Forever Bristol City Podcast

BLACKBURN [H] the verdict ..... further evidence that progress is being made

City maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a draw against a Blackburn side who looked quite ordinary even though they have spent virtually all of this season in the play off zone.

You just knew it would be against City that the visitors would record their first draw of the season and they took the lead early in the second half before another Semenyo strike brought an equaliser. City did enough to win on that 2nd half performance which saw a strong penalty claim turned down and Bell being robbed by a marginal offside decision of his 2nd goal of the week.

Vyner was again impressive but Blackburn countered the threat of Pring and whilst the midfield was tidy it lacked pace with Scott being particularly quiet. Williams for any one of the trio for the last 20 mins would have been a sensible substitution.

DaveP hosts the discussion on the game and transfer talk with Ian, Neil & Tom

 

 

 

BIRMINGHAM [H] the verdict ..... Hi ho silver lining!

Was that in the Top 3 of matches since Nigel took the helm almost two years ago? Was it any coincidence that a change of formation and playing players in their natural positions made a difference?

If City played like this every week with a passion or purpose then win, draw or lose the fans would feel they had been entertained like they were on Saturday with 4 excellently worked goals and some outstanding individual performances in an all round first class team effort.

DaveP hosts a discussion with Neil, Ian & Mark about the game, transfers and general football matters

Swansea [H] the verdict: unbeaten run extended to 3 games!

The title of this episode is a cup half full view. Quite honestly in the opening half City let the Swans pass around us like Barcelona with Allen their Messi but they never created much of a threat and only took the lead through Atkinson's howler.

City were much improved in the second period due to a change of shape and Semenyo's headed goal brought a deserved equaliser, indeed, City could well have won the game with Benda saving well from Wells.

Two more clear cut penalties weren't awarded by Clive Pawson and Weimann & Conway went off injured but attention now switches to next Saturday's game at home to Birmingham which is a must win.

Ian is host to Mark plus father & son combo Neil & Tom as they talk about the game & lots more

Coventry [A] ....the verdict: at last we look solid at the back

Two successive away draws at quite difficult venues is no mean feat but it has to be looked at in the context of the fact that we've now won only 3 of our last 18 and this us why we are in a perilous position towards the foot of the table.

There are many positives to draw from the 1-1 draw at the CBS Arena, not least the fact that Zak Vyner is looking an accomplished Championship defender alongside Rob Atkinson who has responded positively to the "tough love" comments of his manager. Throw in the improving form of Cam Pring and increasing confidence of Max O'Leary and you have evidence of a defence that is at last coming together as a unit.

It is elsewhere on the field that City's problems lie and whilst Semenyo looks to be returning to his best with strong running and a tidy finish for his 4th of the season it is Andi Weimann's lack of sharpness in front of goal that is concerning and reflects that perhaps last season's form was a one off. Midfield too appears to be lacking in terms of creativity and maybe Alex Scott should be given a rest as he doesn't look right now the player we know he can be.

Ian, Mark & DaveP review the action and what might happen in the transfer window now that it's open.

Today's intro music is because I was reminded of 70s group Tavares when Coventry brought on one of their subs who had the same name!!

 

Millwall [A]... the verdict: workmanlike performance earns City a deserved point

The New Den is hardly the place you'd want to go to turn around a disappointing run of form but City did just that in a match that if Andi Weimann had last season's shooting boots on they would have won rather than have to settle for a draw.

It wasn't pretty but the commitment was there to shut up those who say Nigel has "lost the dressing room". At least his team selection properly saw round pegs in round holes!

DaveP hosts the debate with Ian, Mark &  special guest Chris Honor

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WBA [H] ...the verdict: there may be trouble ahead?

DaveP hosts the debate covering the Boxing Day game against the Baggies with Ian, Mark & Neil.

More talk of square pegs in round holes and whether we can see evidence of potential for improvement from a wretched run of just 3 wins from the last 16 league games.

Nige's post match comments seem to have upset the fans again albeit for different reasons and whilst Ian, not unexpectedly, is calling for an immediate change the panel are unanimous in their concern for the remainder of the season.

 

 

 

 

 

STOKE [H] ...the verdict: play offs not out of the question

At 3.45 I looked at the league table and thought, hang on to the three points and we're just 4 points off the play offs but the eventual defeat and aspects of our performance sees us looking over our shoulders rather than upwards.

A flat atmosphere came to life with Scott's shot that was saved then the Wells, Weimann 1-2 that saw the Austrian hit the post when a goal would have been a just outcome. The goal from Wells, his 8th, was down to a superb cross from Pring. More of this please

45+2 and King loses out in a challenge that a recognised central defender would have cleared and the same naturally attacking midfielder hashed his clearance on the hour with James unable to reach the ball and the Stoke striker pounced to score the winner.

We had chances to draw level but never tested the keeper.

The main talking point however was the content of Pearson's post match interview with BBC's Ali Durden in which our manager publicly threw under the bus the defender he paid £1.6M for with his "need to have players I can trust" comment as justification for selecting King.

Atkinson & Klose didn't make the matchday 18, Tanner made way for Vyner when it would have made more sense to play Tanner at RWB rather than Weimann. But then how do you accommodate the Austrian without leaving out Scott or one of Conway or Wells.

Ian & DaveP analyse the situation and are in agreement in their lack of confidence in Pearson to spend wisely any money he might have in January.

 

ROTHERHAM [A] ... the verdict: not pretty but effective

City were comfortable winners by 3-1 as they took all three points from this particular trip to South Yorkshire for the first time since 1995.

Taking the lead through an own goal, City were guilty of more sloppy defending which allowed the home side to draw level before goals for Williams before the break and Pring late on, his first for the club, gave City victory.

Max O'Leary produced a save deep into injury time which showed why has has now firmly got his grip on the keeper jersey.

Dave P is joined by Ian & Mark in reviewing the action, looking forward to the upcoming fixtures and in the week which saw Scott Murray celebrate 25 years service at the club they all recall their individual stand out memories of this true club legend.

 

 

In conversation with .... Dave Rennie the player [1989-92]

Anyone who was around at the time will have fond memories of the 89/90 promotion season when Dave Rennie formed half of a midfield pairing alongside the irrepressible Gary Shelton.

Manager Joe Jordan signed Rennie from Leeds United in the summer of 89 and he went on to play 104 games for the club scoring 8 goals. He left in the 93 close season for Birmingham City before enjoying 4 seasons in the Premier League with Coventry City. 

Who remembers those corner routines in 89/90: pinpoint corner from Gavin to Rennie at the near post for a back header which often found Taylor or Turner ready to pounce!

Hope you enjoy this interesting chat with Dave who viewed football very much as a job rather than an all consuming passion

 

 

Watford [H] ... the verdict - play like this every week and we’ll be fine

In the final game before the World Cup break DaveP talks with Mark, Ian & Neil about a match City could have won against a Watford side who, like Sheffield United failed to show by their performance the impact parachute money has in on the field superiority.

If you gloss over the fact we've only won two of the past 12 league games and have only one win in the last 7 home games then a point against a side that was in the Premier League last campaign is a good result. City had a couple of chances which fell to Tommy Conway but missed the target whilst only a super save denied Andi Weimann placed header.

We talk about memories of Nathan Baker who bade an emotional farewell yesterday and similar regarding the 97/98 promotion team as many were paraded at half time as part of a 25th Anniversary celebration.

We also discuss what areas the coaching team should be focusing on with a four week break which starts today.

Btw, the opening music is the BBC's World Cup 1978 theme piece. If you are over 55 and couldn't place it hold your head in shame!!!