their faltering play.

McCombe was caught with an accidental knee by Claude Davis which fractured the ex Lincoln man's cheekbone, and he will miss up to six weeks of action. With Louis Carey now the only fit centre half, right back Bradley Orr had to become the makeshift centre back alongside captain Carey and begin what would become an interesting tussle with Rob Hulse. Brian Wilson, the utility man who claims right back to be his favoured position got the chance to prove that statement, as he slotted into the right back spot.

Despite the stoppage, Bristol City's dominance of possession continued and the breakthrough came from great attacking full back play from the recently introduced Wilson. His initial header was delightfully controlled in the air with the ball still behind him, with a deft flick by Gavin Williams, who spotted the positive running of Wilson. The substitute had ran half the length of the pitch to give Williams the option of a through ball. The ball from Williams was perfectly weighted and, placed inside the penalty area, Wilson played the ball across Roy Carroll, whose palmed save fell to Nicky Maynard just two yards from goal and he swept home his first league goal for Bristol City. The record signing from Crewe has an extraordinary goals to games ratio, and positioning like that shows why.

The first half continued with City dictating the pace of the game and their hard work on and off the ball was causing Derby all sorts of problems, as Orr, Williams and Adebola all went close again. However, as the half time whistle blew, Bristol City only had a single goal advantage, which should have been two or three for the dominance they had shown in the opening period.

Paul Jewell's 28 league match barren run was looking like it was not coming to an end, with his side showing nothing offensively, a disjointed and over-ran midfield and a back four struggling to deal with the Bristol City passing game. A manager known for his use of vocal chords, it seemed the Jewell 'hair dryer' had done the trick by the time the second half began. "I can't repeat what I said at half-time but I gave it to them, I lost my rag because we were losing battles all over the pitch."

Derby's defence were tighter to the wingers and strikers of Bristol City and the hardworking Robbie Savage epitomised the change in desire as he fought and harried for every ball. Bristol City could not get their midfield quartet on the ball and were resorting to long, hopeful passes. Derby were back in the game.

A standard low cross was whipped in by Tyrone Mears and Lee Johnson inexplicably squared the ball, with the intention of passing it to Jamie McAllister, only for Paul Green to intercept and hit a shot through a weak attempt to save from City keeper Chris Weale. City had lost their lead, and lost their grip on the game. Still, Derby worked off the ball to keep the Robins midfield quiet and as the passing of Johnson was neutralised, so was the attacking football. Both teams played out the last half hour without real incident in what became a stalemate.

Two points lost then, in a match that for 45 minutes promised so much for Bristol City. With four points and a win in the League Cup, Bristol City still go to Coventry City on Saturday knowing they are unbeaten this season. They will be without commanding centre half Jamie McCombe of course, but it was announced today Andy Webster of Glasgow Rangers has signed on loan until January as his replacement.

The former Scottish international is probably best know in the footballing world for his bizarre transfer from Hearts to Wigan. Oh, and being elbowed in the face by John Hartson, at least it was his elbow and not his foot, eh, Eyal Berkovic? Anyhow, here comes the explanation of 'The Webster Ruling'.

Webster was the first player to invoke a loophole in Article 17 of a FIFA adopted EU law, enabling him to cancel his contract with Hearts in the third year of a four-year deal, with the provison that he joined a club in a foreign country and that sufficient notice be given to his former employers. Webster's transfer to Wigan Athletic was ratified by FIFA, seemingly creating a legal precedent for the conduction of international football transfers.

However....

In May 2007, FIFA ruled that Webster had canceled the contract "without just cause" and without the required full 15-day notice. FIFA suspended him for the first two matches of the 2007-08 season. They also ordered him to pay £625,000 to Hearts. On 30 January 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Heart of Midlothian Football Club were to be awarded £150,000 for Webster's breach of contract. This amount had to be paid by Webster to the club.

See, you learn something new every week with Ross Verbals! Bristol City signing a world renowned player for his transfer sagas rather than his ability? (Webster hasn't played a competitive game for almost a year.) Blimey, who are we going to sign next? Jean-Marc Bosman?

Ross Verbals

D-Day For Resurgent Rams

Derby County, just the mention of the club's name last season would have brought snigger's and unapologetic laughter, as the East Midlands club failed to provide meaningful opposition at Premier League level. Yet the club's supporters filled their allocation home and away, accepting each defeat as a learning exercise believing they would come back stronger next season.

After changing their manager from Billy Davies to Paul Jewell, a change that yielded no wins and no surprises Derby County finished their Premier League season on a measly 11 points. Perhaps the Championship play-off winners of 2007 have shown Bristol City what a nightmare the dream of winning at Wembley could have turned into?

So, with the fans ready to forget about the gluttony of punishment that was the Premier League, another full house at Pride Park greeted Championship newcomers Doncaster Rovers last week for the opening game of a new season, and a new Derby County. Twelve new signings have been brought in, and the club is widely seen as a force in The Championship, having been made sixth favourites to win the league outright.

Doncaster Rovers, with their side from League One relatively intact, minus Paul Green, with the hard working midfielder joining - you've guessed it - Derby County. With the game goalless at half time and new striker Rob Hulse missing some great openings, the Pride Park crowd now full of expectancy, not despondency, is growing restless.

Cue Lewis Guy, a Newcastle United youth team player that never made the grade who has since plugged away at Doncaster Rovers... he shoots, he scores. Derby, stunned and dismayed, do little else as Doncaster confidently pass the ball, keeping possession like a team that has been together for years as Derby incoherently attack in pressurised hurries like a team that have been together, well, never. As the full time whistle blows, boos and jeers fill the modern stadium. New Derby County, same outcome.

They arrive at Ashton Gate tomorrow, having beaten League Two side Lincoln City 3-1 in midweek, albeit in extra time, with Nathan Ellington scoring a hat-trick. The striker, who has never really settled at one club is on a season long loan from Championship rivals Watford, whom after paying a record £3.25 million to West Bromwich Albion for his services just last year will be wondering how he has hit form - having scored just 4 goals in 34 appearances for The Hornets.

So what can Gary Johnson and his men expect from Derby County? The match sees the newly constructed side away from the expectant Pride Park crowd, which could allow them to play with more freedom, and having finally won his first match at the 29th ask, Paul Jewell will be giving his players confidence and belief, two characteristics his side had little of last season.

The Rams will be without captain Alan Stubbs, and Welsh international Lewin Nyatanga who both have knee problems so the team should look like this:

In goal will be Roy Carroll, the former Manchester United goalkeeper who infamously 'saved' a Pedro Mendes shot from the halfway line, despite dropping the ball over the line and being entangled in the net. He is experienced and will be looking to keep out 'dangerman' Dele Adebola.

In defence, Tyrone Mears will play at right back, the attacking former West Ham player has previously played Championship football with Preston and will have to keep an eye on Michael McIndoe. At left back, Jay McEveley who last season was tormented by some Premier League right wingers will hope for an easier ride against either Ivan Sproule or Gavin Williams on Bristol City's right midfield. Replacing Alan Stubbs at centre back will be Claude Davis, a player singled out by some Derby fans last season for his erratic defending. Alongside him, Martin Albrechtsen will be looking to use his experience of promotion with West Bromwich Albion last season to stop Nicky Maynard from scoring his first goal for Bristol City.

A new look midfield will see Steve Davies a young winger signed from Tranmere on the right, pantomime villain Robbie Savage and Paul Green in centre midfield, with Kris Commons, who controversially signed from rivals Nottingham Forest in the summer, and has received his first call up to the Scotland squad this week on the left.

The two strikers will probably be the newly signed pair of in-form Nathan Ellington, who will get a tasty reception from the Ashton Gate crowd, having made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers. Alongside 'The Duke' will be Rob Hulse, who since breaking his leg whilst at Sheffield United has failed to get back to the form that saw him finish the club's top scorer two season's ago.

Carroll

Mears Albrechtsen Davis McEveley

Davies Savage Green Commons

Ellington Hulse

CITY NEWS

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is fully aware of the Derby County situation, " They are like wounded animals, and we are aware of that. We have to make sure it's not this weekend they begin their turnaround."

After two games and two wins, Bristol City have shown no signs of a Wembley hangover following the bitter pill that was losing the Championship play-off final. An opening game victory away to Blackpool thanks to an injury time winner from Steve Brooker was followed by a 2-1 Carling Cup win at home against Peterborough, with a Louis Carey equaliser and another late Steve Brooker winner. Despite these good results, performances have not been the standard set by last season's efforts, perhaps showing promotion form.

The Reds must play better on Saturday however, as Derby County provide Bristol City with their toughest challenge yet. Adriano Basso has been declared fit again following his thigh injury that forced him off at half time against Blackpool, but his place is not guaranteed. The charismatic Brazilian has been deputised by Chris Weale who produced magnificent match winning saves against Blackpool and was not at fault against Peterborough. Young Welsh full-back Christian Ribiero, who was making his first team debut against Peterborough suffered a bad knee injury just twenty minutes in and has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage, which could mean he misses up to a year of football. 'Marvellous' Marvin Elliott is unlikely to be fit as he rehabilitates the foot injury that has seen him not compete in either match thus far.

I believe Chris Weale will start in goal, as he is in great form (and on the front of tomorrow's match programme) and Adriano Basso will come back stronger after a week in training.

At right back, Bradley Orr will be looking to keep Kris Commons quiet who is hoping to impress the Rams fans that saw him as a Forest player just last season and the Scottish boss George Burley. Jamie McCombe will have an aerial battle with Rob Hulse and Louis Carey will man mark Nathan Ellington in centre defence. Jamie McAllister will link with Michael McIndoe on the left hand side hoping to neutralise the threat of young Steve Davies.

The midfield will see Gavin Williams on the right, tucking in and playing through the middle at times with short, crisp passing. In the middle, Lee Johnson will look to come short for defenders and run the game with his wide range of passing and intelligent set pieces, alongside Cole Skuse who will run his socks off intercepting Derby passes and keeping his passing simple. Michael McIndoe is the most creative and clever of the midfield four, roaming from left to right, running at full-backs and tracking back well too.

Steve Brooker has caused a selection headache for Gary Johnson, by scoring two in two he will potentially take Dele Adebola's place in the side. However, I think he will replace Dele in the second half, as he has a knack for scoring late goals. Adebola will be looking for the ball into his feet or his chest with his back to goal, where he has the attributes to lay it off or turn and run with power frightening defenders with the presence of the proverbial brick shithouse. Alongside him will be record signing Nicky Maynard, a £2.25 million pound capture from Crewe Alexandra. He plays on the shoulders of defences, looking to use his pace to run onto through balls and he is a goalscorer, capable of putting chances away.

My prediction for the game is a back and forth score draw, I hope we play better than in previous games and get back to the passing football I know we can create. The match is live on Sky Sports tomorrow, kick-off 5.20PM. Tune in, don't take it from me, take it from Gary Johnson... "It's another event at Ashton Gate with the Sky cameras, and another chance to enhance our reputation."

GARY JOHNSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

On potential signings between now and the end of the season...

"We're getting phone calls from agents, telling us Roy of The Rovers is available, if we agree with them, we'll follow it up."

BRISTOL CITY ARCHIVE OF THE WEEK:

IVAN TISTIMETANU SCORES A STUNNER - 2000



Ross Verbals

"Ever Get The Feeling We've Been Here Before, Son?" Yeovil Town Preview

As pre-season results go, two draws and a loss don't necessarily constitute reason to look forward to the coming season. However, as Gary Johnson is fully aware, the pre-season is primarily about gaining that much needed match fitness before the 9th of August when Bristol City open their Championship season.

The draws against Forest Green Rovers and SC Olhanense followed by a single goal loss to Rushden and Diamonds have improved fitness, especially as the latter two were played in the heat of the Algarve, however performances have been lacklustre, forcing manager Gary Johnson to re-iterate, "We need a squad of 20 Championship players, and we haven't got that yet. We will be looking to bring two or three in."

The pressure is on the fringe players to stand up and be counted in the final few weeks before the season begins, starting with tonight's game against Yeovil Town at Huish Park. (Kick Off 7.45)

The match sees the return to Yeovil for City boss Gary Johnson who guided Yeovil Town out of non-league football and into the Football League for the first time in their 102 year history. The charismatic coach was very popular during his time at Huish Park, and is still fondly thought of despite his jumping ship to Bristol City in 2005. It is not only Gary Johnson who will be returning to familiar ground this evening, as Johnson has bought five former Yeovil players since his arrival at Ashton Gate in his son Lee Johnson, Michael McIndoe, Liam Fontaine, Gavin Williams and Chris Weale.

In the two seasons that Yeovil and Bristol City resided together in League One, Huish Park was a ground that Bristol City struggled to get a result with a draw and a loss at the old fashioned ground.

Yeovil Town

After several successful seasons in League One, last season was a disappointment for Russell Slade's men, who finished in 18th place just four points clear of the relegation zone. Accusations from some Yeovil fans blamed Slade's reliance on the long ball game and loan signings causing unrest in a squad far different than the team created by Gary Johnson. The previous season saw Slade win the League One Manager of The Year award, after guiding the Green and Whites to a 5th place finish and a date at Wembley in the play-off final, but this season has meant a lot of fans have forgotten about that. Unlucky, really, when you realise that most talented players have decided to leave Yeovil Town during his tenure - see Arron Davies and Chris Cohen.

Bristol City masters player Marcus Stewart will not be playing, as he has recently joined League Two side Exeter City, but 'The Weasel' Darren Way, whose Louis Carey's goalscoring free kick routine against Crystal Palace was named after has re-joined the Glovers after two seasons at Swansea City. He will be looking for his side to play the way they did on Saturday, beating Barnsley 2-0 at Huish Park.

The Yeovil squad for tonight's match is:

GK: Trialist

DF: Terry Skiverton, Scott Guyett, Lee Peltier, Nathan Jones, Craig Alcock, Rob Fitzgerald

MF: Marc Bircham, Darren Way, Danny Schofield, Kieran Murtagh, Trialists

FW: Lloyd Owusu, Andy Kirk, Aidan Downes, Trialist

City News

With tomorrow's match against Hereford United, the squad is likely to be split in two for the two games because Gary Johnson has said, "You will start seeing my plans by the Bournemouth game next Saturday." New record signing Emad Meteb has not had international clearance to work in England and misses out, as does Liam Fontaine who suffered an injured ankle in the loss to Rushden and Diamonds. There will be no return to his former club for Gavin Williams who is still struggling with his match fitness.

The likely starting line-up for tonight's match is:

GK: Chris Weale

DF: Bradley Orr, Louis Carey, Cole Skuse, Jamie McAllister

MF: Ivan Sproule, Lee Johnson, David Noble, Michael McIndoe

FW: Jennison Myrie-Williams, Dele Adebola

City fans will be situated in the Copse Road Terrace where tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for Senior Citizens and £1 for under 16s. You can watch highlights from this evening on BCFC World.

HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAST MATCH BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES AT HUISH PARK, BACK IN 2006.





Ross Verbals

Bristol City In Record Signing Shocker!!!

Bristol City have today announced the signing of the highly rated forward Emad Meteb for a club record £1.5 million pounds, subject to the striker obtaining a work permit. The Egyptian international had been linked with a move to Ashton Gate week after week, without an official comment from the club, but the player was unveiled today and manager Gary Johnson is delighted to have finally got his man. "He has always been our number one target. He's a quality finisher and the fox in the box. We've needed one for a while and I think he can work well with any of the strikers we have at the club."

Speaking of the longevity of the transfer to complete, Johnson added, "We've been tracking him for sometime and I have been over to Egypt to see him play. We have seen all of his African Cup of Nations games and we like his style of play and professionalism." The transfer, it has been documented, almost stalled over how the transfer fee was to be paid to Egyptian side Al-Ahly. This has been negotiated now and the deal will complete once the work permit arrives for the 25 year old.

Meteb was a popular and successful player at Al-Ahly, having been at the Cairo based club since the age of 12. During his time at the club he won a Bronze Medal at the FIFA Club World Cup 2006, 4 Egyptian Premier League titles, 2 Egypt Cup titles, 3 Egyptian Super Cup titles, 2 CAF Champions League winners medals as well as 2 CAF Super Cup winners medals. The club is hugely successful, has a massive following and high crowd expectations, so Emad should not be daunted by the English game at all.

Whilst at Al-Ahly Meteb was called into the Egyptian national team where the striker has won the last two African Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008. His strike rate is formidable too, scoring 22 goals in 47 appearances for his country and 89 goals in 172 appearances for Al-Ahly. Although last season Meteb only scored 5 goals for his club, his last appearance for Egypt saw him score twice in a 2-0 win against Malawi.

Speaking through a translator, Meteb said "It was a difficult decision to leave the club where I grew up and learnt football, but this is a professional life and I'm sure people will understand my decision in Egypt. I hope to realise all my dreams with Bristol City. I am happy to be here and I want to help the club win promotion to the Premier League."

This exciting news will prove to rivals in The Championship that Bristol City are not resting on the laurels of last season's success, the club wants to push onwards and upwards, striving for automatic promotion and the acquisition of Meteb will go some way to achieving that objective.

The transfer activity will not stop here with Johnson claiming Bristol City had placed 3 bids for players after the Gavin Williams deal was finalised, so the squad will be improved still, even after the addition of a club record signing. Our club is on the up, and captures of this calibre prove it.

"Here We Go Again" - Forest Green Rovers Preview

After the amazing story of last season's unexpected success in The Coca Cola Championship and the subsequent play-off highs and lows, the pre-season calendar begins this afternoon with a match away to Blue Square Premier side Forest Green Rovers. So, Here We Go Again! The Bristol City annual Latvian Tour has been replaced with a trip to Portugal - a sign of player power if ever I saw one, and a series of away matches against Hereford, Yeovil, Weymouth, Cheltenham and Bournemouth precede the only home fixture against Belgian side Royal Antwerp on August the 1st.

The pre-season aims to give the team match practice whilst improving individual fitness and team chemistry, the results are fairly secondary. Last season saw some heavy losses, including the corresponding fixture against Forest Green Rovers and some uninspiring draws against Yeovil and Bournemouth at home, but we went on to be unbeaten in the first 8 games of the season, proving the results are nothing to worry about early doors.

Forest Green Rovers, who are based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire are coming off the back of their highest placed finish in history, having finished 8th in the Blue Square Premier Division, previously known as The Conference. Their manager, Jim Harvey had spells at Bristol City as a player and was assistant manager to Northern Ireland under Sammy McIlroy. He took over from former Bristol City Captain Gary Owers as manager in September 2006, with the team struggling at the bottom of the league and has turned things around at The New Lawn. The side features ex Bristol City players Darren Jones and Simon Clist, but not goal machine Stuart Fleetwood who has joined our Championship rivals Charlton Athletic.

City News

Bristol City look set to play two sides, one in the first half and one in the second. With Marvin Elliott (Toe), Gavin Williams (Fitness), and Goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Adriano Basso (Knocks) all out of the squad this afternoon, Chris Weale will be the only player to play all 90 minutes. Gary Johnson explained that "Everyone has the same chance in pre season and when it comes to the real stuff I won't pick teams on birth certificates." This comes as good news to youngsters such as Frankie Artus and Tristan Plummer and experienced players such as Scotty Murray. One player who won't be playing is Richard Keogh, who has turned down a contract offer from the club and will be looking for a new club. It is unlikely that Johnson will start with a 'full strength' side, but each half will see a mixture of experienced and youth team players.

As Bristol City look to begin the season playing well and feeling match fit, you can see the team make their first step this afternoon at The New Lawn, with prices at £10 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and £2 for under 16s. Catch highlights on BCFC World from later this evening.

Ross Verbals

City Sign Gavin Williams

Bristol City today unveiled the signing of Gavin Williams from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee. The creative, attacking midfielder who can play on the wing and in an attacking midfield role has signed a two year deal with The Reds. It is the first signing of the summer for Gary Johnson as he looks to build a squad capable on replicating and improving on last season's success.

The Welsh international, 27, will have some familiar faces in the dressing room having played alongside Michael McIndoe, Lee Johnson and Chris Weale at Yeovil Town where of course they were managed by Gary Johnson. It is the second time Johnson has bought Williams, having signed him for Yeovil from Hereford United. Williams was voted player of the year by the fans at Edgar Street and his time at Yeovil was no less successful.

He was part of the team that gained promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history. Williams himself admits he "Played the best football of my career" at Huish Park. His energetic performances did not go unnoticed, and West Ham United paid £250,000 for his services in 2004. Despite an excellent goal at Elland Road against Leeds United and being called up into the Welsh national team, Williams struggled to hold down a first team place and was loaned out to Ipswich Town in 2005.

His impressive performances persuaded boss Joe Royle to sign Williams up to a full time contract and he left The Hammers for Ipswich Town in a deal worth £300,000. The following spell was an enduring one as knee and ankle injuries blighted his prospects at the club and he only started 11 games last season, including the game at Ashton Gate. Jim Magilton parted company with the player yesterday claiming Williams was "Unfulfilled potential" at Portman Road.

Gavin Williams arrives at Ashton Gate fully fit, hoping that with a pre-season under his belt, he can kick start his stuttering carrer. It is clear what his ambitions are for the club, "I don't see why we can't improve on last season's success and gain promotion into the Premier League." Johnson has bought a player to Bristol City that he knows and admires, a player that will add creativity and energy to an already impressive midfield.

For those who have bcfcWorld, video search the 2004-2005 season for Yeovil and Gavin Williams to see a peach of a goal scored by our new signing against Bristol Rovers, to quench the thirst.

Bristol City 2008/2009 Fixture List Analysis

"What do you do when there is no football on in the summer?"

"Nothing... it's boring. You just wait for the fixtures to come out." (Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch)

Following the amazing end to the Turkey versus Czech Republic match last night, my quench for football could not be greater, what great timing then, that the fixture list for Bristol City's next season were released today. As Gary Johnson likes to work in blocks of ten, let's analyse our fixtures as such, followed by the six game run in to the end of the season.

Before that, let's think about our first round Carling Cup game against Peterborough United. The Posh, who are managed by Sir Alex Ferguson's son Darren, were promoted from League Two to League One last season. They will be on a high following a great season, where they finished on 92 points scoring an almighty 84 goals in 46 games with the likes of Aaron McLean and Craig McKail Smith impressing. Let's hope for a good passing game and hopefully a win followed by a Premiership club in the next round.

So, to the league fixtures:

BLOCK 1 ( August 9 - October 4 )

blackpool away, DERBY HOME, coventry away, QPR HOME, cardiff away, BIRMINGHAM CITY HOME, DONCASTER HOME, wolverhampton away, PLYMOUTH HOME, sheffield united away.

Starting our season away to Blackpool was a popular choice amongst fans, a weekend out or missing a low key game due to holiday being the main reasons. Blackpool, despite their lack of grandeur offer a hard working team with some quality players, like a lot of teams at this level. They proved that by surviving last season without the finances of former Premiership clubs or even ourselves. We need to be looking at winning this game however, as it will put us in good form going into the next few matches.

Paul Jewell's revamped Derby County side will be our first home game and they will be looking to put last season's nightmare behind them. The acquistions of Paul Connolly from Plymouth and Kris Commons from Forest are exactly the players that Jewell wants to bring to the club to get them back out of the division, experienced Football League players who offer something extra in times of need.

The Coventry away game will see City sell out their allocation again, hoping to go top of the table like last year, Chris Coleman will have other ideas however, although previous managers Iain Dowie and Mickey Adams have seen what our club can do to the Sky Blues.

Queens Park Rangers played us off the park last year at Loftus Road with Agyemang, Vine and Buszacky all looking sharp. No doubt they will have bought a new squad by the time this game comes around, with Premiership players Peter Ramage and Radek Cerny already joining the Hoops revolution this summer. At Ashton Gate we will offer resistance to all teams, but Derby and QPR will both be favourites to beat us.

Cardiff away follows, with Lee Trundle desperate to get on the scoresheet, it seems Cardiff will sign a big name soon with Jason Roberts and Robert Earnshaw both turning down the BlueBirds recently. These games are always tense affairs, which recently have gone the home team's way.

Birmingham have the greatest attacking threat in the league despite the loss of Mikael Forssell, with Cameron Jerome excelling at this level and James McFadden who is quality at international level. They will bring a Premiership level performance to Ashton Gate.

Doncaster arrive at Ashton Gate the following week, hoping to be this seasons Bristol City, as they play a good brand of football and will upset a few teams this term. It will see the return to Ashton Gate for Mark McCammon and Paul Heffernan, as well as that elusive nearly Bristol City man, James Hayter.

We then head to Molinuex, which has been called Fontaine-Gate by me at least and despite the signing of Sam Vokes from Bournemouth, I think we did well against them last season and can gain at least a point in that game.

Plymouth will then come to Ashton Gate looking for a repeat of last season, where they beat us 2-1, they have a solid back 4 who we will do well to break down and are useful from set plays, the match will be tougher if they hold on to Peter Halmosi. Hopefully, we can keep Rory Fallon quiet as he always seems to score against us.

Folowing that we head to Brammall Lane to avenge the cruel loss to them last season where Nicky Carle, David Noble and Lee Trundle played them off the park. Blackwell's men will need to start better than last season and have a squad capable of doing so.

So, as opening blocks go, what do you think? I think we have got to target the home games, Derby will be in their transitional period early doors, QPR will come to beat us and we might nick it, ditto with Birmingham. Doncaster and Plymouth will provide good tests and we will not underestimate them, but those are the six points we have to be looking at as bankers.

The away games are always difficult to call in this league, but I'm sure there will be some dissapointment if we fail to beat Blackpool on the opening day and Coventry a few weeks later because of last seasons heroics, we might get something out of the Cardiff, Wolves and Sheffield United games too.

The opening block is looking difficult, with two relegated sides at Ashton Gate and the first of two away matches in Wales, which is always tense, but these opening games are crucial to kickstarting our season. Being positive at Ashton Gate and resolute away from home will go some way to seeing us guarantee we finish the first block with (hopefully) at least 15 points.

Block Two analysis will follow tomorrow.

BLOCK 2 ( October 18 - November 29 )

NORWICH HOME, charlton away, barnsley away, SHEFFIELD UNITED HOME, READING HOME, southampton away, NOTTINGHAM FOREST HOME, crystal palace away, WATFORD HOME, preston away.

Following the opening 10 games, which usually dictates whether a side has promotion aspirations or midtable obscurity to look forward to, we begin our second block at home to Gleen Roeder's Norwich City. The sides were seperated last season by Steve Brooker's last minute header, which left Roeder fuming. They will be without the experience of Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin, and we should be looking to repeat last season's results against them.

Away against Charlton is next for The Reds, in a fixture that last season ended 1-1, thanks to a spirited second half performance. The point could have been made three if Michael McIndoe's late free kick didn't crash back off the bar. Charlton have recently signed ex Crystal Palace captain Mark Hudson who will certainly know plenty about our squad. A draw would be a creditable result here.

A trip to Yorkshire to play Barnsley follows, a match that saw us put out a poor second half performance letting in 3 goals in the second half last season. They proved their credentials at home last season by not only beating us but a little known team called Chelsea in the FA Cup. A tough place to come away with the points.

We then face Sheffield United for the second time within a month, much like we did with Ipswich Town last season, with contrasting results. This match could follow the fall out from the previous tie if a controversial moment proves pivotal. We played excellently in both games last year against them, and at Ashton Gate we will fancy our chances.

The next team to visit Ashton Gate is Reading, newly relegated after two respectful seasons in The Premier Laegue. Recent clashes have been full of incident, from the back and forth 3-3 draw to the horrendous Dani Rodrigues injury. Some added spice will be the potential return to Ashton Gate of Leroy Lita, Liam Rosenior and Scott Golbourne. At least one team is bearing the fruition of our academy.

We then visit Southampton's impressive St Mary's Stadium, the scene of a poor 2-0 loss in front of a sell out Bristol City away following which culminated with in-fighting between City fans. We will be looking to put that experience behind us and put in a much improved performance, both on and off the field.

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest then visit Ashton Gate, to renew the rivalry we had in League One. When it looked as though some spice had been taken out with Junior Agogo looking to leave, they sign another old foe in ex Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw. Throw in the spats with manager Colin Calderwood and the crowd trouble at The City Ground and we have ourselves a very tasty tie.

And that is just the preview, as the following week we return to Selhurst Park, to face Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace side still reeling from the last time we played them at their ground and David Noble's superb strike and celebrations made Warnock fume about overcelebrating. The sides will no doubt be 100% again and we will see lots of full hearted challenges and if the matches are similar to last season, plenty of talking points.

After all of that build up to the Forest and Palace matches, there is no rest for City as fellow play-off semi-finalists Watford are next to Ashton Gate. Although their season capitulated disappointingly, Aidy Boothroyd's side proved last season they are a tough team to beat, resolute and compact. Only for Adriano Basso's fine penalty save did we come away with a point. A tough game following Forest and Palace our squad may need to show its strength in depth to dig in and get a result out of this one.

We finish our second block away at Preston looking firmly to gain all 3 points following a run of hard games. To complete the block of 10 with a win would be good, with almost half the season gone we will definitely know by this point if we can sustain the form of last season. I think this second block is slightly harder than the first but still the same rules apply, be positive at home and resolute away. The Cider Army will be supporting the lads on no matter what and I am looking forward to these run of games with plenty of previous history and intrigue.



away, CRYSTAL PALACE HOME, doncaster away, WOLVERHAMPTON HOME, plymouth away, BARNSLEY HOME.

BLOCK 4 ( February 3 - March 21 )

CHARLTON HOME, norwich away, SOUTHAMPTON HOME, reading away, BLACKPOOL HOME, birmingham away, derby away, COVENTRY HOME, CARDIFF HOME, qpr away.

THE RUN-IN ( April 4 - May 3 )

PRESTON HOME, forest away, IPSWICH HOME, swansea away, SHEFF WEDS HOME, burnley away.

The Unknown and The Heartbreak - City Season Review 2007/2008

Another year, another play-off disappointment. Bristol City really don't like those dreaded words, to score a goal in a final would be nice! No matter how much it hurt seeing our players beaten and dejected on the Wembley turf as Hull lifted their playoff trophy to the sounds of fireworks and Humberside cheers, you have to admit... this has been the most exciting season for a long, long time. Playing in some historic grounds, outplaying so called superior sides, Sven at The Gate and those semi-final playoff ties all made this season very special indeed. How many magic moments could you pick out from the season, from Johnson's barmy quotes, the East End's 'Bounce Around The Ground', McCombe's overhead kick, the 3,000 fans away at Coventry seeing us go top of the league... the list goes on and on for all of us CiderHeads to cherish and behold.

Yes, the season had it's hard times too, the 6-0 loss to Ipswich, the fighting amongst ourselves at Southampton and the realisation that Pulis had beaten us to it at the Britannia Stadium. But, these have all put us in the strong position for next year, we know we are capable of causing problems to any team, and the team clearly have the self belief, a few signings to improve the squad and we will be on our way to another magic season.

As a Bristol City season ticket holder at Ashton Gate for the last 11 years, I can honestly say being in the beautifully traditional English football stadium has never felt better or more important. The club, fresh from a second placed finish in League One were promoted to the Coca Cola Championship, a league which attends more fans per week than Serie A. What has this meant for our club?

TRANSFER KITTY

Well, with Gary Johnson as manager,we had prided ourselves on shrewd signings for little or no money - see Phil Jevons (Free transfer - 43 appearances, 11 goals). With the help of Jevons' goals we were promoted last season, but with the promise of a greater quality of opponents in The Championship, Steve Lansdown placed his hands inside those deep pockets. To the delight of us fans, we have spent somewhere in the region of £3 million on the likes of Lee Trundle, Michael McIndoe, Ivan Sproule, Nick Carle and Dele Adebola. All players of great attacking prowess and intent who play passing football at pace.

NEW STADIUM?

It has also seen the unveiling of a potential new stadium, which if it is granted will be situated in Long Ashton and will seat 30,000 or if the bid for the 2018 world cup is accepted, 40,000 people. This is a huge deal, but I do have some reservations about the process, having seen Coventry unveil a smashing stadium, only for it to consume the club and force it into administration. I have a soft spot for Ashton Gate, and I always will.

NATIONAL EXPOSURE

Thirdly, the exposure of Bristol City has improved tenfold, with Sky Sports, newspapers and online avenues all paying an interest in the goings on at our proud, but somewhat bewildered club. From the praises of Gary Johnson, a manager that inexplicably still does not have 100% backing at Ashton Gate, mostly to do with what some fans see as nepotism. Lee Johnson, the managers son is a player of great ability, and specifically in the 4-5-1 that we favour this season, he plays a pivotal role linking play between defence and attack. The manager gained the club its greatest media exposure with the Liam Fontaine debacle, where in an interview with BCFC World TV, Johnson quipped "If Fontaine ever scores, I will show my backside in Burton's window" Enter Fontaine, away from home at Molineux, trailing 1-0 against a buoyant Wolverhampton side as ex Wolves man McIndoe, who was booed the whole game by the home fans whipped in a free kick. The centre back who had previously gone his whole professional career without scoring a single goal rose at the back post and headed across goal into the corner of the net. With the prospect of Johnson's arse on public view, Soccer AM wisely decided that rather go through the bare bottomed anguish, Johnson should 'Take one for the team'. Fontaine had three shots at trying to kick a ball at the boss' behind, but in keeping with Fontaine's scoring record, he failed to hit the target.

Bristol City brighten up a landscape of football, which since the early nineties has been lacking in charisma and bravado.

So, to the team in its current climate, I shall brief on each player and rank their performance this year:

Basso - Our Brazilian goalkeeper is a firm fans favourite, who keeps you occupied for the whole ninety minutes, when he is not raising his hands in prayer he is star jumping on the spot, and when he is not doing that he is making some spectacular made for TV saves. His performance away to Leicester is the best I have ever seen from a goalkeeper. 9/10

Orr - Bradley Orr was bought as a box-to-box midfielder but has excelled in his now custom right back slot. He works hard, has come off best against some tricky wingers and scored some crucial goals. Two sendings off have let him down but commitment is what you expect from the guy. 9/10

Mcallister - Our Scottish left-back has come back from poor games this season and shown resilience, steel and some class. A great left foot, he should create more goals with crosses like he put in for Adebola at Colchester. His consistency is improving and he has had a good season. 7/10

Carey - Bristol born and bred (with a cap for Scotland B??) Louis is resolute and a leader. He defends with heart and the captains arm band clearly means a lot to him. A defender who can battle with target men and halt tricky strikers, Carey has been monumental. 9/10

Fontaine - Liam, with notoriety achieved for his goal scoring prowess silences the ribbing with his defensive displays. Quick, strong and with a good jump Liam has been another defensive rock. Keen to play, even at left back. 8/10

McCombe - Boom Boom McCombe as he is affectionately known, has not been playing at the consistently dominant level he was last season to gain the Player of the year award. Caught out when up against pace, he has however proved he can win a battle in the air with more direct sides. Improves with match sharpness. 8/10

Vasko - A cult hero, the Hungarian international centre-back has proved to be an important squad player. With a huge frame he is used sparingly, and is actually tremendously useful when he is playing as an emergency striker. Deceptively good with his distribution, Tamas has unfortunately not been offered a full time contract. 7/10

Elliott - Marvellous Marvin has been a revelation, a bosman signing from Millwall, little was expected of him, but his all out performances have earned him the praises of the Ashton Gate crowd. A great engine, he provides constant pressure to the opposition and has chipped in with some goals too. 9/10

Johnson - Lee, despite his vocal critics has performed well this year and having overcome a patchy mid season he looks assured in the 4-5-1 formation. Crucial with his range of passing from open play and his usually excellent set plays. Missed him through injury for the run in. 8/10

Carle - A January transfer window capture, we only got to see the best of Nick when the season was coming to a close having struggled with injury. It is clear however, that he is strong in the tackle and has great vision. He will provide us with invention next season for sure. 7/10

Noble - The hero who scored the goals to clinch promotion has been off the rails this season. His performance against Sheffield United was monumental, but soon after he faded, struggling with injuries and fitness. A quality player who I enjoy watching, and was pleased to see him earn his spot back through hard work. His goal against Palace was a goosebump moment. 7/10

Skuse - With the arrival of Elliott, Skuse's career has stuttered this season, and it is a shame as he shows much promise. Limited to substitute appearances when we are defending a lead. Played really well at home to Norwich in Elliott's absence. 5/10

Murray - Scott Murray is a hero of mine, who has that charismatic sense of gamesmanship and holds affirmation with the crowd, at 33 though, his starting opportunities seem limited. His goal against QPR was another magic Murray moment. 6/10

Sproule - Fast, fast, fast. Unfortunately, his finishing lets the boy down. A direct winger, who will provide teams with a constant threat, he shows huge heart every game. Unfortunately faded in the second half of the season. 7/10

McIndoe - I feel Michael has the best footballing brain at the club, his constant changing of the wings, turns and checks puzzle defenders and win us plenty of free kicks - which prove our most dangerous threat to the goal. 9/10

Wilson - Troubled by his versatility, he struggles to hold down a spot in the team. Scored a goal at Sheffield Wednesday that proved vital in keeping up our tempo. 6/10

Trundle - With the weight of a £1 million price tag on his head, Lee has at times seemed over awed, although he has lacked goals, he contributes with some nice link up and hold up play. His weight loss and improved fitness near the end of the season saw the 'real' Lee Trundle return to the ranks. 7/10

Adebola - The man who was bought in January to boost our firepower, has done very well, he will battle and hold the ball for our pacy wingers and attacking midfielders. Keep it up Dele. 7/10

Byfield - Top scorer Byfield has proved to be a bit of a super sub at Ashton Gate. Lots of his goals come late on in games when introduced. Pacy and clinical, Darren will work very hard defending from the front. 7/10

Yes, we are still in The Championship next season, but from where I stand the league offers more drama than the English Premier League and we will maintain the steady climb to a well respected brand of football, which will soon warrant a place in the Premier League. 13,000 season tickets have been sold for next season, so let's keep the faith, we're Bristol City, we always believe.

Ross Verbals