The £60 Million Pound Match - Part Two

One small step for Noble, One huge leap forward to Wembley. David Noble's exquisite injury time winner capped off another controversial Crystal Palace versus Bristol City match. Palace manager Neil Warnock was left fuming over what he saw as aggressive Bristol City play, and the way the team celebrated their injury time winner " I think you could see from their celebrations that they were already at Wembley. I didn't think much of their celebrations to be honest, there was no need for them to go off like they did. They're 2-1 up but celebrations should be kept until you are through. Football has a habit of getting you back."

Gary Johnson who was soaked with water by Palace midfielder Shaun Derry, knows that this game is only at the half - time stage, and his celebrations were not premature, but that of a man who saw his side concede a sloppy late penalty still go on to win away from home. Warnock may not have enjoyed seeing City stand up to their promotion rivals, but those who support The Reds will have taken great heart after seeing their side out-muscled at Selhurst Park in the league.

The match this evening is the biggest in the club's history for a long time, having come from League One to this point in only season is a remarkable achievement with which the club, the staff and the supporters can rightly feel proud of. It is a match that sees a great home side face a great away side, the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. A sell-out crowd is expected at Ashton Gate and Gary Johnson has sent out a rallying call to his fans, " Ashton Gate needs to be a cauldron of noise, no supporter should finish this game and still have a voice left".

How They Line Up

The line up is expected to change slightly with Matt Lawrence returning in place of Jose Fonte at centre back, giving Palace some experience over youth. James Scowcroft, the battering ram forward who causes a different threat to Moses and Morrison is missing out after aggravating his hamstring injury on Saturday. Neil Warnock, who was quick to dismiss the favourites tag even before the first leg is still confident of winning, "No pressure now, no-one will give us two hoots, and we're pretty good when we're underdogs. I remember being 2-0 down against Forest (with Sheffield United) in the second half of normal time and coming back to win in extra time. It's a different ball game altogether for Bristol's players. They know a draw will do. We already know what we've got to do. We've got to win. Some of the experienced lads can't wait."

Speroni

Butterfield Lawrence Hudson Hill

Sinclair Derry Watson Soares

Moses Morrison

CITY NEWS

How Palace approach the game, could dictate how Bristol City play themselves, as Gary Johnson explains, "That's the beauty of what we do, we play the momentum of the game. If we've got to defend, we defend. If we've got to attack, we attack. You take it as it comes, but of course you're looking to attack more than you defend."

Following the terrific performance and result at Selhurst Park, it is likely to be the same eleven again this evening as City aim to win promotion through the play-offs at the sixth time of asking. If the work-rate is there City are capable of gaining the draw or win they need to guarantee their place in the playoff final at Wembley on the 24th of May.

Basso

Orr McCombe Carey McAllister

Noble Elliott Carle McIndoe

Adebola Trundle

Let's hear Ashton Gate roar and help the players over the finish line... C'mon The Reds!!!

Ross Verbals

The £60 million pound match part 1 - Crystal Palace Preview

A solid and entertaining 3-0 win against Preston North End on Sunday saw Bristol City finish 4th in The Championship league table, setting up a tense play-off semi final against Crystal Palace. The two-legged tie will test Bristol City's Premier League credentials as Palace were the only side in the play off spaces who beat City this season. A 2-0 win at Selhurst Park was followed by a controversial 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate for Neil Warnock's side.

Warnock, who has proved a resounding success at Palace has taken the Eagles from relegation battlers to promotion favourites via the play-offs in a matter of months. The ex Sheffield United manager has been quick to quash the 'favourites' tag placed upon them by bookmakers and pundits alike. He said " I've seen the odds and I think it is an absolute joke that they see us as favourites for the play-offs. How does that work? We just went to Hull and got beat 2-1, and in all fairness it could have been more - and that was just a couple of weeks ago. We've got such a

small and young squad. Hull have to be the favourites."

The matches between the two sides this season did not pass without incident, Gary Johnson and his side accused Crystal Palace players of 'sledging' at Selhurst Park, a tactic Warnock's sides have been accused of in the past, as Palace physically overawed City in a 2-0 win. The tie at Ashton Gate was memorable for Carl Fletcher's admirable man marking job on Nick Carle which subdued the influential playmaker in the first half. The second half came to life with a Palace goal from teenager Hills, Bradley Orr's missed penalty and subsequent rebound and Jamie McCombe's last minute equaliser, which was scored half a minute over the allocated injury time. As McCombe celebrated in front of the Atyeo Stand, with a hard earned point intact Warnock was left to vent his anger. " In the first half he gave one minute of added time and blew up after exactly one minute when we were attacking outside their box, in the second half he gave four minutes and they scored after four minutes and 55 seconds. I think it was totally out of order."

HOW THEY LINE UP

With the past matches now history, and the prize even greater, Bristol City will need to hold up to Crystal Palace's physicality, mind games and team spirit. Currently in great form, Palace have not lost at home in 6 matches, and will be pushing to make it 7. With James Scowcroft out injured until recently, Warnock has employed pacy wingers Scott Sinclair and Victor Moses with Clinton Morrison profiting from the chances created by the youthful pair. The football has improved aesthetically, whilst the back four have stayed as resolute as before. Scowcroft has however recovered from injury and was an unused substitute in the 5-0 thumping of Burnley at the weekend.

In this first leg at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace are expected to use a 4-4-2 with Julian Speroni in goal, who despite still struggling with claiming high balls under pressure is a good shot stopper who has kept plenty of clean sheets this season.

At right full back Danny Butterfield has already won promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs and his experience could prove invaluable. At left back is the no nonsense Clint Hill who will be in charge of keeping David Noble quiet. The centre half pairing will probably not include Matt Lawrence as he recovers from injury, so Portuguese Jose Fonte, on loan from Benfica will partner captain Mark Hudson, who scored in this fixture earlier in the season at centre half.

On the right of midfield will be Tom Soares, who scored last Sunday, on the left will be on loan Scott Sinclair, who is a former Bristol Rovers youth product with a bright future. In the centre is the highly respected pairing of Ben Watson and Sean Derry, two more members of the squad that won the playoffs for Palace a few years back.

In attack is top scorer Clinton Morrison, who with 16 goals already will be looking to put one over his sister's boyfriend - Marvin Elliott. He will be partnered by England under 17 international Victor Moses, who despite his tender age is producing performances that has wowed his manager and opposition alike.

Speroni

Butterfield Hudson Fonte Hill

Soares Watson Derry Sinclair

Moses Morrison

CITY NEWS

On the eve of the biggest match in many of Bristol City players careers, nerves will be turning into adrenaline and adrenaline into the biggest possible performance. The pressure of such an occasion is huge, but with the underdog tag placed on them , they will look to rise above and claim a result at Selhurst Park so they can finish the job at Ashton Gate. Crystal Palace are going to come out of the blocks similar to how Stoke City did at the Britannia Stadium a few weeks back. If City can weather the storm better than they did that day, it could be a tight affair with City coming back to Bristol with a positive result.

Having played Preston North End off the park on Sunday and the return to form of our expansive attacking options in David Noble, Lee Trundle and Nicky Carle, and a re-energised Marvin Elliott, Bristol City have every chance of doing what they couldn't in the open season, beating Crystal Palace. Steve Brooker is hoping to be fit enough for a place on the bench and Lee Johnson came through his substitutes appearance on Sunday unscathed. Dele Adebola returns to Selhurst Park to face his former side, in what is likely to be an unchanged side.

Basso

Orr McCombe Carey McAllister

Noble Elliott Carle McIndoe

Trundle Adebola

C'mon the Reds!!!

Ross Verbals

Exclusive Louis Carey Interview

Last night, Bristol City Football Club thanked its player shirt sponsors by designating an evening to those who part with their hard earned money for the players and the club. Each player was asked to be photographed and spend the evening with their sponsors. The squad with the season not yet finished were hospitable, approachable and candid.

None more so than the man who we hope on the 24th of May will be climbing those historic Wembley steps to collect the Championship play-off winners trophy, club captain Louis Carey. He sat for long periods of time with me and my family, was happy to talk to all supporters and was the last player to leave the evening. A credit to the club, and a player destined for history, he allowed me to interview him for your pleasure.

Who was your footballing hero as a child?

I had two actually, Diego Maradona, because he was absolutely brilliant, and Alan Hansen because he played in my position at centre half.

You are a Bristol lad captaining Bristol City, how much pride does that give you?

I can't really put it into words. It was enough to be a YTS and then turn professional. It was enough to make my debut for the club, so to lead the team and club out as captain of my local side is an absolute honour.

Who is the best player you've played with at Bristol City?

Can I say a few? There have been so many. Scott Murray in that season where he scored all those goals was unbelievable. Shaun Goater and Brian Tinnion were absolute quality, and in my position Shaun Taylor was great. The current players I play with aren't bad either!

Are you in contact with any players who have now left the club?

A lot have now retired, so not as many as I should, but yes I am in contact with a few ex City lads.

You are infamous for your marauding runs forward, do you like playing at centre half or right full back?

I liked playing at right back when we were flying at the top of the league, when I had Greg Goodridge and Scott Murray in front of me and we played very attacking football. I prefer to play at centre back because I can still do my runs and I'm more involved with the game as a whole.

Do you or the other players read online forums, and if so does it affect the team?

I personally don't because even though if I read a complimentary part I would be happy, if I read a negative post I would be thinking about it as I played. I get told that some players do read them.

Of all the managers you have played under, what sets Gary Johnson apart?

Its everything, how thorough he is, his preparation, the training, his attitude, his amazing will to win and his enthusiasm for the game.

What do you base this seasons success upon?

An unbelievable team spirit, mostly. We have great work rate from the front to the back and the signings we have made have added to an already high quality squad we had in League One.

Pete Johnson does a great job scouting for new talent. As club captain, do you have any say in who gets brought to the club?

Not really, but when the club was contemplating signing Lee Trundle the gaffer asked me if I thought he was good enough, having played against him a few times.

Who is the best team you've played against this season?

West Bromwich Albion, by a country mile. I only played in the home tie, where we drew 1-1, but you could just tell we were up against quality. The way they keep possession is unbelievable. I didn't play at The Hawthorns, but they were amazing that day.

Who is the best player you've played against this season?

I would probably say Kevin Phillips for West Bromwich Albion, although Ricardo Fuller at Stoke was good too.

Crystal Palace have been described by Neil Warnock as a "Horrible team, with horrible fans in a horrible ground. It's perfect for me, this place." Is it intimidating playing at Selhurst Park?

I don't think it's horrible, it's a lovely stadium with great fans who create an atmosphere and they have a good side. He (Warnock) took over with the club struggling, so they needed to play horrible, that's what he has done, and that's why they are where they are in the league.

You've spoken about wanting to break your play-off hoodoo - have you been practicing your penalties?

You know what I took my first one today, there was no keeper in the goal, but it went in! We haven't thought about penalties yet, we will see how Saturday goes first.

I would like to thank Louis Carey for taking the time to conduct this interview and wish him and the rest of the squad luck for the play-offs that lie ahead.

Ross Verbals

"Go Forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart" - Preston North End Preview

In a season which has had more twists than a McEwan novel, last weeks 2-1 loss to Sheffield United condemned City to another poor result, but guaranteed their place in the dreaded play-offs. With the final game of the season against Preston North End this Sunday, Bristol City need to play for a confidence boosting win going into the lottery that is the play-offs.


Despite knowing automatic promotion is beyond them and their play-off spot now guaranteed, Sunday's match is actually anything but academic. The team needs a confidence boost after a run of 4 games without a win, and Gary Johnson knows how important it could be to maintain 4th spot and the home advantage in the second leg against whomever inherits fifth place.


Johnson said "This game gives the players a chance to prove themselves before the play-offs and that's a big thing." With Preston North End in great form since Alan Irvine took the reins from Paul Simpson, they come into this clash losing only 1 in the last 10 matches. Irvine himself remarked "Had the season started in January, we would be near the top of the league." A win tomorrow at Ashton Gate could see Preston finish 14th, a great achievement considering the club were languishing in 21st place when Irvine took over the job.


The match will hopefully be a better spectacle than the dour 0-0 draw at Deepdale, where but for the crossbar City could have come back to Bristol with 3 points had Scott Murray's late effort not struck the woodwork.


How They Line Up


In goal is Andy Lonergan, a goalkeeper who was second choice until Carlo Nash's move to Wigan, but has firmly cemented his place between the sticks with some great performances.


In defence will be Michael Hart at right full back, a January signing from Aberdeen. He was vice captain with The Dons and it is no coincidence his arrival has coincided with Preston's return to form. At left back could be former City favourite Matty Hill, who despite being player of the year last season, has only started 20 games this season. The former academy product has yet to score for Preston, and will be looking to put one over his friends, maybe by opening his account on Sunday. If Matty does not feature it will be Callum Davidson, the former Scottish international who fills in at left back. He is a goal threat as well as a solid defender, with a sweet left foot.


Centre back and player of the year Sean St Ledger has recovered from injury and is expected to play some part tomorrow. The signing from Peterborough drew criticism from his former clubs fans for his attitude in the Sky One documentary Big Ron Manager, but his performances in a Preston shirt have won over the Deepdale faithful, as well as Steve Staunton who called him up to the Republic of Ireland's squad. If he does not make the match, 20 year old Neal Trotman will start, like he did against Ipswich last week. Alongside St Ledger or Trotman will be the influential Youl Mawene, who despite suffering serious injuries, has recently played his 100th game for Preston.


In midfield, Simon Whaley will compete with Chris Sedgwick for a place on right wing. Whaley has impressed Preston fans but this season his form has been indifferent, despite being second top scorer with 6 goals. Sedgwick, a winger turned centre midfielder, has replaced Whaley in many matches this season. On the left will be Lewis Neal, whose fine form recently has earned him a new contract at the club.


The centre midfield pairing of Paul McKenna and Richard Chaplow will offer work rate and creativity. McKenna, a one club man is currently in his testimonial year at Preston, and City fans have already seen the capabilities of Richard Chaplow, who started for West Bromwich Albion in the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate earlier this season and played well.


In attack will most likely be Chris Brown, a £700,000 signing from Norwich. There were those who felt the price was inflated, but the performances of the 23 year old have been steadily improving, culminating in last weeks scorcher against Ipswich. He has 5 goals in 16, a similar record to Dele Adebola. Also in attack will be Neil Mellor, the ex Liverpool man has top scored this season with 10 goals, despite being used as a substitute for large parts of the season.

Lonergan

Hart Mawene St Ledger Hill

Sedgwick McKenna Chaplow Neal

Mellor Brown

City News



Despite the loss at Bramall Lane last week, Gary Johnson proclaimed that his Bristol City side had "Got their game back." A large part of this was credited to the introduction of Nicky Carle in centre midfield and the return to form of Lee Trundle, as City attempted to play short crisp football, rather than the direct approach used against Wolves and Stoke City. With David Noble and Michael McIndoe playing on the right and left of midfield respectively, City tried to pass their way through a stubborn Sheffield United back line. The City faithful responded with enthusiasm to the return of good football. It is expected Johnson will name an unchanged line up, with Steve Brooker needing a late fitness test and Lee Johnson looking very doubtful of a swift return. Dele Adebola will be hoping to score the winner like he did for Coventry against Preston earlier this season. If he does, the score will probably be 2-1 like every other time the big man has scored for The Reds.

Basso

Orr McCombe Carey McAllister

Noble Carle Elliott McIndoe

Trundle Adebola




With Marvin Elliott and Bradley Orr set to be presented with their PFA awards, and a play off spot guaranteed, the sell out Ashton Gate crowd will be celebrating, and hopefully celebrating a fourth spot finish with an overdue win. Gary Johnson knows this all too well, "We'll have a big crowd here and we'll want them to be enthusiastic. That means playing football the Bristol City way and coming away with a result."


What he said. C'mon the Reds!



Ross Verbals