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
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