Ross Verbals

Twitter Tattle 03/11/10

2010-11-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to online micro blog site Twitter, you can discover what football folk are doing when they're not kicking a pig's bladder about. In this daily(ish) column I will bring you some tweets from your favourite football players with keyboard fingers... don't forget to comment and vote for your tweet of the day!!

Rio Ferdinand (rioferdy5) Just met Elton at Selfridges....he asked 4 a shout out so there it is fella!!!

Peter MacDonald (peasomanc) @laurasinclair get out and get on it you only live once haha

Noel Hunt (boyhunt) Just been out walking the dogs and its raining pretty hard I hate the smell of wet dog!!!

Stuart Holden (stuholden) What's everyone up to today??? I'm relaxing now and then heading for a bit of bowling later before hitting the couch for more CL action!

Lee Dixon (LeeDixon2) Just got smashed up on my bike! 3 fast laps of the park. there was no mercy shown!

Darren Byfield (darrenbyfield) Haha just done an interview 4 brmb n they gave me 2 free tickets 2 see mary j blige tmrw,you are topman tom ross,cheers pal

Michael Duberry (Original_Dubes) Just landed on Glasgow! Hate the f*ckin rain!!

Kevin Davies (kevindaviesbwfc) Just had call from Bolton Council asking me to turn Xmas lights on, interesting!!!

Robbie Savage (RobbieSavage8) @MarkBrighty seriously pal your gear is horrendous ! You're going on 70 mate bad bad gear!!

Mark Bright (MarkBrighty) Just done some filming for a Xmas show, Most annoying people of 2010! Wonder why they asked me? http://plixi.com/p/54773081

Tristan Plummer (TristanDPlummer) holla if you got me. And fuck you if you had me

Jordan Stewart (jordanstewart3) Back in this post office. Number 500! Currently at 453....this place is energy consuming

That's all folks... Don't forget to vote in the comment section!!

November Rain, But Holloway Continues To Defy The Odds

2010-11-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Blackpool continued to defy the odds last night as Ian Holloway led his Tangerines to a 2-1 win over nine man West Bromwich Albion, securing their first top flight home win since 1971 in the process.

The win was not as comfortable as it could and probably should have been, as West Brom played surprisingly well with a two man disadvantage. Roberto Di Matteo's tactics of replacing both strikers for midfielders meant everyone was behind the ball, making it hard for Blackpool to break them down.

Blackpool looked nervous for large parts of the game, an ominous sign for the rest of the campaign. The pressure of a suddenly expectant home crowd demanding goals against nine men was seemingly playing on the minds of Holloway's players. The post match interview revealed that fans sat behind Holloway were disgruntled, calling the lack of goals "embarrassing". The goal tally should have been much higher when you see the statistic that Blackpool had 21shots on goal throughout the match, a certain lack of ruthlessness.

Nerves of steel were needed when a penalty was awarded for a foul on DJ Campbell by Pablo Ibanez, which saw the Spaniard sent off, and talismanic captain Charlie Adam showed his were steady by stroking the ball into the net. Less than 10 minutes later Gonzalo Jara saw red for a wild lunge on Luke Varney, leaving his assistant manager Eddie Newton with his head in his hands.

A cautious Blackpool looked less than convincing until a second half goal by Varney, and even then West Brom valiantly battled back scoring through Mulumbu and almost equalising late on when Steven Reid had a guilt-edged chance. Holloway admitted after the game that his side are "Still learning how to play in the Premier League, especially in a match such as this" and that they "Weren't sure whether to push for goals or settle for what we had in the situation we were in."

However disappointed sections of the Blackpool crowd were with the performance, the fact is Blackpool currently lie 9th in the Premier League on 13 points. They have won praise and admirers alike in their opening 10 games, which have included sensational wins against Liverpool at Anfield and Newcastle at St James' Park. Few would have predicted the rise of Holloway's men this season because the unfashionable seaside club have defied all the odds to be where they currently stand.

Blackpool have the smallest budget in the Premier League, with a reported wage cap of £10,000 a week, a stadium that needed emergency upgrading from a 8,000 capacity to 16,000, and a chairman that was eager to sell the club. The transfer window proved fruitless for long periods of time before a late spending spree on lower league players, cheap foreigners and Marlon Harewood bolstered their small squad. Even with the transfer deals, critics were waiting for them to fail in the top flight.

Three months later and Holloway has proved that Blackpool deserved their promotion and can certainly match some of their Premier League opponents with a style of play that is aesthetically pleasing. It is a far cry from the old Holloway stereotype of direct football played at his previous clubs Queens Park Rangers and Bristol Rovers. He even had a bite back at his critics who predicted they would finish with less points than the eleven Derby County did back in 2007. "They were unfair. They judged us far too early, we're a good side and I believe in my players."

For a club with a home ground as enclosed and intimidating as Bloomfield Road it is a surprise that their points total is mostly taken from their away form. Excellent wins at Wigan, Liverpool and Newcastle proved that the Tangerines can play with the big boys, and the points won there makes the unsurprising heavy defeats at Chelsea and Arsenal less of an issue.

It is interesting to look at the 2008 season where Hull City, a side of similar stature were joint top after nine games on 20 points, and despite only winning two more matches all season they still survived relegation on the final day (culminating in the infamous rendition of Sloop John B by Phil Brown) which shows the importance of getting points on the board early, something Blackpool have already done.

There is still a long way to go this season, and plenty of time for refereeing decisions, injuries, player departures or loss of form to put a spanner in the works. However, no matter what happens between now and May, the charismatic Bristolian who has waited so long to manage in the top flight, is certainly making a lasting impression.

Football Twitter Tattle 01/11/2010

2010-11-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to online micro blog site Twitter, you can discover what football folk are doing when they're not kicking a pig's bladder about. In this daily(ish) column I will bring you some tweets from your favourite football players with keyboard fingers... don't forget to comment and vote for your tweet of the day!!

Andrew Lonergan (lonnersno1) The only way is essex! Wow thank god I'm from lancashire!

Chris Brown (browny159) http://twitpic.com/2zs08f - Day one of rehab - mainly consisting of a giant leg condom

Dion Dublin (DionDublinsDube) @chrismoylesshow ask him why he never wanted to buy me , when he was at Spurs? Maybe he thought I was crap !!

Jason Scotland (jasonscotland10) @bjblyth I'll score when I can, it's what I'm paid to do mate!

Jozy Altidore (JozyAltidore17) Had a wonderful siesta now I think some pallea is in order for dinner! Lol

Shaka Hislop (ShakaHislop) If you want to make a case of La Liga being no good outside the top 4 watch 5th placed Espanyol losing 3-0 at bottom club Depor today. Awful

Stephen Bywater (sbywater1) I love walking. What do I do when the dark nights close in... Well I put my night vision goggles on. 1 step ahead http://yfrog.com/ndwbytj

Kevin Davies (kevindaviesbwfc) Wow those quilted toilet rolls really do make a difference!!

Robbie Savage (RobbieSavage8) And yes I'm an overachiever through a massive heart and courage and a willingness for hard work !

Danny Dichio (DannyDichio) F**K ME! What happened to my Mackems today!

Juan Pablo Angel (JUANPABLOANGEL) Interesting choice Houllier new Villa manager!! Wishing him well! Up the Villa

Jay Bothroyd (jayb1982) Watching glimmer man on tele , Steven Segal!!! I used to think that guy was lethal...... Haha

That's all folks... Don't forget to vote in the comment section!!

Football Twitter Tattle 29/10/10

2010-10-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Carling Cup - Because You Know Who The Last Eight Are

2010-10-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

When Carling isn't promoting its ability to bring friends together it's sponsoring The League Cup, a cup competition much maligned for it's poor attendances, weakened sides and general low prioritisation by managers and fans alike.

Despite this, the competition always entertains me, not least for the school kid excitement of seeing the top dogs playing the small fry but mainly through it's one legged tie approach. This means the cup is far less predictable, because a poor 90 minutes can cost you the match before or after the subsequent extra time and penalties.

Take, for example, the case of Everton losing to Brentford in the Third round of the Carling Cup this September. The 1-1 scoreline at the end of normal time would have meant League One Brentford would have had to go to Goodison Park for a replay had it been the FA Cup, but the more nail-biting one legged approach allowed Brentford the chance to go through on penalties. Had it been an FA Cup tie, they would have surely gone to Goodison Park and suffered defeat in the replay.

This competition suits the underdogs, and that is why I like it. Especially in a sport surrounded by seeds and standings that always aim to look after the big boys. Look no further than the sudden seeding of the World Cup playoff games, when FIFA realised sides such as France and Portugal could be drawn against each other, so a seeding system was introduced last minute in order to keep them apart, therefore increasing the chances that the big teams went through.

After the last 16 got whittled down to just 8 this week, the bookies have made Manchester United and Arsenal joint favourites, which is impossible to argue against. Manchester United are attempting to win the competition for an amazing third year in a row, something Sir Alex will revel in, especially in the light of Arsenal's recent inability to lift a trophy.

That is exactly the reason Arsene Wenger will be looking for his Gunners to beat United to the Cup, a five year span of no trophies is seen as unacceptable by some critics and his squad selections tell you this season the League Cup is on his radar. In past seasons a hugely inexperienced Arsenal side has been knocked out in the early rounds, this season the likes of Rosicky, Fabregas, Arshavin and Nasri have all been unleashed on their unwitting opponents.

Supposing the two favourites are drawn against each other between now and the semi-finals, who will be the team to reach the final at Wembley? Last season's beaten finalists Aston Villa will certainly fancy winning the trophy to make amends and even have a former Carling Cup winner as manager now in Gerard Houllier. Their West Midlands rivals West Brom and Birmingham City also still have a fighting chance, both clubs are currently in good form and supposing they can be drawn at home, they will fancy their chances versus any of the teams remaining.

Premier League stragglers Wigan and West Ham will hope that the good form in the competition will begin to show in their league form and again, over a single leg, they will fancy their chances of going all the way to Wembley especially if they can avoid the big boys in Saturday's draw.

The rank outsiders, and only Football League representatives are Roy Keane's Ipswich Town. For the League Cup, a competition created by The Football League and not the breakaway Premier League, I think it is a shame they are the only survivors, and a double shame that whomever they draw, they will most likely be knocked out. As previously mentioned though, this competition favours the underdogs and I'm hoping their bite is as devastating as a feisty Roy Keane challenge come the quarter final.

So readers, who is your money on?? Leave your views in the comment section...

Football Twitter Tattle 27/10/2010

2010-10-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to online micro blog site Twitter, you can discover what football folk are doing when they're not kicking a pig's bladder about. In this daily(ish) column I will bring you some tweets from your favourite football players with keyboard fingers... don't forget to comment and vote for your tweet of the day!!

Rio Ferdinand (rioferdy5) Who wants to hang out with me at Selfridges next week? I'm gonna meet 5 lucky fans - go to www.selfridges.com to enter the draw!

Jody Morris (morriskid) @Lippy_Laura you wash your mouth out laura...ever speak like that about nando's again and we are havin a fall out!!!

Ian Taylor (IanTaylor7) #Hernandez is going to be a star by the sounds. Got another winner?!!

Nathan Ellington (Nathanellington) @ryan_tee no still playing on worlds smallest tv sitting one inch from screen lol

Lloyd Owusu (LloydOwusu) Just had my back cracked. Feeling good now. Can't wait 2 get back into training☺ http://myloc.me/dklgk

Terry Skiverton (terryskiverton) How good is this is Essex

Scott Murray (Scotty_Murray) Has been clevedon all day wow froze thinks the pier is better than westons well cheaper that's for sure

Kevin Davies (kevindaviesbwfc) Getting some practice in so Ricardo Gardner will put me in his next music video!!!

Stuart Holden (stuholden) Went to the Nandos in bolton last week, love the half chicken with periperi hot sauce and spicy rice!!!

Landon Donovan (landondonovan) While I'm on a tweeting rampage...can someone please explain to me why they charge people $22 for a pair of underwear!?!??

Chris Birchall (chrisbirchall7) My little 18 month old boy goes into a trance every time the new shakira video comes on!! Actually so does daddy hahaha!!

That's all folks...

"I'm a little pea, I love the sky and the trees"

2010-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

"The difference in quality was immediate" was the analysis of Javier Hernandez's substitute appearance in last night's Manchester United 3-2 Carling Cup win over Wolves. Steve Voss, 69, the Secretary of the Manchester United Supporters Club, Bridgwater and South West Branch, continued " He is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford and he is capable of stepping up in Wayne Rooney's absence."

It is difficult to argue with the sentiment as Hernandez, nicknamed Chicharito, or 'Little Pea' in English, was clearly Sir Alex Ferguson's get out of jail free card last night. His introduction with little more than ten minutes to go caused the Wolves defence more problems than Federico Macheda did all night. His winning goal, following a delightful through ball from Darron Gibson was finished with the confidence and ability of someone capable of being a new Stretford End hero. The shimmy of his hips which left opposition goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey beaten on the floor and subsequent finish was a joy to behold and raised smiles and cheers from a previously lukewarm Old Trafford crowd.

Voss agreed that the performance was not too impressive, declaring the game as "Two bad sides being very equal in the first half but we just shaded it in the second thanks to Chicharito and I think it was the right result." The avid supporter even went as far as to say "Some of the youngsters who played last night are not up to it." When singling players out he described Federico Macheda as "Not performing as good in games as he does in the warm up" but recognised his tough job "Playing up top on his own."

I have to say I agree with Voss in that Macheda has failed to progress as a player since his sensational start to his career with goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland. He seems to be struggling with a lack of confidence and as a result he is becoming more and more frustrated as highlighted by his inability to trap a ball which went out for a goal kick so he blasted the ball away in a show of petulance.

Voss however did have praise for controversial £7 million pound man Bebe who scored on his first start for the club, "I was impressed with him, he was stuck out on the wing but he stuck to his job and looks big, strong and quick."

I have to admit, that the fee paid for him raised my eyebrows, as United could have bought him for several million less just a few months prior, but the former homeless Portuguese winger showed several reasons for fans to be optimistic about his future at the club. He was however at fault for Wolves' second goal, sloppily giving the ball away to the ever impressive Matthew Jarvis on the Wolves left who crossed for former Luton Town man Kevin Foley to score the equaliser.

Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted after the game as saying the match proved Manchester United have a "Bright future" something Voss who has travelled with the branch to every home game this season, agrees with. "I believe we do have a bright future, these youngsters are still learning and will make mistakes but they are always improving under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson."

With 'Little Pea' leading the way, the current crop of expensively assembled Manchester United youngsters may just prove both manager and fans right.

Football Twitter Tattle 26/10/10

2010-10-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to online micro blog site Twitter, you can discover what football folk are doing when they're not kicking a pig's bladder about. In this daily(ish) column I will bring you some tweets from your favourite football players with keyboard fingers... don't forget to comment and vote for your tweet of the day!!

Bolton forward Kevin Davies: (kevindaviesbwfc) Just done 6 minutes in the ice bath, never gets any easier, by far the worst thing about being a footballer!!!!

England man Darren Bent: (DB11TT) Should have took all 3 points tonight left shooting boots and groin back in sunderland. Full weeks training to get rid of the codwebbs (sic)

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu: (DicksonEtuhu) God is good ....

Cardiff hot shot Michael Chopra: (Chops008) Life can be so shit at times

Welsh NY Red Bull Carl Robinson: (CarlRobinson33) Just watched Jackass 3d!! These guys are so stupid!!!!

Arsenal whizz kid Jack Wilshere: (jack_wilshere) Chlling in the hotel watching X factor! Looking good this year!

Forest Welsh International Robert Earnshaw: (robertearnshaw) Rooney maybe just wants out,which is not a good idea.whoever he's listening to needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Ex Norwich man Darren Huckerby: (hucks6dh6) @MCFC If there's any Man city fans out there, some goals have been added to www.dh6.co.uk go to gallery How good was Ali Benarbia! Top class

Pantomime Villain Robbie Savage: (RobbieSavage8) @Tony_Jeffries mate it's not that I wouldn't knock rio out it's the weight rios about 14 stone it's like you fighting Haye !!

Ex Chelsea defender Michael Dubbery: (Original_Dubes) Bowling with the kids! No mercy! I'm looking to win and win big!! First bowl was STRIKE!!!

Rangers hot head Kyle Lafferty: (lafferty27) Sweet o very sweet. Hahaha lennon lennon what's the score hahaha

Man U defender Jonny Evans: (j23evans) harry potter followed by scrabble (addictive) on the iphone. what a night iv had!

King of Twitter Rio Ferdinand: (rioferdy5) Question I get asked more than any other is...Fifa or PES??! Fifa11 is better, there u have it!

Newcastle winger Wayne Routledge: (WayneRoutledge) Its official I been converted... For the next year I will be playing FIFA, my copy of Pro Evo is in the bin, where it belongs...

Ex Bristol City forward Darren Byfield: (darrenbyfield) @Bambibum3 @Krissi_Louise @MissTowe @aaronlescott jersey shore best programme on tv

That's all folks...

Cardiff City's Bluebirds Are Flying High

2010-10-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

Last night's 4-0 demolition of Leeds United at Elland Road by Cardiff City was a signal of intent for the increasingly impressive Bluebirds, and worryingly for the rest of The Championship, their best is yet to come.

The starting eleven which featured the frightening midfield of Chris Burke, Seyi Olifinjana, Peter Whittingham and Craig Bellamy just behind the deadly strike force of Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd are just getting started.

Whittingham, the joint top scorer of the whole league last season is now playing centrally rather than on the wing and he is only now starting to regain his scoring touch, netting 3 goals in 3 games and Olifinjana is just getting back to full match fitness after a wasteful few seasons at Stoke City and Hull City. Add to that the home town boy Craig Bellamy, whose performance last night defied the fact he has only trained a handful of times this season is not yet at match sharpness. When he soon does achieve it, the on loan Manchester City man will surely prove his Champions League quality which will create absolute havoc against any of the other 23 clubs in the league.

Despite the obvious need to gel as a team the Welsh club have still raced into the automatic promotion positions this season, equalling Queens Park Rangers on 29 points as they sit in second place, having lost only twice in thirteen games. This in no small part is due to the overwhelming quality on the pitch in all areas, shown in brutal manner in last night's game, where all the goals seemingly came out of nowhere, and were explosive in their finishing. This shows that in games where the creativity is not in full flow they can still grab goals in a flurry and at will.

I saw this first hand last season, when a good but not overly impressive performance against Bristol City at Ashton Gate was littered with six goals of seemingly brilliant nonchalance culminating in an embarrassing 6-0 win. The home crowd reacted with boos, jeers and throwing debris on the pitch, as Cardiff sauntered to victory with minimal fuss. Since that dark day for Robins fans, their Welsh rivals have improved their squad sufficiently, another sign that this season could, and probably should culminate in the Premier League having its first Welsh competitors.

A quick glance at the substitutes bench will make any opposition team shudder, showing the strength in depth this new Cardiff City squad now has. Jason Koumas, Andy Keogh, Danny Drinkwater, Chris Riggott and Stephen McPhail were all dispensable last night, but good enough to be indispensable at other Championship clubs. This strength in depth is what manager Dave Jones will hope curb the annual fall from grace that the club have suffered in recent seasons, where a poor patch has cost them either automatic promotion or a play-off place.

Striker Jay Bothroyd, now the top scorer in the Championship this season, was quick to remind fans last night the season is still young and is won in May, not November. The former Wolves and Blackburn forward, who was lucky not to see red last night for a horrendous challenge on Leeds' Argentinian Lucciano Becchio, (and showed no remorse for it in his post match interview) will I am sure like everyone else, have a hunch that his side are serious contenders.

Cardiff City now have an aura about them, sides coming up against the Bluebirds will be wary of the threats they pose, and will probably play against them in a fairly negative way in an attempt to stifle the frightening front five. Whether they can or not is open to debate, but just like in previous seasons, promotion is for the Bluebirds to lose.

However, this time, with the mighty impressive squad Jones has assembled, they've given themselves a real fighting chance.

'Cos England's Dreeeeeeamin!!!

2010-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

A hard fought one all draw against the USA in their opening group C match has left England boss Fabio Capello with more questions than answers about his best starting lineup. The Italian will also be cursing his luck as another central defender was ruled out with injury after Ledley King had to be withdrawn at half time.

The match itself in Rustenburg started so brightly for England and their adopted Italian disciplinarian. Naming a strong sounding 4-4-2 line up, Capello started with West Ham's Rob Green in goal, a back four of Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry and Ashley Cole and an attacking midfield of James Milner, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Aaron Lennon. Seeing Lampard and Gerrard together in midfield after all the heated debate about their lack of suitability seemingly rage on for some 6 years was a bit of a surprise, but Capello had little option in the absence of Gareth Barry. Up front, the much maligned Emile Heskey partnered the man England is expecting greatness from this summer, Wayne Rooney.

The greatness in the fourth minute though, came not from the spectacular Scouser, but from the selfless targetman Heskey as his perfect layoff found newly appointed captain Steven Gerrard and he purposefully raced into the box and beat the onrushing Tim Howard with the outside of his boot. As Gerrard sprinted off to the touchline in celebration, thousands of miles away in England, houses, pubs and parks erupted into scenes of joy and ecstasy (unless you were watching on High Definition).

Unfortunately for England, they failed to capitalise fully on their explosive start and the American soccer team grew in confidence as some England players struggled to find the form that gained them a place on the plane in the first place. Aston Villa's James Milner, coming off the most impressive season of his career, seemed to be a yard short all game and after being booked for a rash challenge, he was almost booked again after arriving late in the tackle and almost saw a red for it. Barely halfway through the first half he was substituted.

Such a decision is an example of the management Capello can perform, he is a man unafraid of bold substitutions if he feels his England side needs it. A far cry from some previous managers, who would have maybe given Milner more time and possibly seen the side down to 10 men with still 45 minutes to play. Shaun Wright-Phillips was given the opportunity to impress in his place giving the side a very attacking shape.

USA wingers Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan were utilising the space left by the forward thinking opposition and tucking inside where they could find themselves free because of the attack minded Gerrard and Lampard combination. Dempsey used that freedom behind England's midfield to find space, then lose the eventual tackle by Gerrard as he unleashed what was a pretty standard effort at goal.

Rob Green knelt on one knee to get behind the ball, but as the ball travelled towards him he somehow misjudged the flight of the 'roundest ball in history' and it snuck past his thumb and trickled into the net despite his desperate dive to prevent it. Another major tournament, another England goalkeeping howler...

The second half began without Ledley King, who could not continue due to injury and he was replaced by Jamie Carragher. The pacy American forwards had a real advantage now over Terry and Carragher, especially when the Liverpool man was almost instantaneously booked, leaving him unable to use his usual tactic for stopping pacy forwards of pulling their shirts and the like.

Despite the unwanted capitulation through error and injury, England controlled possession of the ball for the most part of the second half and a delicious through ball by Lennon was latched onto by Heskey but his powerful effort was smashed straight into the grateful Tim Howard in the American goal.

Rob Green made a character building save, and Peter Crouch was introduced but the second half rather fizzled out to end in a draw, it was a game that both sides could argue they deserved to win.

After Slovenia's victory, the side now go into Friday's game against Algeria really needing a win. I expect to see Rob Green given the start in this game to prove himself to the boss and to the nation. I also think we will see Gareth Barry back in centre midfield alongside Frank Lampard with Steven Gerrard pushed out to the left, and Jamie Carragher to start in place of the crocked King Ledley.

For it to be a successful winning game, England need to release Rooney, as he was coming far to deep against the US and therefore clogging the midfield. Also, we need to be much more clinical with our final ball. That means you, wingers!! Why don't you ask Becks to show you how it's done??

The unadventurous Algerians will park the bus, and will be hard to break down, but it's going to be a Friday night and I'm going to be cheering on the Three Lions in a battle against said bus. C'mon England!!

Ross Verbals

World Cup Opening Day Bonanza!!

2010-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

After all the naysayers who doubted the capabilities of South Africa as a nation to hold an event with the magnitude of the World Cup, questions were asked about the stadia, transport and safety of fans in the Springbok state. Today was the day of reckoning, could it prove itself a suitable host? Could the South Africa football side, Bafana Bafana, the lowest ranked hosts of all time, even provide a challenge for their opponents Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup?

For a country that seems to always be tinged with travesty, it was almost predictable that what should have been a day for triumphant joy and celebration had to begin with the tragic news that Nelson Mandela's 13 year old granddaughter Zenani Mandela was killed in a road accident last night. To add to the sombre tone to the opening ceremony, Clive Tyldsley announced the opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe, 34, who was supposed to sing during said ceremony was pronounced dead 3 weeks ago after a long fight with meningitis.

Once the show was on the road though it was all business, as R Kelly and a humanised dung beetle wowed the crowd with their R'n'B scuttling dance moves. We then cut to the players tunnel, as an all dancing and all singing South Africa starting 11 psyched themselves up for the biggest game in their countries history. After some stalling from FIFA president Sepp Blatter to address the crowd, the South African players finally gathered for a huddle around Steven Pienaar in a symbolic showing that the nations hopes depended on the talented Everton man's shoulders.

The game itself was a barnstormer, with Mexico starting brightly, getting in behind the South African full backs at ease and supplying crosses for the wasteful Guillermo Franco. Despite the backing of a partisan 90,000 crowd, South Africa seemed out of their depth as they struggled to deal with the pace and technical ability of the sprightly Mexicans. Despite the poor first half showing from the host nation, they went into half time goalless, a perfectly acceptable scoreline against the superior El Tri.

The second half sprung to life with the opening goal of the tournament, as a loose ball in the midfield area led to a one touch move from South Africa that culminated in Teko Modise's inch perfect through ball to Siphiwe Tshabalala. As the ball sat up for him, he struck the ball perfectly into the right hand top corner of the net to send the South African fans into rapture and the noise levels inside Soccer City from the blowing Vuvuzelas went into overdrive.

Unfortunately, the underdogs could not hold onto the goal advantage, when in the 79th minute Barcelona's Rafael Marquez was left unmarked from Guardado's cross and he finished with aplomb to silence the previously incessant South African fans.

In injury time, a League Two style route one move cut open the surprised Mexican defence as South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, whose distribution was rapid all game, released Katlego Mphela with one long ball. The striker raced through but was denied by the foot of the post as I fell to the floor with my friend Tom in animated anguish.

I love the world Cup and this match reminded me why. There were two sides competing who I don't really care for, but with the unfolding drama in a World Cup match I fell into the trap of supporting the host nation as Bafana Bafana attempted to defy the odds and come away with 3 points against the much fancied Mexicans.

However, the less said about the evening game between Uruguay and France in a boring goalless draw the better. The only thing I will say is that it is right up there with Romania versus France in Euro 2008 for incredibly dull international matches. Thank you Raymond Domenech for taking a super power in world football like France and turning them into a disjointed sham of a team. (Cue World Cup win)

Player of the day: Mexico's goalkeeper Oscar Perez.

At 37 years old and at just 5'8 feet tall Perez entertained me more than any other today with his insistence to stand at least 10 yards off his line at all times, rushing out of his area to head the ball, and his general inability to catch a football. All of this whilst looking remarkably like Omid Djalili.... man of the touranment, hands Down!!! (Naturally)

Exclusive Interview with Bristol City Captain Louis Carey

2010-05-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

At the Bristol City player sponsor evening 2010 last Tuesday night, I had the chance to sit down with Bristol City captain Louis Carey and discuss the recently completed Championship season. It was a season that saw 11 new signings, the emergence of Nicky Maynard as a top scorer, last minute heartbreak, the end of the Johnson era and a fantastic final run in culminating in the announcement that Steve Coppell will be manager next year. Louis was open and honest in his assessment of the season and his hopes for the next, read the exclusive interview here.

Bristol City had a great start to the season, what do you put that down to?

"We had a togetherness as players, and were excited for the start of the season. We had a really good pre-season and worked hard in the build up to the opening game at Preston. Going in 0-0 at half time gave us the confidence that we could do well and we did. Then we followed that up with two impressive home wins."

We have to talk about the Crystal Palace 'goal' where Freddie Sears scored, but had it disallowed. What was your view of it?

"I was actually not playing in that match, I was watching in the stand, but I could tell straight away it was a goal. As soon as there was some doubt about it from the referee, the players obviously showed theirs and the goal was disallowed. At the end of the day it is the ref's call and he decided it shouldn't be given."

With Adriano Basso's contract dispute, it meant a change of goalkeeper for the team, how did that affect you and the other defenders?

"The actual position of goalkeeper shouldn't affect the defence as we should be able to command the box for whoever is guarding the goal, and Dean Gerken has come in and done a fantastic job. So it didn't affect us on the pitch, but it was disappointing in the dressing room to see Adriano, who is such a nice man, looking so upset and so sad."

Bristol City failed to have any sort of run in the cups, what do you put that down to?

"We had a decent start in the Carling Cup by beating Brentford away from home, but against the lower league sides you have to battle hard and I think we got found out. It is quite hard to play in those early rounds, when even at Ashton Gate there is a poor turn out, it is almost like playing reserve team football."

Throughout the season Bristol City kept on conceding late, late goals, as a defender it must have been very frustrating?

"As soon as the fourth official put the injury time board up, there seemed to be a groan from the fans, and that filtered through to the players. I can't put a finger on why it kept on happening, but this season when you count all the points those late goals cost us, it's clear they are a big reason why we aren't in the playoffs."

This season the Ashton Gate crowds have slipped to an average of around 14,000. How can the team get supporters back through the turnstiles?

"I think the bigger crowds of the past few seasons were a result of the promotion and to attract the fans we need to be pushing for it once again. This season though, we have more points than last, and ended the season plying some excellent football, so I am hoping we can finish in the top six next season."

The Gary Johnson era ended in a poor run of form, after five successful years, why couldn't the side gain two wins in a row?

"The pressure of not picking up points was a shock to all of us, in previous seasons when we had a poor result we would almost always bounce back with a good performance, but for whatever reason we just couldn't. There were problems off the field with some players, and that affected people, but as players it was down to us and we should have done more. Those last minute goals were costly."

Unlike previous years, this season Bristol City have a pretty solid record against the top six sides, what do you put this down to?

"For whatever reason we seemed to raise our game for the big matches and against the top sides we really performed. We got 2 points off Newcastle United, 3 off West Brom and 2 against Forest. As players it is easy to play in those games against top sides in front of big crowds."

Keith Millen guided the team to an excellent final run in, what did he bring to the side?

"The lads got their confidence back, and started performing again. Milly put his stamp on it, changed the training and he got positive results. He did an excellent job in charge."

Christian Ribeiro has emerged at the end of this season, and his surging runs forward are reminiscent of yourself. Is this down to you?

"None of that is down to me, Ribs enjoys that side of the game as well and he is good at it. He has every chance to go all the way, he still has a lot to learn, but he has the ability to play at the top."

Nicky Maynard has had a fantastic year, what have you made of his season?

"Nicky has been excellent. To score 20 goals in any league is impressive, but in the Championship it is a huge achievement. When you look at the quality of his goals, you can see what standard of player he is. Ninety per cent of his goals, he has made all by himself."

Next season Steve Coppell takes charge of the club, are you excited to work under him?

"I think it is a real good appointment. He has the success of winning the league with Reading, who are a similar side to us in stature and when you listen to his press conference it is clear that he is up for the challenge as well."

You are now the second most capped player in Bristol City's history, how does that make you feel?

"Very proud. I didn't really think about it until I was told I was a few games away from being the second most capped player. I've been bugging Fonts about it ever since! Being a local lad and a fan of the club it means even more to me.

So will we be seeing a Louis Carey stand at the new stadium in Ashton Vale?

"I wouldn't like to comment on that, that's not for me to say!"

Many thanks to Louis for doing this interview, I hope you enjoyed the read.

Ross Verbals

Step outside, Posh Boy

2010-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

The 'era of Johnson' begins tomorrow afternoon as Peterborough face Leicester City at London Road with former Bristol City manager Gary Johnson at the helm for the very first time.

Following a very successful five year spell at Ashton Gate, where he won promotion from league One and almost to the Premier League, he left the Championship club on mutual terms three weeks ago amid rumours of player unrest and a locker room bust up in his final game in charge.

With Peterborough already relegated to League One after a dismal season, Johnson has four games to reside over his playing squad and decide who will be staying with the squad, and which areas need improvement.

Improvement on this season will not prove too difficult, as Posh sit in last place with 31 points having won just 7 matches all season. The 'holy trinity' of George Boyd, Craig McKail-Smith and Aaron McLean, whose goals were a large reason for Peterborough's back to back promotions to the Championship, have struggled to hit the same heights this season.

Boyd has top scored this season with 12 goals, but is currently on loan at playoff bound Nottingham Forest with a view to a permanent move in the summer. McLean has struggled with injury and himself handed in a transfer request whilst McKail-Smith, for all his magnificent commitment has not scored as freely as he did in the lower leagues.

Another undoubted reason for Posh's poor showing this season is the instability at the club. Johnson will be the fourth man in charge this season after Darren Ferguson, Mark Cooper and Jim Gannon. Bringing in a manager such as Johnson on a two year contract, who lasted five years in his previous job, is a sign of intent from chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

The 34 year old property entrepreneur who promised Championship football upon his arrival and duly delivered it, is not lacking in confidence. Such was his conviction, that once the initial challenge was complete he predicted a swift promotion to the Premiership. When little over a quarter way through the season it was apparent that would probably not be the case Ferguson was his first casualty and they parted ways.

Mark Cooper's 12 game stint did little to improve MacAnthony's mood and with just one win under his belt he was dethroned of his position nearly as soon as it was placed upon him. Jim Gannon was brought in next, as he had a track record of surviving relegation dogfights. Despite an initial improvement of results, the wins dried up and Peterborough looked all but doomed as disquiet emerged between manager Jim Gannon and Director of Football, Barry Fry.

When questioned, Jim Gannon described problems with Fry arised from the "defining of roles" between the two. According to Gannon, Barry Fry was too hands on and his role as Director of Football was treading on his role as manager. Whilst Fry's presence at the club will have undoubtedly made some potential managers weary of the job, Johnson actually sees it as a positive.

"The biggest stress as a manager is dealing with agents and players regarding contracts and signings. Barry will handle that for me, and he is one of the best in the world at it." The sight of the two red faced men in sharp suits and cheeky grins greeted the media at the press conference to announce Johnson's arrival and it was there that Johnson made clear of his objectives.

"There is a great chance this club will be back in the Championship. The first aim is to get back to the Championship, the second is to compete at that level." The ambitious MacAnthony will expect nothing less and Johnson, on a two year contract, not the luxurious five year one handed to him by Bristol City Chairman Steve Landsdown is under no illusions.

"The chairman is saying when we get promoted, where as I am saying if. He is very adamant, ambitious and drive. That is what sold this club to me." The job is a big one for Johnson to restore confidence in a squad of players who have tasted little success this season, but with 12 players still in the squad who gained promotion at League One level last year, he has a squad clearly capable of appeasing the chairman's hunger for success.

Johnson and Fry will have to work as a team and co-exist in their roles and not step on each other's toes in a season destined for sound-bytes and high jinks for Posh Fans and press teams. Fry spelt out the way it will work as "Gary is the manager, he identifies the players he wants and I try to go out and get them. He identifies who he doesn't want and I try to get rid of them."

For a manager who infamously went into Bristol City five years ago and instantly signalled senior professionals Marcus Stewart and Steve Phillips as two players he did not want in his attempt to stamp his authority on the club, no player is safe from potentially being sent packing in the summer, and that includes 'The Holy Trinity'.

Then, once he has got rid of the players he does not trust and signed the players that he does, Peterborough truly will have entered 'the era of Johnson'.

England Loosens It's Stranglehold On European Glory

2010-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Is the Premier League the greatest in the world? The Champions League is the place to prove it, and unfortunately this season all four English sides have fallen to their European counterparts. In the past 3 Champions League seasons the Premier League has had 3 of the 4 semi finalists, proof indeed of the dominance it held over UEFA's premium competition. This season they have all fallen short, with none of the top four being able to reach the semi finals.

It is the first time that has happened in seven years. You have to go back to the 2002-03 season when Italy dominated with eventual winners AC Milan along with Juventus and Internazionale and Real Madrid all made the semis, that was the last time England failed to have a representative at the semi-final stage. Could the Premier League, much like Serie A has done since that season, be falling from grace in the Champions League?

Manchester United's first ever success over Bayern Munich on their home turf last night should have been the catalyst for rapturous victory scenes as they finally slayed their Bavarian foes but instead a muted Old Trafford was left with the sight of a bouncing Bayern squad celebrating a 3-2 defeat, as it put the Bundesliga side through to the final four on away goals.

It started so brightly for United, as Darron Gibson and a double from the impressive Nani put them 3-0 in front on the night and 4-2 up on aggregate. Old Trafford was awash with noise, almost unrecognisable from the dour sight of the 2-1 loss to Chelsea the previous weekend. Even with a seemingly incapacitated Wayne Rooney on the pitch, Manchester United were so incessant it seemed a similar night to the 7-1 thrashing of Roma was on the cards.

Bayern Munich, who started the match with a positive 4-4-2 formation seemed to have no answer as their full backs Lahm and Badstuber were terrorised by the wing play of both Valencia and Nani, the latter whose expulsion to the subs bench against Chelsea seems inexplicable when you realise the lack of movement from Berbatov, but that is for another day.

Just as the half time whistle was looming and the United fans were ready to applaud their team for an extraordinary effort and brilliant attacking display, Olic out muscled Carrick in an aerial battle and from an improbable angle fired across Van Der Sar and in to the net. With that goal, Bayern only needed another to go through and Old Trafford knew it. Where it seconds earlier was abuzz with excitement and pride it soon became awash with silence and nervous energy.

The game was on a knife edge and Bayern who had kick off, seemed a different side as they immediately began the second half showing the sort of movement and ball retention which just wasn't there in the first half. It seemed they were first to every ball and going for the jugular. Manchester United on the other hand, having just played such an intense 45 minutes seemed sluggish and unable to step up a gear as they had already been in 5th from the very 1st minute and only now was there signs that maybe they were running out of gas.

Ribery was becoming more of a threat as Bayern were controlling the game passing from left to right and right to left with Robben and Ribery the beneficiaries. It was the French winger who was at the heart of the turning point in the game, as his darting run forward was stopped by Rafael with not one but two tugs on his shirt. After the now ubiquitous surrounding of the referee Rafael was booked for the second time in the game and sent off with 35 minutes still remaining.

The 'winning' away goal came in sublime fashion as a Ribery corner was volleyed home by Robben for what German tabloid Bild described as "A beautiful loss." Robben was a menace to Patrice Evra all second half and in what was already Evra's 43rd game of the season he epitomised the performance of United in the second half. They looked drained. For a full back of his ilk, where his game is essentially a 90 minute bleep test up and down the left flank, it is easy to see how Robben, who has played little over half the games Evra has this season was able to make Evra look ordinary, because ordinary he certainly isn't. Even the winning goal at the Allianz Arena in the dying moments of the first leg showed a mental fatigue as Evra couldn't sort his feet out in what should have been routine.

Sir Alex Ferguson made substitutions in an attempt to score the goal which would tip the tie in their direction, but what became all to obvious was that the pace and fitness needed to regain control of the game was not going to come from the players left on the pitch. The sight of Mike Phelan and Sir Alex in the technical area gesturing and expressing disdain for what they were seeing was telling. By the end though Sir Alex was resigned to his usual seat in the stands, showing even his successful blend of inspiration and intimidation was unable to resurrect a performance from his players.

The infamous Manchester United injury time deluge never transpired, even against the team who suffered so historically from it back in 1999. Munich kept the ball away from their own goal through passages of play that were designed more to see out time than to add to their goal tally.

So, have the English sides been found out in European competition?

Chelsea were outfoxed by their former manager Jose Mourinho, who claimed he didn't need to do any homework on the Blues as they have not changed their squad or style since he left them 3 years ago. A look at their squad shows that the 'Special One' may have a case. Some 12 first team players who Jose managed at Chelsea are still at the club. It seems only the person who builds an empire, truly knows how to destroy it. Chelsea need an overhaul of their squad, as an ageing squad and a lack of youth development shows.

Liverpool truly under performed this season for the players they had at their disposal, and Lyon profited from their eagerness to self destruct with a win and a draw against Rafa Benitez's side. Last season, Liverpool were duly noted for their fitness and late goals in European competition but this season they seem to have suffered from an inferiority complex by consistently conceding late goals, as they did to the French side both at Anfield and the Stade de Gerland.

Arsenal this season were knocked out by the side that on footballing terms have set the benchmark for what football truly can be, Barcelona. Admittedly, a huge injury list hindered their attempt to knock out the current champions but what cannot be argued is that they were 'out-Arsenaled' by the Catalan giants. What surprised me most was the refusal to play a long ball to Bendtner and pack the box. Wenger would have to have swallowed some pride in using this tactic, by disregarding his pure football mantra, but after watching Arsenal trying to play the ball out of defence and lose the ball in midfield over and over and over again I found myself shouting at the television to use the unpredictable Dane with a bit of hustle and bustle. Then they could see what comes of the knock downs, and possibly profit from the second ball.

An argument could be made that all four sides were worse off at the start of this season than they were a year previous, Manchester United lost goals and work rate in Tevez and Ronaldo, Chelsea lost the much loved Hiddink, Liverpool lost the playmaker Alonso and Arsenal lost Adebayor and Toure. Surprisingly, not one of the clubs responded with a spending spree to rival a WAG on a footballers payday in Harrods.

The stranglehold has become more of a sleeper-hold from the English clubs on the Champions League, their opponents have figured a way to battle and mount offence of their own leaving them without their gold. However, like Triple H has reverted back to type with the use of his sledgehammer in a quest for what he once had, I fully expect this coming season to see a return of the tactic that got the English sides their dominance over Europe in the first place...

Dirty cash, and lots of it.

New Beginnings

2009-07-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

This coming season will be a fascinating Championship, with strong clubs all the way through the league. The additions of the underachieving Newcastle United, Roy Keane’s bearded frown at Ipswich Town and the ever entertaining Ian Holloway at Blackpool surely enhance what will be a well fought, captivating title race with no one safe from relegation and everyone capable of a promotion push.

Uncle Gary, our most successful manager for a long, long time, has turned Bristol City from League One serial bottlers into a well respected Championship club. Just like at Yeovil Town, promotion came easy for Johnson on a tight budget and he became everyone’s jovial, witty yet hard lined manager.

Finishing fourth in our first season in The Championship for nine years, despite only having a top scorer of 8 goals in Darren Byfield, followed by the anguish of (yet another) Wembley loss was a sure sign that Bristol City were a team on the up. Despite the naysayers, the 08/09 season was another positive one, with a strong 10th placed finish, which could have been drastically improved had we not ended the season so abysmally, with draws at home and losses away an all too regular occurrence.

Losing player of the season Dele Adebola is a blow almost as powerful as one of his own, as his bustling centre forward play offered something different from the other options we had up front. As well as Big Del, we lost Stern John, David Noble, Scott Murray and Chris Weale.

This close season however, we have brought in youth and potential - Danny Haynes, Dean Gerken, Andre Blackman, Lewin Nyatanga and David Clarkson all arrive at Ashton Gate with points to prove, as well as the experience of tough tackling Scotland international Paul Hartley from Celtic who will use his intimidating scowl as enforcer and protector of the young Robins.

Early signs have not been too promising, a 4-0 loss to Ajax, followed by a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham does little for inspiration, but these pre-season games mean little when compared to the all action, hard fought Championship fixtures, of which all 46 are difficult to predict and damn exhausting to watch. We have a new look side, which is what we needed, as it became apparent last year we had become all too predictable. Personally, I can’t wait for Saturday, August the 8th for our match at Preston North End, a long trip well worth making.

Despite a strong summer of purchasing, as well as holding onto influential players such as Marvin Elliott and Michael McIndoe (just) we are only 33/1 on to win the Championship. Gary Johnson knows that this season’s line up is tougher than ever, but with the City faithful there to ‘Bounce around the ground’ in support of our team and the improved squad at Ashton Gate; I may just place a bet on The Robins and come out £33 pounds richer… I’m an optimist, not a risk taker!

Queens Park Strangers

2009-04-10T02:03:00.001-07:00

Paulo Sousa, the 'Smooth Bastard' who took over as manager at Queens Park Rangers just five months ago has been sacked with immediate effect. The circumstances of his dismissal are mysterious to say the least, as the news broke on the club's official website under the seemingly innocuous title 'CLUB STATEMENT'.

The statement then reads, matter of factly, Queens Park Rangers has today had to terminate Paulo De Sousa's employment with immediate effect. It came to the club's attention that Mr De Sousa had, without authority, divulged highly confidential and sensitive information. The club, with legal advice, responded in this way to protect its position. Player/coach Gareth Ainsworth will take Caretaker charge on a temporary basis, from now until the end of the season.

Queens Park Rangers fans will probably be asking themselves what on earth has Paulo Sousa said that made the club react in this manner, and what the hell have the club got to hide? Did Mr Sousa explain to the press exactly how the owners operate at the club, did he complain about a lack of funds from the board? Did he say there was another West London club and owner who are down the road that are better on and off the field? It seems we may never know as the statement ends stating 'The club will be making no further comment'. One things for sure, this could make for a 'damned' good novel, perhaps even a film adaptation? Michael Sheen can probably play the lead.

The hierarchy that is in place at Queens Park Rangers, which has silver foxed playboys Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone at the top of the tree along with Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal have already gained a 'Deadly' Doug Ellis like reputation for sacking managers and they have only been in place since 2007. Since the topdog millionaires have been in charge no fewer than 5 managers have sat in the dugout attempting to take the wealthiest team in the Championship into the dizzy new heights of the Premier League. With rumours of Briatore being more than hands on in terms of player selection at Loftus Road, it is small wonder there is such a high turnover in the West London's hot seat. He has employed both British (Iain Dowie) and international managers (Luigi Di Canio and Paulo Sousa) but no one has managed to survive the intense expectation, not just from the fans, but from 'The Hierarchy'.

Paulo Sousa, a quality defensive midfielder and Portuguese international in his playing days, is not making such a good transition to management, having been assistant to Carlos Queiroz for the struggling Portuguese national team, and now failing to create a winning team at Queens Park Rangers. It is hard to see where his next job will be, perhaps a return to his native Portugal at club level, or a return to being a number 2 is on the cards?

Despite a good quality squad with lots of Premiership experience, Sousa struggled to win games before his departure. So did Iain Dowie, who was also sacked this season, having only been in charge for 15 games. Despite the experienced professionals, such as Radek Cerny and Fitz Hall and the flair of Wayne Routledge and Adel Taarabt, Queens Park Rangers are sitting mid table in 10th position with the prospects of reaching the playoffs looking as likely as Paulo Sousa asking for grooming tips from Iain Dowie.

Injuries have hampered their season, with Akos Buzsaky, Rowan Vine and Martin Rowlands all ruled out for large parts of the season. Takeovers of clubs, following the precedent of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, are widely expected to be instantaneous successes, so after two seasons without promotion, are the impossibly rich owners going to lose interest or spend big in the summer to guarantee it?

They have metamorphosed Queens Park Rangers of old, synonymous with Stan Bowles, Les Ferdinand and Andy Impey and instead the club has become a playground for the rich and famous. The tight, atmospheric Loftus Road hosts celebrities such as Tamara Beckwith and Naomi Campbell in the executive boxes, as the supporters sit in their seats despite raised match ticket prices and the fact Loftus Road features obstructed viewing. To top it off the the club emblem was re-designed to look like a regal crest fit for kings. The owners unveiled the emblem claiming it was the first step to seeing Queens Park Rangers as a 'Global brand'.

So what now for Queens Park Rangers? Who is going to take the job of being the 'co' manager with Flavio Briatore and can they stay in the job and provide continuity and stability to a club clearly struggling to fulfill its potential. What's more can they A) only speak when they are spoken to B) not be mediocre and get the sack or C) in Mick Harford's case, be quite good but get the boot anyway?

Gareth Ainsworth, like a long suffering best friend has to pick up the pieces as caretaker manager for the second time in a single season to clear up the mess an ex has left QPR in, and if he proves himself capable perhaps he is the man to bring stability and success back to the club. The winger, who has played for the Hoops since 2003 and plays in a rock n' roll band in his spare time could just be appointed in the long term by Flavio and his capitalist cohorts. But then again, he might not need to appoint anyone at all...

Ross Verbals

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2009-01-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

The cold snap has affected many football fans these past few weeks with the majority of lower league matches being postponed because of frozen pitches. No club has felt the importance of this more than Luton Town.

The in form side were ecstatic when on the 28th of December 2008, a 3-2 win over Lincoln City meant that Luton Town were one win away from the psychological milestone of shedding the points deficit that has plagued their club and fans this season. Imagine the disappointment then, when two games were postponed against Chester and Rotherham United, the wait continuing for the loyal Hatters fans for a total of 17 days. That anxious wait could finally be over this evening, when the re-arranged game against Chester takes place.

The Hatters were docked 30 points for this season because of financial irregularities and for exiting administration without a Company Voluntary Arrangement. Twenty nine points later and Luton Town are currently on minus one point.

The game at Chester’s Deva Stadium could see Mick Harford’s Luton side extend their unbeaten run to eight games, and 300-400 Hatters fans are expected to make the 139 mile trip. Whichever brave souls do make the journey will certainly be part of a historical moment in the club’s season if Luton Town do pick up the win.

As well as the postponement of matches, the weather has meant the team has been unable to train on grass for the last ten days. Simon ‘Statto’ Pitts, 32, of lutonfc.com said. “It has been frustrating not playing matches recently, but it has allowed some players to get a much needed rest, and others to have more time to recover from injury. Hopefully the players will just be desperate to get back on the pitch again and we'll keep the unbeaten run going for a little longer yet!”

Luton trail Grimsby Town who lie in relative safety in 22nd place by 15 points. Five wins will close the gap, provided Grimsby are dropping points themselves. A tough call considering The Hatters have only won eight matches all season, but manager Mick Harford is in bullish mood, telling the official Luton website “ I think the way we’ve been playing, if we can recreate the form we’ve shown, we can go to Chester nice and positive and get three points.”

If Luton had not started the season with a points deficit they would be safely mid-table, but with 15 point to make up that is scant consolation. If the unthinkable did happen and The Hatters escaped relegation it will undoubtedly be the fairytale of the season. Harford fantastically told his players, “If at the end of the season we stay up, they can have the biggest party in the world. That’s the incentive; they can party for weeks and weeks if they stay up.” Starting with a possible win tonight, it seems you can forget Ibiza, Luton could be the place to be come May.

ROSS VERBALS

A Reason To Be Kinnearful?

2008-12-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

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."

2008-08-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-07-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-06-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

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.

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

The £60 Million Pound Match - Part Two

2008-05-13T03:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T02:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

Sheffield are Sharpening Their Blades - Sheffield United Preview

2008-04-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Despite an improved second half performance, Bristol City lost again at the weekend to a fairly poor Stoke City side, leaving Gary Johnson's side in a slump of gaining only 14 points out of the last possible 36. Johnson himself hit out at his sides first half performance, saying "We bottled it in the first half." The former Yeovil man continued " I've done as much as I can, now it's up to the players to get their game going. They know they let themselves down in that first half at Stoke and they have to put it right." From a season that looked like it would end in automatic promotion, it could end in a crawl over the line into the playoffs, or disappointingly missing out altogether.

At other expense of other stuttering sides could surge Sheffield United, who after suffering a poor start to the season under the much criticised Bryan Robson, have been on fire under new boss Kevin Blackwell. The former Luton and Leeds manager said of his sides current form "I think there is such belief amongst the players, and they believe it as well. It's all right saying it, but they've got to believe that (reaching the playoffs) is going to happen." In contrast to Bristol City, their recent form at Brammal Lane has been nothing short of exceptional, with 4 wins and a draw from the last five games. This fine form culminated last week where The Blades beat Hull City at Bramall Lane 2-0 despite having 10 men. Bristol City have sold all 2,994 tickets for the match and the City fans will offer plenty of vocal support, like they did at Stoke last weekend.

How They Line Up

Sheffield United, with their premiership side from last season relatively intact, have a squad to rival any Championship side, and they are just about realising their potential. In goal is the charismatic Republic of Ireland international Paddy Kenny, who despite lacking an aerial presence is one of the best The Championship has to offer.

Returning from injury at right back will be Derek Geary, the terrier like full back makes up for a lack of height with his physicality and high work rate. At left full back is Gary Naysmith, another hard working physical player despite his lack of height. You may remember him from his Everton days, he joined The blades as part of the deal that took Phil Jagielka to Everton.

With captain Chris Morgan suspended, for his two bookings at Hull last week, the centre back pairing will be Matthew Kilgallon, who Blackwell managed at Leeds United and the vastly experienced Ugo Ehiogu, who has played European football and won trophies in England and Scotland. His lack of match practice could play into our hands, although he played the second half last week.

In midfield, on the right is the familiar face of David Cotterill, who has joined on loan from Wigan Athletic following his move from Bristol City for £2 million pounds. The Welsh international will be looking to put one over his former side to prove to Wigan boss Steve Bruce he is capable of Premiership football. On the left is young Stephen Quinn, who impressed during his debut season for The Blades in the Premiership, and has carried on that form, scoring last week in the win over Hull City. In the centre is the influential pairing of Gary Speed and Michael Tonge who offer a goal threat, creativity and the ability to run the pace of a match.

The strike partnership of Billy Sharp and James Beattie, rarely utilised under Robson has been a catalyst to the improved form of Sheffield United and Sharp has reacted positively scoring six goals and James Beattie a £4 million close season signing from Everton, has carried on his excellent goal scoring form and is now joint top scorer in The Championship with 2 goals alongside Kevin Phillips and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. On the bench could see more quality players such as John Halls, Rob Hulse, Keith Gillespie and Jon Stead.

Kenny

Geary Ehiogu Kilgallon Naysmith

Cotterill Speed Tonge Quinn

Beattie Sharp

City News

Gary Johnson has decided that all squad members will travel to Bramall Lane, remaining tight lipped about his team selection and the fitness of key players Steve Brooker and Lee Johnson. The reserves again put in a fine performance in midweek, beating Bristol Rovers 6-1, with Darren Byfield, Enoch Showunmi and Scott Murray all getting on the score sheet. With form and confidence seemingly low, the squad could be shaken up by Gary Johnson, and an unlikely recall for Showunmi into the 16 is not ruled out following 5 goals in 2 games for the striker ot of contract this summer.

The second half performance against Stoke does give Johnson reason for some optimism and a large part of that performance was down to the introduction of Lee Trundle, who will be pushing for a start tomorrow. The right wing has been problematic in recent weeks despite an abundance of options there with Brian Wilson, Ivan Sproule and Scott Murray all placing indifferent performances in that position in recent weeks. Last week saw David Noble admirably take up the role despite his lack of pace, although surely this is a stop gap until tomorrow.

The quote from Johnson saying "I've done as much as I can" could imply that in recent weeks City have employed tactics to stop teams from playing, rather than playing our own game, like we had been doing before we hit this slump, so we could go back to a slightly more attacking team selection than Cole Skuse and Marvin Elliott in midfield, with perhaps the introduction of Lee Johnson, Nicky Carle or David Noble.

Gary Johnson has called upon his team to settle nerves and guarantee their playoff spot with a win at Bramall Lane, going into the final game against Preston North End, with the possibility of clinching promotion at Ashton Gate for the second season in sucession.

Ross Verbals

'It's Like A Playoff Match' - Stoke City Preview

2008-04-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Bristol City enter the next stage in their dramatic push for promotion tomorrow, when they travel to the Britannia Stadium to face promotion rivals Stoke City. The game, which Stoke City's official website has called ' The biggest game in recent history' will probably determine whether Bristol City can make automatic promotion a realisation, or if they will have to suffer the nerves of the play-offs. With just a point between the two teams, but an inferior goal difference it is clear why Adriano Basso claims "We must win this game."

Manager Gary Johnson feels no different, adding "All our thoughts and training are about winning. We realise the extent of this game, and the boys have to be mentally tough to deal with it. Stoke City have almost sold out their allocation, and Stoke City boss and Bristol City anti-hero Tony Pulis has given his battlecry to his supporters saying, " This place is rocking when there is over 20,000 people in here, we need to create an atmosphere like Bristol City did earlier in the season when they got decisions they shouldn't have because of the crowd."

Bristol City have sold 1,850 tickets out of an allocated 2,800, so perhaps Pulis' plan may come to fruition, although the City fans that are there will make their voices heard for Gary Johnson, who infamously demanded his sides fans "Bounce around the ground."

How They Line Up

Stoke City play percentage football, with Rory Delap's long throw meaning teams are constantly pinned inside their own penalty area, making it hard for the opposition to gain a rhythm to their play. You can be sure City have been in training practicing defending set-pieces, and Gary Johnson is under no illusions of what to expect, "It will be physical, like the match at Ashton Gate - that's the way Stoke City play.

Despite having the ability to play direct, and use physicality to win matches, Stoke also have players of genuine quality, and during the loan window they brought in two players with Premiership experience, in Shola Ameobi and Stephen Pearson. Injuries at Coventry last week, mean Ameobi may not start, and captain Andy Griffin will definitely be missing, so Pulis could re-shuffle his side.

In goal is Carlo Nash, an experienced goalie who has been in situations like this just a few years before, during his time with Preston North End.

The injury to Andy Griffin means Chris Riggott will probably shift to right-back, the former Derby and Boro player has European experience, but has been kept out of the side recently due to injury and the form of David Wheater. At left-back will be Chris Dickinson, a solid and dependable full back who is defensive minded, but better for it. At centre back, Leon Cort and Ryan Shawcross are formidable, both in defensive and attacking areas and are utilised well in both.

In midfield, Richard Cresswell is the striker playing on right wing. A former Bristol City target, he has impressed despite playing out wide. On the left is the much admired Liam Lawrence, who came back into the fold at Coventry last week as a substitute, and within 20 minutes of his introduction, he had scored the winning goal. Centre midfield will see two of Danny Pugh, Rory Delap, Glenn Whelan or Stephen Pearson trying to combat Marvin Elliott in the midfield area.

With Ameobi unlikely to start, it is Mamady Sidibe who is his ready made replacement. Tall, strong and leggy, he is crucial to the way Stoke will operate. Alongside him is the enigmatic Ricardo Fuller. Earlier in the season at Ashton Gate, despite everything going wrong for him and his entertaining strop, he showed glimpses of his pace, awareness and downright ability. He will be a big threat to Adriano Basso's goal.

Nash

Riggott Cort Shawcross Dickinson

Cresswell Delap Whelan Lawrence

Fuller Sidibe

City News

With the news of Lee Johnson and Jamie McCallister being fit enough to travel, Gary Johnson has a selection headache, especially when you add the performances of Lee Trundle, Enoch Showunmi, Scott Murray, Brian Wilson, Nicky Carle and Liam Fontaine amongst others in the 9-1 Gloucestershire Cup win over Cheltenham Town. Having played two battlers in central midfield against Wolves and keeping their equally impressive firing line quiet, will Johnson play a ball player in midfield aswell, at the expense of a striker in the much used 4-4-1-1 formation? McIndoe and Sproule have been quiet in recent weeks, and this game is crucial for our wingers who will be needed to support our forwards when we are not defending set pieces. Both are good dribblers, and they will need to show this when counter attacking at pace following a direct set-piece where Stoke's back line will be in our area.

The stage is set, and with just three games remaining this is a huge game and a game Bristol City must win to maintain hopes of automatic promotion. The atmosphere will be intimidating, and Stoke will provide an onslaught of attacks, but with the ability of Basso, the cohesion of the back four, the ball retention and the commitment of our midfield and the fight of our forwards, this is a winnable game. If you are going to the game, light your candles, sing your hearts out and bounce around the ground.

If not, tune into the match at 5.20 PM, and enjoy another rollercoaster of a Championship contest. C'mon you reds!

Ross Casey

The Importance of Being Brooker

2008-04-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

With odds of 33/1 to win The Championship at the beginning of the season, Bristol City lie second in the table despite having been ridiculed as pretenders and lambasted as a lucky side from many amateur and professional broadcasters, despite being in the top six for the majority of the season.

Manager Gary Johnson, currently managing at the highest club standard of his career has masterminded the ascent of Yeovil from non-league giantkillers to League One before making the short trip to Bristol City, where in his first full season with The Reds he guided them into The Championship, after a nine year absence.

So, here we are, with four games left of The Championship season, with Bristol City poised to join the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League. With West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, Hull City and Watford all still in contention for automatic promotion, include Wolves to that list if they defeat Bristol City tomorrow, the list is vast and the next four games will feature twists and turns just as the rest of this topsy-turvy season.

When residing in League One, for those long nine seasons, the argument of Bristol City being a sleeping giant was used when we defeated the likes of Gillingham and Cheltenham, so being in The Championship has been a chance to prove that point. The management team have stepped up to the plate and on modest financial grounds, City have beaten the likes of Southampton, Sheffield United and Watford, and lie above everyone but West Bromwich Albion in the league table.

Those modest financial grounds became apparent during the transfer windows, where our rivals spent millions on transfer fees and wages, and we spent £800,000 on Nicky Carle and Dele Adebola. Wolves spent £2 million on Sylvain Ebanks - Blake, Stoke paid big money bringing in Shola Ameobi on loan and West Bromwich Albion are prepared to sign Luke Moore for £3.5 million pounds. What Bristol City do have in their ranks, however, is Steve Brooker.

The 26 year old forward returned to fitness after an 18 month absence through injury. A strong, intelligent and influential player, the £150,000 capture from Port Vale struck a partnership with Leroy Lita scoring 12 in his first season with the club. Brooker became a lynchpin of the side following Lita's departure to Reading and the failed signings such as Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges, meant he partnered the less talented, but hard working Bas Savage for a large part of the following season.

His struggle with injury began and, despite a handful of appearances, it looked for a time that the cult hero would have to retire at an appalingly young age. He battled for 18 long months fighting the mental and physical pain, and following a successful loan spell in League One with Cheltenham Town, Brooker was ready to return to the City fold.

A fortnight ago, Norwich City came to Ashton Gate and equalised with 20 minutes remaining, with the wind against us and a tirade of yellow and green attacks flooding towards Adriano Basso's goal, it seemed we had let 3 points slip away. The team could not get out of their own half, and Norwich were closing in on the winner. Ashton Gate fell silent, seeing the Premier League dream fall by the wayside.

Enter Steve Brooker from the substitutes bench, and hope, faith and atmosphere rose again in the form of rapturous applause from the Ashton Gate crowd. Brooker ran onto the pitch, not to indulge in the well deserved reception, but with a quick clap to the fans, his only focus was earning 3 points for the club that stood by him in his injury plagued season. In the 3rd minute of three minutes of injury time, the Hollywood ending unveiled itself from the big screen and Brooker headed in the winner, as the metaphorical roof was lifted off Ashton Gate.

So, whilst their rivals have bought big with Premiership experience, Bristol City have the player who has a history at his club, a following and ultimately the passion to just be playing football again.

Ross Verbals

Entering the Dragon's Den

2008-03-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

With West Bromwich Albion failing to capitalise on an opportunity to gain points on Championship leaders Stoke City and the following pack yesterday with a 1-1 draw at The Valley against Charlton Athletic, this weekend could, finally see the teams at the top breakaway and push for the promised land. In a season in which sides have failed to maintain their first placed spot, Stoke City, Watford and Bristol City can begin that final haul tomorrow with games against Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City respectively.

Bristol City need to get back to winning ways soon, having not won in four games. If the incentive of West Bromwich's draw isn't enough, then a hostile derby against their Welsh rivals will only add to the intensity of the game at Ninian Park today. For those who were unsure of the hostility involved between the two clubs only needed to see the Cardiff City fans behaviour at Ashton Gate n earlier this season. An added edge is the first appearance at Ninian Park for Lee Trundle, who infamously sported an anti-Cardiff T-shirt whilst parading a less than jovial banner aimed toward the Bluebirds whilst a Swansea player. This has not been forgotten and certainly not forgiven, as the abuse Trundle was singled out for at Ashton Gate proved. This is the first time the teams have played at Ninian Park since Cardiff won a playoff semi-final 1-0 in 2003, Bristol City have, however, not lost in the league against Cardiff for 37 years.

Cardiff City, who this week were relieved to find they do not need to repay their £24 million pound debt with immediate effect currently lie in 14th place, but with two games in hand and nine points behind Plymouth Argyle in sixth place. This means that Cardiff still have plenty to play for this season, despite the deceptive league position.

HOW THEY LINE UP

Cardiff boss Dave Jones likes to operate a 4-4-2 system and play through the midfield. In goal for The Bluebirds is Peter Enckleman, on loan from Blackburn Rovers since Kasper Schmeichel returned to Manchester City. Enckleman, who despite the error he is synomonous with, is a credible shotstopper whom City will do well to beat. In defence, young right back Darcy Blake will deputise for the injured Kevin McNaughton, with Northern Ireland international Tony Capaldi at left back. In centre defence will most likely be Roger Johnson, goalscoring conquerer of Middlesborough in the FA Cup and Dutchman Glenn Loovens, a player who almost joined City a few years back. Having only conceded 1 in 4, this backline is settled and organised.

A strong midfield consists of dangerous wingers Peter Whittingham, hot off the heels of a wonderstrike against Middlesborough, and Welsh international and posterboy Joe Ledley. In the centre of midfield is former Rangers enforcer Gavin Rae, who is not akin to hostile derbies and young Aaron Ramsey, who at just 17 offers youthful exhuberance to an experienced side. Also in content for a starting spot are the former England international Trevor Sinclair and former Baggie Ricardo Scimeca.

Following Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's red card against Colchester, he begins a three game ban and will be absent for today's game. In his place will be Stephen Thompson, the player red carded at Ashton Gate for his wreckless lunge at Bristol City keeper Adriano Basso. Alongside him will be Paul Parry, the Welsh international who scored his 9th of the season last week in the 1-1 draw with Colchester.

Enckleman

Blake Johnson Loovens Capaldi

Ledley Rae Ramsey Whittingham

Thompson Parry

CITY NEWS

The talking point all week following the 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle was the dilemma of whether to recall striker Steve Brooker from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town after his return of 5 goals in 6 games. The resounding response resulted in Gary Johnson activating the 24 hour release clause in the loan contract and Brooker will definitely be in the squad to face Cardiff. Jamie McCombe and Lee Johnson, who both missed the Argyle game last week through injury are struggling to make the squad of 16, but Cole Skuse could return to the fold following three weeks out with injury, as could David Noble. With Johnson admitting "We weren't clever enough in the final third" what will the response be to the disappointing loss against promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle? Having played with a 4-4-2 in that game, will we continue having the extra forward to help Dele Adebola up front, or could Skuse return meaning Noble or Carle taking up the position 'in the hole'? With Brooker back, will he start or be unleashed as an impact substitution? Will Wilson keep his place on the right wing following an impressive display in the reserves - albeit on the left? Will Johnson attempt to throw Trundle to the dragon's den in an attempt to take the emphasis for the hostile Cardiff City fans away from the game and onto his broad shoulders?

Basso

Orr Carey Fontaine McCallister

Sproule Carle Elliott McIndoe

Trundle Adebola

With tensions high because of West Bromwich's result, the opposition and the time of season, Ninian Park may resemble a pressure cooker for our players today, but it is at the business end of the season that winners stand up and are counted. This is a huge game, and one that will be a close scoring game with whomever takes the pressure better, coming out on top. C'mon you reds!!!

ROSS VERBALS

South West Showdown - Plymouth Preview

2008-03-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Having drawn the last 3 games, Bristol City have continued their impressive unbeaten run, and still sit atop of The Championship with a mere 8 games remaining. With Stoke, Watford and West Bromwich Albion all breathing down their necks however, City need to get wins under their belt before they plateau at the wrong end of the season. Ashton Gate believes that can happen tomorrow afternoon against a Plymouth Argyle side that is undergoing a transitional period after former boss Ian Holloway's departure and Paul Sturrock's return to Home Park. Even with the disruption of the change of manager, Plymouth lie in a respectable 7th place just one point behind sixth placed Hull City. With the playoffs within their grasp Plymouth will arrive at Ashton Gate looking to beat the league leaders despite losing their last two away matches.

How They Line Up

Following the mass exodus of key players David Norris (Ipswich), Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Wolves), Akos Buszacky (QPR) and Barry Hayles (Leicester City) in January, Paul Sturrock has looked to his native Scotland to fill the void left by their former star players. Scots Steven McClean, Gary Teale, Chris Clark and James Paterson have arrived to offer experience and commitment into an organised and disciplined side.

Having seen the only fit professional goalkeeper Luke McCormick sent off on Tuesday night and Roman Larrieu injured, Plymouth have signed Scottish international Rab Douglas on loan from Leicester, and the man who played in the 2003 Uefa Cup Final will start in goal for The Pilgrims tomorrow. In defence, Paul Connolly and James Paterson are attacking full backs and the centre defence pairing of Russell Anderson and Marcel Seip are honest and dependable. They have not kept a clean sheet in 5 games mind, so after two blanks in a week, City could unlock the Plymouth defence and test loanee Douglas in the net.

The midfield contains two of the best wingers in the league, Gary Teale and Peter Halmosi, whom is said to be attracting the attention of several Premiership teams. It is Halmosi who leads the scoring charts with 8 goals so far from the left wing. If the City full backs defend the way they did against Smith and McAnuff in midweek (minus the penalty) then they can be tamed as they were. The centre midfield pairing is likely to be former Serie A man Lilian Nalis and Chris Clark, who will offer plenty of endeavour and in Nalis, good ball retention.

In the two forward positions, Sturrock has the choice of Rory Fallon, who City fans will recall scored a stupendous overhead kick against us whilst at Swindon, Jermain Easter, whom Gary Johnson decided not to sign having met the player, so he will be looking to prove Gary wrong, former Wednesday and Cardiff man Steven Mclean and Nick Chadwick, who scored at Ashton Gate playing for Everton in the Carling Cup a few years back.

Sturrock could change formation and play 4-5-1 bringing in club captain Paul Wotton in the holding role which Williamson utilised so well for Watford on Tuesday night.

Douglas

Connolly Seip Anderson Paterson

Teale Nalis Clark Halmosi

Fallon McClean

Latest News

Krisztian Timar who so gloriously sliced the ball into his own net for us in the reverse fixture earlier in the season is suspended, which is a shame with the way our forward line are finishing recently, and fellow centre half Mathias Doumbe is still out with injury. For Bristol City Lee Johnson is a doubt after the awful challenge on him by Darius Henderson on Tuesday, and Jamie McCombe is still struggling with the hip injury that saw him miss Tuesday's tie.

City News

After a tense and tiring match against promotion rivals Watford, Gary Johnson has some difficult managerial decisions ahead, with Liam Fontaine, Ivan Sproule and Darren Byfield all pushing for recalls into the starting XI. Having failed to score again, Johnson may opt for two up top tomorrow, but with the extra man in midfield City dominate the possession in midfield and control proceedings, like in the first half against Watford. Assuming Johnson is out it will be interesting to see if he plays the 3 of Noble, Elliott and Carle or brings in Skuse in a two man midfield. After another full 90 minutes will Adebola get the help of Trundle or Byfield alongside him?

Basso

Orr Fontaine Carey McCallister

Sproule Elliott Carle McIndoe

Noble

Adebola

Trivia

This fixture saw the introduction to the Ashton Gate crowd of another God loving City player Tony Rougier who tore the place down with a monumental home debut on the right wing and City came home with the points as Rougier helped us to the playoffs.

Ross Verbals

Will The Hornets Put a Sting In The Tale?

2008-03-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt the feeling that you have been here before? Another championship decider against Watford at Ashton Gate sees the first match with make or break pressure on our players, after the two away draws at Charlton and Leicester. Needing to get back to winning ways, Bristol City face a Watford side currently lying 3rd in the table, just four points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Watford, if you recall, came to Ashton Gate during our promotion season in 1997 in a crunch game that finished 1-1 but saw the end of captain and lynchpin Shaun Taylor's campaign through injury. This time however, it is us at the summit of The Championship with nine games between us and the impossible dream. Having already beaten Watford at Vicarage Road this season Bristol City will continue their philosophy of respecting teams but not fearing them, and are hoping for another unforgettable night under the floodlights at Ashton Gate.

How They Line Up

Having performed gallantly in The Premiership on modest financial grounds, the parachute payments and sales of star players Ashley Young and Marlon King has improved the infrastructure at Vicarage Road and several summer and January signings have improved their squad. Manager Aidy Boothroyd has named an unchanged team in the past three games in a 4-4-2 formation. Richard Lee has been captaining the side between the sticks, Aidy Mariappa plays at right back, January signing Matthew Sadler at left back and the centre half pairing of Danny Shittu and Leigh Bromby completes a solid back four. All five of these players have experience in getting promotion from The Championship, with Birmingham (Sadler), Sheffield United(Bromby) and Watford(Lee, Mariappa and Shittu). This could be crucial come the seasons end. The midfield four consists of intelligent wingers Tommy Smith on the right, and critically acclaimed Jobi McAnuff on the left. In centre midfield, former Stoke captain John Eustace is alongside young John Joe O'Toole who scored the equaliser against Bristol City earlier this season. The strikeforce of Nathan 'The Duke' Ellington and Darius Henderson offers plenty of physical strength and in Ellington, a forward desperate to repay his £3.5 million price tag by scoring against his former rivals.

Lee

Mariappa Bromby Shittu Sadler

Smith Eustace O'Toole McAnuff

Ellington Henderson

Leigh Bromby offers Watford a new attacking force since his January arrival from Sheffield United - a long throw in. The match last week against Norwich made Glenn Roeder remark "It's a unique brand of football here. We tried to play the ball on the floor but when you have long throw-ins coming in every time the ball crosses the halfway line it's difficult." With this direct play and the heading abilities of Henderson and the striking prowess of Ellington we can expect a stop-start game tomorrow night with plenty of attacking throw ins. Do not rule out Watford as one trick ponies however, with the pace of McAnuff and Smith out wide they will offer counter attacks at pace if City lose posession in Watford's half.

The last 6 away matches Watford have played has seen them come away with 9 points with two wins, three draws and a loss. Although The Hornets are unbeaten in eight games, they have drawn the last four, showing that they can fail to finish teams off. After the Norwich game manager Aidy Boothroyd said "I'll go home and shout into my pillow - I'm as cross as the fans.
We allowed Norwich to come back into it. We are not taking our chances and we didn't defend properly. We should be finishing those chances."

Top scorer is Darius Henderson with 12 goals, and behind him is Nigerian international centre back Danny Shittu with 9. This shows the importance of set pieces in tomorrow night's match as both sides are deadly from set pieces - including Leigh Bromby's long throw in.

City News

Following the unbelievable 0-0 draw at Leicester, Bristol City will be anxious to get playing at Ashton Gate again, where the wind and pitch will not affect the game, but Gary Johnson has some important managerial decisions to make. At Leicester we played a 4-4-2 which allowed us to play with two lines of four against the onslaught of Leicester, and with Watford similar to Leicester in direct play with pacy wingers will Johnson start with the same side? Or will Byfield be dropped to accomodate the improved performance of Sproule and Carle playing back in the hole utilising a 4-5-1? With no new injury worries or suspensions, changes made will be tactical, with a possible change being Bradley Orr returning from suspension at right back to deal with Jobi McAnuff. This however, would be harsh on Brian Wilson who has played well in the Liverpudlian's place.

I expect to see a tense game of football with both sides showing desire and endeavour. If Bristol City defend well, we can come away with the three points, if we defend poorly and offer Watford the opportunities Leicester had, we will be in for an uphill struggle. I will be delighted with a 2-1 win similar to the match at Vicarage Road, but we will need a partisan positive crowd and the players to play without the pressures of being at the summit of The Championship. C'mon you Reds!!!

Ross Verbals

Thanking Our Lucky Scarves

2008-03-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Leicester City 0 - 0 Bristol City
08/03/2008

I left my house in Birmingham, setting off for the bus stop that would get us to the train station when something inside me panicked and I bellowed to my friend Shafi, "My lucky scarf, I haven't got my lucky scarf!" "Did you wear it at QPR?"Shafi, reasonably asked after the 3-0 drubbing. "No" was the reasonable reply. "OK, go, go get the scarf!!!"A short sprint followed and I emerged in Shafi's eye view wielding the scarf like Morrissey would gladioli. If ever a match proved that the red and white Bristol City scarf holds some sway, this was it.
In a match that simply did not warrant a 0-0 draw, Bristol City escaped the East Midlands one point richer and still at the top of The Championship.Starting with a 4-4-2, Gary Johnson elected to start with:

Basso
Wilson McCombe Fontaine McCallister
Carle Johnson Elliott McIndoe
Byfield Adebola

It was clear from the very first minute that Ian Holloway's Leicester side were instructed to be "up and at them from the get go" with the wind with them and the direct straight balls for Howard, which were controlled and laid off by the big man for pacy wingers Hume and Etuhu. Diagonal direct balls were collected by Campbell, whose pace troubled our high defensive back line every time. To be fair to City's defence they dealt with the attacking prowess with tenacity, but at times they were cut open too easily. Basso was strugling to kick sufficently with the gusting wind against him, his kicks barely reached the half way line. With the midfield bypassed because of Leicester's direct play Johnson became a bystander because with the pitch in the state it was, City attempted to play the ball on the floor and were caught out, losing possession by hard working Leicester, sometimes in the most critical of areas.

With Leicester creating, but crucially missing a hatful of chances it was City who almost took the lead with both Carle and McIndoe coming close. The first half though, must be replaying in Iain Hume's head and wondering how he couldn't score one of his numerous chances. The Leicester top scorer was unusually wasteful, his final effort of the half was parried by Basso into the onrushing Kelvin Etuhu, who again missed the target. So scarf, so good.

Half-time o-o

The second half saw Sproule rapidly introduced on the right wing for the out of position Carle. City played the best football they had all game culminating in a one-two with strikers Byfield and Adebola, Byfield then flicked the ball through to Elliott, whose somewhat scuffed effort beat the keeper, but not the post, and ater an awkward moment where Kisnorbo almost chested the ball into his own net the Leicester goalie claimed the ball safely in his grasp. The improved second half performance was equal to Leicester's but not better, as they had chances aplenty in the second half aswell, but Basso was equal to awkward low grasscutters and top corner strikes alike.

Brian Wilson, who has filled in professionally for Bradley Orr at right back, went on a marauding run from his own half and hit a swirling shot from all of 35 yards which hit the underside of the bar and bounced out. With time running out, we could sense an undeserved victory, and the introduction of Trundle was met with cheers from the away following. A frenetic finish saw Sproule breakaway following good hold up play by Adebola and he outpaced Clapham, who I thought was going to bring him down for a penalty, but Sproule got away and hit a powerful shot which Henderson almost dropped into his own net and out for a corner. A wasteful corner saw Leicester attack and almost score as Howard hit a goalbound effort but the inspired Basso palmed the shot away and City came home with a point. I love my scarf.

Player Ratings

Basso - 10/10 Single-handedly ensured we came home with an undeserved point.

Wilson - 6/10 Battled against pacy wingers, great run and shot

McCombe - 6/10 Howard held him off with ease in the first half, improved second half

Fontaine 7/10 Played well, made some important blocks and swept up behind McCallister on countless occasions

McCallister - 5/10 Struggled with Etuhu's pace and the direct diagonal balls targeted at him.

Carle - 5/10 Worked hard defensively, but out of position and did not dictate the game like he can in behind the strikers

Elliott - 7/10 Battled all game typified by his 30 yard sprint to slide Hendrie and come away with the ball. Unlucky with his shot.

Johnson - 5/10 Not a game for Johnson this, was bypassed and could not gain possession of the ball which he needs.

McIndoe - 6/10 When going forward in the first half, he was key but not his best game.

Byfield - 6/10 Ran his socks off and was central to a lot of the good work by City.

Adebola - 5/10 Could not shake off the attentions of Bruno N'Gotty, seems to be more effective at home

Sproule - 6/10 Added a different threat and gave us impetus for brief periods. Much improved from recent weeks

Trundle - 6/10 Showed his quality on the ball out wide but not centrally, lack of pace showed because of this

Vasko - N/A Came on to add a ball winner in both areas

Somehow, we have rode our luck this season and this epitomised it. Do not rule out the importance of our hard work and determination however. Elliott is central to this and with Byfield in particular we defended with pressure from the front. A point gained, we need to come away with home wins now following good away results.

All aboard the Walkers Bowl

2008-03-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

Leicester City vs Bristol City

Match Preview

After a credible 1-1 draw at The Valley on Tuesday, the Reds head to Leicester's Walkers Stadium for a crunch tie against long time nemesis Ian Holloway and his Leicester side. With Leicester City's inconsistent form still not pulling them out of a relegation dog fight, and Bristol City currently clinging onto 1st place, the 3 points are vital to both sides for different reasons. Leicester City's unexpected win at Ninian Park against Cardiff last week was followed by a disappointing stoppage time loss at home to fellow Championship strugglers Preston North End. This inconsistency is their downfall, and their supporters are demanding more from Holloway's men who could be the first team to do the double over Bristol City this season. The expectancy of the home crowd has overawed the players at times this season, although since Holloway has taken charge 4 out of 9 games have been won at home. Currently struggling in 19th place, just 4 points ahead of the relegation zone, The Foxes will need points on the board urgently. Bristol City go into the game in first place, knowing that the sides in and around them are all looking to knock them off top spot. A win at the Walkers Stadium will keep them at least 3 points clear with just nine games remaining.

How They Line Up

In goal is Paul Henderson, following the end of Martin Fulop's loan spell from Sunderland. A back four of Stearman, N'Gotty, Kisnorbo and Clapham offers experience and physicallity. The midfield will be missing influential captain Stephen Clemence through injury, so it will probably be the electric pace of new loan signing Etuhu and Iain Hume on the wings with former Premiership starlets Lee Hendrie and Matt Oakley in the middle of the park. Holloway has a choice of the targetman Steve Howard, ex GasHead Barry Hayles, or the youth of Matty Fryatt and DJ Campbell up front. Like Bristol City, Leicester struggle to score goals, and Iain Hume, who top scores with 8 so far, is widely used as a winger, and despite a wealth of options up front none have scored for fun.

City News

Bradley Orr, who was due to return to action following a two game suspension was surprisingly given an extra games ban because of foul and abusive language towards an official, meaning he misses the tie tomorrow with Brian Wilson keeping his slot at right back. Louis Carey finished a half in the reserves this week, giving Gary Johnson a potential selection headache. With Leicester City's pitch resembling that of a sandpit I can see Leicester playing direct football, using Howard as a target, so McCombe is likely to start. Jamie McCallister took a heavy tackle on Tuesday night, but is expected to be fit, but if he doesn't make it then makeshift full back Liam Fontaine will fill in with Vasko or Carey taking his place at centre half. Ivan Sproule looks in need of a rest, and all the whispers are of a return to the starting line up for Scotty Murray, or as in Tuesday Night, Carle playing right wing and playing 4-4-2 with Byfield or 4-5-1 with Noble.

Likely Line Up

Basso

Wilson McCombe Fontaine McCallister

Murray Johnson Elliott McIndoe

Carle

Adebola

Latest News

Holloway has predicted Leicester City's last 10 games of the season to be their most successful so far, beginning with the game against his old nemesis, Bristol City boss Gary Johnson on the other hand speaks of a cautionary tale saying, "We've got to be aware that they've got a lot of stars in their team that have played at the highest level for a long time. If they hit a bit of form then we won't know what's hit us." This match is hard to call, as Johnson has said Leicester possess quality in key areas, and in form teams like ourselves have come away with nothing but a hiding at the Walkers Stadium - see Norwich going down 4-0 a few weeks ago on the back of a 13 game unbeaten run. Both teams are solid at the back but struggle to score goals, so a low scoring game would be the smart bet. A performance that will earn all 3 points for the Reds will need to be high octane, organised and professional. I am predicting a reverse of the score at Ashton Gate this season and a 2-0 win to Gary Johnson's barmy army. C'mon the reds!!!

Trivia

In the last three games against Leicester, we have lost 3-0, 1-0 and 2-0. What do we have to do to score around these parts? In their last 6 home games The Foxes have only conceded 3 goals, meaning we need to break down one of the meanest defences in the league... here's to you Boom Boom McCombe!!!

Ross Verbals

Charlton at The Valley

2008-03-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Charlton Athletic vs Bristol City
Match Preview

Alan Pardew's Charlton Athletic host Bristol City this evening in what is a huge six pointer for both sides. With genuine hopes of an automatic promotion themselves, Charlton will seek to be the first team to do the double over Bristol City this season with a win at The Valley. Having been on the wrong end of a bizarre 5-3 hiding at Blackpool a fortnight ago, The Addicks responded by pulling out a great away perfomance in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United. Currently lying in fifth, Charlton are seven points adrift of Stoke City in second place, so winning this game will be seen as crucial.

HOW THEY LINE UP

They operated in a 4-5-1 versus Sheffield United, with experienced Nicky Weaver in goal, on-loan right back Greg Halford, who was recently criticised by Pardew after the below par performance against Blackpool, and on the left hand side of defence is Kelly Youga, whom City had on loan two seasons back, but has improved since then. The centre halves will be McCarthy and Sam Sodje, who some will remember from his Brentford days.

Although, they played with 5 in midfield last week, it seems Pardew fancies a 4-4-2 formation against City, with Darren Ambrose on thr right, Jerome Thomas on the left and Zheng Zhi and Matty Holland completing a very experienced midfield, a midfield in fact that was utilised in the Premier League.

Up front is the bustling Chris Iwelumo, who scored the late winner at Ashton Gate, and the intelligent Varney will offer a different threat.

LATEST NEWS

Charlton players Scott Sinclair, Ben Thatcher and Lee Cook all completed a reserve game this week and will be pushing for a place in the starting line up. Algerian international Madjid Bougherra is out with a knee injury. It is rumoured Sinclair could be handed his full debut, so Brian Wilson will face a different challenge than that of Pedersen at the weekend.

CITY NEWS

A delighted Gary Johnson will surely name an unchanged starting eleven. If a 4-4-2 is Pardew's preferred formation Nicky Carle should have space to link the midfield with Adebola. Wilson, who stood in for Bradley Orr against Hull magnificently faces the threat of Jerome Thomas or Scott Sinclair, and the battle of Iwelumo and McCombe could prove crucial. Charlton will be a threat with direct set pieces, including Greg Halford's long throw ins, so Basso's decision making needs to be spot on. Johnson was quoted today as saying he wants Murray to be involved in the 16, a sign of Sproule's recent inconsistency.

LIKELY LINE UP

Basso

Wilson McCombe Fontaine McCallister

Sproule Elliott Johnson McIndoe

Carle

Adebola

I am hoping for a point in this tricky tie. As with many away games this season, City will look to soak up early pressure and gradually take hold of posession. Charlton have let out a battle cry of this being a must win game, and that brings pressure, if City stand firm we can come away from the Valley with an away point. However, an early goal could set the tone for another away day horror show. A 1-1 draw with another Adebola strike would be fantastic. C'mon the reds!!!

TRIVIA

If Youga does play for Charlton Athletic this evening it will be the first time he has played against us since Scunthorpe United lost 2-1 at Ashton Gate in the early part of this season. Perhaps Lee Trundle could pull his magic daps out of his boot bag at The Valley tonight and produce another glorious winner like he did in that tie?

Ross Verbals

Boom, Boom! We are top of the league

2008-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Bristol City 2 - 1 Hull City

Bristol City clinched top spot after defeating Hull City in a pulsating encounter yesterday. A crowd of 15,859 witnessed the match which boss Gary Johnson described "The match in which the crowd started to believe." With 11 games remaining this season, Bristol City are in pole position to gain back-to-back promotions and claim a spot in the lucrative Barclaycard Premier League.

Louis Carey was ruled out for the match, as his injured foot had not healed sufficently, so Brian Wilson stepped into the right back spot due to Carey's injury and Bradley Orr's suspension. For Hull, new loanee Neil Clement was drafted into an unfamiliar centre back role because of Michael Turner's suspension.

The players ran out, greeted by the now custom firework display, and an atmosphere so riled roared Bristol City onto the pitch willing them on to what was to be a memorable victory. The players had to deal with difficult conditions, as a blustering wind swept through Ashton Gate, with the ball holding up and racing through causing all sorts of mishaps in the process.

Hull should have been in front within one minute as a swift passing move started by Caleb Folan, culminated in Henrik Pedersen finding the leggy forward in the box only for the striker to slip and miscue his shot wide. With the wind causing problems for all players, Neil Clement making his debut was clearly struggling to read the flight of the ball, losing in the air to Adebola on countless occasions.

It was Clement's indecision that lead to the opening goal on 14 minutes, a hopeful lofted pass from Fontaine towards Adebola held and swerved in the wind and the new signing allowed Adebola the time to take the ball on his chest and emphatically volley the ball past Boaz Myhill in the Hull goal.

Despite going behind Hull continued to press forward, and only poor finishing let them down, with Richard Garcia and Dean Marney both guilty of wild shooting. When the efforts were on target, Adriano Basso, recently voted the best goalkeeper in The Football League by Four Four Two Magazine, stood firm in the Bristol City goal. Not only did Basso save shots, but he did not fumble any efforts with Campbell lurking.

With the half drawing to a close, another purposeful Hull attack culminated in Tigers' captain Ian Ashbee 8 yards out, only to slip on the ball, but somehow he was allowed the time to pick himself up, force the ball wide and cross across goal. With Fontaine scrambling back towards the goal-line, he was helpless to see the ball strike his hip and drop into the corner of the net. Hull had equalised on the stroke of half time. Gary Johnson needed to inspire his players at half-time, after that body blow.

Half - time Bristol City 1 -1 Hull City

Inspiring he was, as a Lee Johnson straight lofted free-kick landing on the penalty spot, so often effective this season, caused panic in the area and as the ball looped into the air Boom Boom Jamie McCombe produced a beautiful bicycle kick which Boaz Myhill could only watch and admire as it looped into the top left hand corner. Ashton Gate erupted, and the dream was still alive.

Hull City introduced Jay-Jay Okocha and pushed Henrik Pedersen up-front and became more direct with their attacking play. Throw-ins became corners as Okocha's almighty throws were aimed for the head of Pedersen reminicent of Allardyce era Bolton Wanderers. Still, the City defence would not cave in, with McCombe winning aerial battles and Fontaine managing to stay with the pacy Frazier Campbell. With just two minutes remaining, sloppy control from Fontaine allowed Folan to run into the area, and square the ball across the onrushing Adriano Basso and into the path of Frazier Campbell, who somehow, with the goal at his mercy, hit the foot of the post with his drive, and as McCombe's miscued clearnce fell to Pedersen, his shot struck the side-netting.

Perhaps God has noticed all of Adriano's praying and we are encountering some divine intervention. The ecstatic fans and players alike celebrated the final whistle fully aware the three points are huge in the context of this seasons run in. Exhausted and elated, I had been truly entertained by both sides, in a match I shall not soon forget.

PLAYER RATINGS

BASSO - Did well with handling shots and crosses, no fumbles or mistakes. 8/10

WILSON - Deputised for Orr and was solid, keeping Pedersen wide 8/10

FONTAINE - Didn't let Campbell breathe, tackled well and swept up, unlucky oggie 8/10

MCCOMBE - Goal to die for and was monumental at the back 9/10

MCCALLISTER - Solid at the back, sniffed out Garcia, harshly booked 8/10

SPROULE - Didnt really get in the game, one great surging run lifted us though 7/10

JOHNSON - Not at his usual standard first half, much improved second half 8/10

ELLIOTT - Back to his bustling best, challenging for every lost cause 8/10

CARLE - Worked incredibly hard, strong on the ball and found space between midfield and defence 8/10

MCINDOE - Another full throttle performance, a great outlet to the team 8/10

ADEBOLA - Absolutely bossed Hull's defence, dominant strong and effective 9/10

Ross Verbals

The Tigers are a'comin - Hull City Preview

2008-02-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

Bristol City vs Hull City

Match Preview

Phil Brown's Hull City side arrive at Ashton Gate tomorrow afternoon in fine form, a run of six matches without a single loss has culminated in The Tigers chasing the playoffs when some said it was too late. Having a game in hand on sixth placed Charlton and being only two points behind the Londoners means a top six spot is now a distict possibility. With new found hope comes a sense of pressure however, how will Brown and his Humber-side deal with it all? Well, if last weekends 2-1 away victory at The Hawthorns against the impressive West Bromwich Albion is anything to go by, Hull City seem to mean business.

How They Line Up

Similar to Bristol City have in recent weeks, The Tigers utilise a 4-5-1 system, with former City loanee Boaz Myhill in goal, Welsh international Sam Ricketts at right full back, former Bolton star Henrik Pedersen at left back and the no nonsense centre back pairing of Wayne Brown and Michael Turner. In midfield, Richard Garcia plays wide on the right, ex-England international Nicky Barmby on the left, with experienced captain Ian Ashbee and the exciting Simon Walton in the centre of midfield. Playing in the hole, ala Nicky Carle is the charismatic, world renowned Jay-Jay Okocha. Playing the lone striker role is the highly rated Frazier Campbell, a striker on loan from Manchester United who posesses lightning pace, and with 3 goals in three games, an abundance of confidence.
However, at West Bromwich, Brown reverted to the tried and trusted 4-4-2 with Dawson coming in at left back, Pedersen moving wide left midfield and £1 million pound man Caleb Folan replacing Simon Walton and playing up top with Campbell. It was Campbell and Folan who scored the goals, so perhaps 4-4-2 will be the favoured formation for Phil Brown against Bristol City?

Latest News

Michael Turner, their dominant centre half misses out through suspension, and with no experienced centre back to take his place at the back, it will be interesting to see how Phil Brown manages the problem. Will Dawson play centre half, with Pedersen playing at left back? Will a young centre half be used and will he have the physicality to battle Adebola for 90 minutes? Or will captain Ian Ashbee be used as an emergency centre half? Turner's absence is good news, as their back 4 is relatively short, so set plays could prove crucial again. Dean Windass, the 39 year old forward who always seems to score at Ashton Gate is facing a fitness battle to be able to play. Despite his age Windass is an incredibly effective forward, top scoring so far with 12 goals this season. If he is unable to play, familiar face Michael Bridges is back from a loan spell at Sydney FC and will be pushing for a start. I wonder what the reaction of City fans will be towards Bridges? I imagine it will be indifferent, as he never really got going before Johnson smelt a rat. Hull darling boy Nicky Barmby looks likely to miss out, having suffered an injury against Colchester a few weeks back. Sorry ladies...

City News

With Bradley Orr's sending off against Colchester on Saturday, this game will be the first of a two game suspension, leaving a hole in the right back berth, and according to Assistant Manager Keith Millen, Louis Carey will start dependent on a successful return from injury. It will be tough for Louis to come back from injury and play against the likes of Pedersen and France, but he is the one player you want on your front line (in a battle, not one on one with the 'keeper) his commitment to the club astounds me at times, despite being sent to Coventry. Just as a side note how will a not fully fit Carey deal with the electric Scott Sinclair on Tuesday night???? If the injection Louis is due to have is unsuccessful in allowing our captain to return we have the willing Brian Wilson and Cole Skuse as possible replacements, and even the much talked about youth team captain Christian Ribiero, who is apparently first team bound soon.
With the possibility of Hull using a 4-5-1 I am wondering about the mindset of Nicky Carle, who by all accounts has been kept from playing due to teams operating man marking in a 4-5-1 system. Could Johnson use a 4-4-2 and place a forward alongside Adebola by replacing Carle with Byfield or Trundle? With the re-shuffle in Hull's back line I think this may prove successful, but Johnson is not a fan of changing a winning side, and rightly so.

LIKELY LINE UP

BASSO
CAREY MCCOMBE FONTAINE MCCALLISTER
SPROULE JOHNSON ELLIOTT MCINDOE
CARLE
ADEBOLA

We will be in for a better style of football with Hull than the direct tactics of Warnock and Crystal Palace last Monday week, with Hull counter attacking at pace and the ball retention of Okocha will mean they will have long spells of possession tomorrow. I am hoping for an open attacking brand of Championship football, with City winning 2-1. C'mon you reds!!!!

TRIVIA

A useless piece of afterthought for you - the last time Wayne Brown, Hull's fairly thuggish but reliable centre back played at Ashton Gate was Colchester's bore draw that was broadcast on Sky Tv. He was sent off that day, for bitch slapping Michael Bridges, perhaps lightning could strike twice and we could see a situation like Bradley Orr at Northampton last season????

Ross Verbals

Bristol City - Life Consuming

2008-02-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

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 Landsdown 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 Molinuex, 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 Johnsons 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 so far:

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. I am going to be controversial, and say he had a better season last year, however he is undoubtedly our number one. 8/10

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

McCallister - 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 last week. 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. 7/10

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 probably proved he is worthy of a full time contract once his loan expires. 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 currently deployed. Crucial with his range of passing from open play and his usually excellent set plays. 8/10

Carle - A January transfer window capture, we have not seen the best of Nick yet I feel. Playing in the advanced midfield position, he has yet to really grasp games by the scruff of the neck, but with Johnson's recently improved displays it hasn't been too apparent. Will improve with match fitness. 6/10

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, needs to earn his spot back. 6/10

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. 6/10

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 time is up. It seems he has 12 games left in a City shirt - let's hope for one more 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. 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 could yet prove vital. 6/10

Trundle - With the weight of a £1 million price tag on his head, Lee has at times seemed overawed, although he has lacked goals, he contributes with some nice link up and hold up play. I would love to see more of his magic daps like his two strikes against Scunthorpe mind. 7/10

Adebola - With 2 in 5 so far for the man who was bought in January to boost our firepower, he has done very well, he will battle and hold the ball for our pacy wingers and attacking midfielders. Keep it up Dele. 8/10

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. 8/10

Currently sitting second in the league with 12 games remaining, promotion is a distinct possibility. This season has thrown up plenty of surprises, and I'm sure we are in store for some more.

So that is my season so far, I shall post a preview of the game against Hull City tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed the post

Ross Verbals

rudimentary records gig

2007-05-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Rudimentary Records Launch Gig

Birmingham’s newest record label Rudimentary Records is launching with a showcase gig at The Jug of Ale in Moseley on Tuesday the 15th of May.

Created by three students studying music industries at The University of Central England, Rudimentary Records is aiming to play a part in the Birmingham music scene and expose the artists we feel are creating passionate music that Birmingham can be proud to have as its own.

Our Tony Wilson influenced label ethos means we currently have no contractual agreements with our artists. The artists have no obligation to work with us, but we have helped our acts to record tracks, we are soon to be distributing an EP, booking gigs and advertising through the media.

The artists working with our label are Ben Calvert, a well established troubadour in the West Midlands who is due to play the acoustic tent at this years Glastonbury festival. The Motive, a hard working indie punk band voted in the top 10 unsigned bands in Birmingham by birminghammusic.com, and The Boom! Cans, a young band creating loud riffs and interesting breakdowns to create a prog rock punk sound.

Both The Motive and Ben have played Birmingham lots of times before, but this event will be the first chance for Birmingham to see The Boom! Cans, who are also supporting Milburn in Derby next week.

If you would like to come to the event please do so. If you are interested in reviewing it, please contact Ross on 07894275038 or via e-mail ross-rudimentary-casey@hotmail.co.uk and we can place you on the guest list.

Thanks,

Ross Casey,

Rudimentary Records

www.myspace.com/rudimentaryrecords
The Motive – themotive.clientwebdesign.co.uk OR www.myspace.com/themotiveuk
Ben Calvert – www.bencalvert.com OR www.myspace.com/bencalvertmusic
The Boom! Cans – www.myspace.com/theboomcans