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Just thought we should acknowledge what he has done for City, both on the pitch and off it, as mentor to younger players. So pleased LM gave him a, I guess, last appearance at Ashton Gate. He supported us as a kid and served us well in his twilight years as a player. Just the sort of player many of us value. Well done, and thanks.

Hello. I don’t know if this is a good idea to post, but I’m the dad of the child - my son, Jay (not his real name) - that ran onto the pitch in the early stages of the match. First and foremost, I want to offer a profound apology to you all, to every fan, the players and clubs for Jay’s actions. I’d like to try and provide some context, if you’ll let me, to help explain what happened and why. Jay has just turned 11. He has autism and is suffering from PTSD after 3 years of physical abuse at school, being restrained by teaching staff (which was concealed from us). Both of these conditions create complex issues for Jay, one of which is he is heightened to what he may (incorrectly) perceive of as a threat, causing he to flee. This is what we think happened on Saturday. We were enjoying the game and then all of a sudden, he said he needed to go to the toilet. I asked him to wait and then before I knew it, he said ‘I’m going to the toilet’, for up and walked down the steps. I was about to go after him and then - out of nowhere, he turned and jumped the barrier. We were stocked and horrified. We couldn’t believe it. I tried to shout to him but he couldn’t hear me. At that point, I was really worried for him. He didn’t know what he was doing. As I ran to jump the barrier, I saw him fall. I (worryingly) thought he’d be tackled and - rightly or wrongly - I got protective of my little boy. When I got to him, he was petrified. I said ‘it’s ok I’ve got you’ turned to get him off the pitch but the Rotherham fans were shouting hateful comments, threats and abuse at him. Again, I should have reacted much better, but I responded to protect my child. I know it doesn’t look like he was scared - we do not condone he sticking his finger up - but this is a know protective response from children with disabilities like Jay. I felt exposed and vulnerable myself and so went into ‘fight’ mode. To be honest, it’s all blur. I was saying to him ‘it’s ok, I’ll get you out of here’. The stewards tried to direct me off the other side of the pitch but I was worried about my eldest son, who was all alone in the stand. I just ran off and left him. He was so scared too. The stewards then grabbed me and I tried to say I’m just protecting Jay. Again, I am sorry deeply sorry to you all. This shouldn’t have happened and I take full responsibility. I’m sorry. My family are devastated, for lots of reasons, about what happened. I’m worried about my job, Jay being identified and targeted. The ongoing social media hate is really hard to deal with. I get why people are so angry. Football is precious and match days are special and to be treated as such. What Jay did was not acceptable but I hope, by posting this, you might be able to understand it more. This was about disabilities and the difficulty of managing them daily. I messed up and let Jay down. It will take me a long time to get over this. As his father I must do better. Please accept my apologies.

Pay him as you would do one of your top tier earners. 27 years old (28 in Dec), get him signed up for 3 years (at worst 2+1). Treat it like a free transfer, because that is what it is. He’s a top half championship performer. I don’t think you’ll bring in as guaranteed a performer for the overall cost. At his peak years.

To be fair the lad clocked up almost as many minutes as Mebude.

Good bit of form and out they pop, like clockwork.

It’s worth a thread on its own Absolutely delighted these cu*ts have gone down

...for us. In terms of results. At this level, over the past few years. Taking the last 10 games as a run-in of sorts, I make it our best set of results since 2016-17 season. Last 9 reads: won 5, drawn 3, lost 1. We typically end seasons very poorly. Guaranteed to finish in 12th at a minimum, our best league finish since 2019-20 season. A bit of momentum going into next season? Here's hoping.

Well, I have succumbed to renewal for City and Bears but I'm still unsure about City being able to do well and manage to get into the top six after 46 games. However, as I'm coming up to 81st birthday, still fit and able enough to get to the matches. I have done so because this life isn't a rehearsal, I am keeping all my interests going as long as I can. So it's dog walking twice a day, model railway construction any spare time, City and Bears for entertainment(?) keeping the garden alive and still doing all the cooking as wife is useless at that. But I still want to see running, flowing rugby and a football team that will provide entertaining matches, win, lose or draw. PS. Can we please arrange for Rebecca Welsh to referee all of our matches, the best and impartial, referee I have seen in many years.

Apologies that I couldn’t react earlier, was busy driving some city supporters from Amsterdam airport back to Tilburg… :-). I already knew this was coming, but I am so happy that it is officially announced! We were waiting and asking for this for a very long time and It is great that it is going to happen (for whatever reason). Fingers crossed that this will be the start of more to come in the following years! Let’s have a great party together!

I’ll go the earliest of anyone and say the season was over when we sold our best player and out of pure spite and dislike to the manager didn’t make funds available for a replacement. Notably, those funds became magically available in January via the bid for Azaz and signing of Twine. So, in hindsight, August.

I really find it hard to understand all the negativity around Andy King. The lads lived the dream! Numerous league titles including a Premier League medal, played international football (albeit for Wales) hes had an opportunity to play for his boyhood club of which his children have shared in that experience. You only have to look at the reception both him and James got from Leicester supporters to see how well regarded they are Whatever he chooses to do in the future, best of luck to him and his family.

From Nige's sacking, the lies and ramblings of the owner and Binman, the turgid displays and pathetic performances against relegation threatened sides, Twines unimpressive loan contrasting with the highs of beating Southampton and Leicester it's been a roller coaster ride of a season. I know a lot of us have been around the block with City (watching them tumble to the lowest position in the 4th division from the 1st was interesting) I can honestly say that this season has been one of the most underwhelming for me as a City fan. I've said in another thread that not even signing Mbappe could excite me for next season. I feel sorry in a way for Manning. He can't win unless we get to the play offs as he'll always be the manager I didn't want. Good riddance to 23/24 season

Still annoyed we didn’t send Birmingham down in 2017.

Ignoring the fact that he can’t compose a short tweet without grammatical errors, the fact that he’s reared his head to talk bullshit and the fact that of his academy debuts only one happened post Nige - and that was for single digits. That middle section. What in the hell is he going on about. If he’s classing an appearance on the bench as a success, when the player has as much chance of getting on the pitch as Downsy does, then assumedly he’s classing Dire Mebude as the most successful loan signing in our history??! Nothing wrong with taking youth players in the squad (in fact I support it), but those who’ve been put on the bench have been done so on a basis akin to winning it in “My City Rewards” as opposed to development. Facts Brian. Jamie Knight-Lebel was on the bench for something like 30 straight games. He’s now further away from making a start for the first team than he was when he started that run, and we moved players around as opposed to playing him. I’m also sure Stefan Bajic is looking on the last nine months as a fantastic achievement. The section is all about justifying his role and trying to paint him as a success. I’m trying hard not to view him as a complete moron. But by god, every time he opens his mouth he makes such a compelling case.

Listen to your comments after sacking Pearson and now 11th is classed as progress. The bloke is an absolute moron.

Fair enough. How often are you going to post saying this? I didn’t want Pearson sacked & definitely don’t think Manning is the second coming, but he certainly deserves a summer to bring in a couple of his own players.

Like many others I am very moved by your post and have joined this forum briefly just to offer a message of support. The episode must have been so stressful for you and your sons and I would suggest not beating yourself up too much about the way you handled it. I doubt too many of us, despite being very quick to judge, would have done much better. The inconvenience experienced by other fans in the stadium is insignificant compared to the difficulty you faced. To put your “crime” into context, we saw the other pitch invader at the bar after the game and he was being treated as a minor celebrity. It’s safe to say he won’t be losing any sleep about his indiscretion, which unlike yours was frivolous and premeditated. I hope you can move forward with a clear conscience and chalk this up as just another daily challenge you have dealt with. The most important thing in that moment was to be there for your son - which you were.

Feel like they're damned if they do, damned if they don't sometimes

100% & I thought it reflected really well on Manning that he gave him what is certainly his last appearance at Ashton Gate. We’ve signed a number of veterans in the past, Jody Morris & Chris Brunt spring to mind & ended up with them on the wage bill yet not contributing. King has been in every match day squad since the start of the year, has filled in at the back on occasion without ever letting us down & I’ll bet he’s on the lowest wages he’s earned for a number of years. When you consider he arrived after a strange spell in Belgium where he didn’t play & was already approaching 33, he’s done himself & us proud. Love to see him stay on as part of the coaching staff, we’ll find out if he does over the next fortnight or so.

After not having attended a game since Swansea for my own sanity, performances and results have picked up. Some on here and social media believing Manning is in fact the second coming. So against my best judgement, I decided to have another look myself. Wow, that was dire! It confirmed everything we already knew. This new and improved Manningball was a flash in the pan. That my friends is the football you have to look forward to next season, which will come as no surprise to many. Good luck all for next season. I shall look forward to a return to the gate in a year or two.

I believe “City” is derived from the Anglo Saxon for mid-table.

Scrapping the Semi Finals being played at Wembley also please. Never agreed with that nonsense.

No, not the team. The ref. I thought she pretty much got every call correct. She was certainly one of the best we have had this season.

As ever, one man puts it perfectly.

With all the home games of the season complete, our average attendance stands at 22,548. This is our highest average since the 1977-78 season and our third highest since the mid 1950s. Although undoubtably boosted by the impressive away followings we’ve had this season, and not always a true reflection of the number of bums on seats at any given game, I still think this is noteworthy. The football hasn’t been great, and people are struggling with the cost of living so good effort everyone! Hopefully we can continue to grow the fanbase.

We're now exactly 4 months on from this. What exactly was that 'something' that was happening back in December? I must have missed it?

No matter any single persons opinion on the NP sacking and irrespective of whether we improve going forward and the decision being right or wrong - you cannot defend the manner in which he was sacked and the boards actions in the summer window (timing of the Scott sale, lack of reasonable replacement, etc) and later (lack thereof) communication with him. There was no common sense or courtesy in the clubs actions at the time, nor was it a footballing decision - we've only just got back to one position off where we were when he was sacked. Just like your chip-on-shoulder comment in the context of common sense, the club deserve said criticism - I'd be surprised if NP airs it however. Has more class than JL or BT. You seem to think we're being vindictive - there's a difference between the former and valid genuine criticism(s).

The ref agreed with you and that’s good enough for me. And let’s be honest if Huddersfield hadn’t spent so much time feigning injury and trying to break up the play then the game would have already finished. For that reason I have no sympathy for them

But she's never played men's professional football so she can't be any good at her job. It's impossible. This is just the woke Marxist commie Trotsky Gary Lineker led anti-Brexit BBC infiltrating mid-table Championship football. And I for one am FUMING.

Cant believe this hasn't already been posted.

Marlon going ‘home’ to captain his boyhood hometown team to promotion. Fairytale.

Nothing will change under the Lansdown family. They've had 22 years to realise our potential and still we hear the same rhetoric

FFS, just heard the snippet Jon - “I want them to understand what we are trying to achieve and how, so that we aren’t setting expectations too high” 6 months ago…. “Promotion is the aim this season” ”best squad we’ve had at this level” It’s just so hard to take it seriously when it can be pulled apart so easily

A very good cause. My son was one of the first children to enter Charlton Farm when it first opened. The support they provided was brilliant and even in his passing they provided comfort at a very difficult time for us.

A trip to Stoke for our final game of the season, with kick off at 1230, they’ve had a poor season but are safe. I was at St Mary’s last weekend when they deservedly beat Southampton 1-0. They deserved to win and it could’ve been more comfortable to to be honest. There was a tangible sense of relief amongst their fans as they secured championship football for another season. Scoring has been a big issue for them. No one has scored more goals for them since January last year than right back Hoever, who is on loan from Wolves, with eight, you aren’t going to get very far when your top scoring forward only has three this season! On the last day of September we lost 2-3 to them at home having been 2-0 up inside 20 minutes! https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2023/september/30/extended-highlights-bristol-city/ It had been 25 years since Stoke won an away game after being 2-0 down. They finished with 53 points in 16th place last season their worse league position in twenty years. Ahead of this they are 18th on 53 points. Bristol to Stoke is a 250 mile round trip, so a massive well done to the traveling faithful who make the trip. Previous games: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/stoke-away-memories/ we have won on our last five visits to Stoke. In January they signed Luke Cundle on loan (we were reported to be interested in him) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67922058 On 10 December Alex Neil was sacked https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67672073 after 16 months in charge. On 19 December they appointed Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher as their head coach: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67753445 In April they appointed their former striker Jonathan Walters as technical director after two months in an interim role working alongside head coach Steven Schumacher. Last season we recorded a 2-1 win at the Bet365 stadium, thanks to an excellent second half performance and goals from Vyner and Mehmeti who came off the bench to score his first City goal in the 85th minute. That was our fifth successive win at their place. Highlights: https://youtu.be/Zho0MIq8V3U There will be more who’ve played for both clubs but the only one I can think of is Junior Bent. We will be without James and Pring, Vyner could return. Head-to-head record Won: 20 Lost: 28 Drawn: 15 LM presser: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/interviews/manning-previews-final-game/ Officials Referee: Sam Barrott Assistants: Shaun Hudson and Blake Antrobus Fourth official: John Busby Match preview: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/stoke-city/preview/preview-stoke-vs-bristol-city-prediction-team-news-lineups_542747.html In January they signed Million Manhoef, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68164597 NP was there between1999 and 2001 he was recruited as Stoke City's first team coach by Gary Megson.Although Megson was sacked later that year by the club's Icelandic consortium, Pearson was kept on for a further two years under Guðjón Þórðarson, before being sacked in 2001. Ground guide: https://footballgroundguide.com/leagues/england/championship/bet365-stadium-stoke-city.html Famous fans: Nick Hancock - 1990s "They Think It's All Over" TV legend. Jeremy Bates - 1980s tennis legend. Sugar Ray Leonard - 1970s boxing legend. Their forum, https://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/313013/bristol-city-team-selection My mate Bill, who supports the Potters, had this to say, ‘Two reflections, the first a fortnight ago I had the misfortune of watching Bristol City play Huddersfield Town. It was one of the most sterile and boring games that I’ve ever had the misfortune to watch. ‘Manning ball’ seems to be an attempt to bring walking football to the Championship. Given that your new coach was purportedly brought to the club with the promise of front-footed, high pressing, high penetration football, then you’ve obviously been blatantly lied to. Second reflection, I’m just back from watching Southampton lose to Stoke in what was a very entertaining football match of, funnily enough, Stoke employing a very high press, with lots of athleticism, rapid counter attacks and no little verve. The complete opposite to ‘Manning ball.’ I am aware, however, that you are on a run of being undefeated, but if Bristol City come to the Britannia Stadium to play as they did against Huddersfield, where only a very dubious penalty in very dubious time added on, got you a very underserved point, then not only will Stoke do the double over you (remember 2-0 up to lose 3-2) for the first time in ages, but we will end the season with three wins in a row, something else we haven’t done for years. I’m really looking forward to that!’ Pubs This is a good area for decent beers, https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/three-stoke-trent-pubs-included-7121743 Power League Sports Club, Dennis Viollet Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4TN Harvester - Trentham Lakes, Trentham Lakes District Centre, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4TL, https://www.harvester.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/harvestertrenthamlakesstokeontrent#/ The Poacher's Cottage, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8AA, https://www.facebook.com/HarvesterPoachersCottage/ The Plough, Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4EN, https://hotelescon.com.es/The-Plough-Motel/ The Gardeners Retreat, 6 Sideway Rd, Boothen Green, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4BJ, https://the-gardeners-retreat.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral The Terrace,185 Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2BW, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072011134582 Bulls Head, St Johns Square, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 3AJ, (01782) 834153, www.titanicbrewery.co.uk Old-fashioned two-room tap for Titanic with up to ten real ales (including guests) from horseshoe bar, also good selection of Belgian beers, real ciders and wines; well cared-for interior with varnished tables on wood or carpeted floors, coal fire; monthly live folk music, bar billiards and table skittles; drinking area outside (may be barbecue if Port Vale are at home), open all day Fri-Sun, closed till 3pm other days. Glebe, 35 Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 1HG, (01782) 860670, www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/our-taphouses/our-pub-list/glebe Well restored 19th-c Joules corner pub, their ales, Weston's cider and good reasonably priced wines from central mahogany counter, William Morris-attributed leaded windows, bare boards and panelling, some civic portraits and big fireplace with coat of arms above, wholesome bar food (not Sun) and all-day deli counter, friendly staff; live music Tues, open mike Thurs; children and dogs welcome, benches in small garden, quite handy for station, closed Mon evening, otherwise open all day. Holy Inadequate, 67 Etruria Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5PE, 07771 358238. Drinkers' pub with five well kept ales including Joules Pale and maybe one from on-site microbrewery, good range of British craft kegs, German lagers and lots of bottled beers, snacky food such as pies and scotch eggs, friendly staff; dogs welcome, outdoor covered terrace, open all day Fri-Sun, from 4pm other days. So, that’s it for another season, thank you fellow-Reds, if you’ve read or contributed to the match threads this season and hope to see you again next season. On our opening game against PNE there were 18,329 on this superb forum now it’s 18,721. Take care. COYR.

Absolutely fantastic achievement of getting promoted to the premier league with Liam Manning giving so many academy players their debut this season.

I would just like to say thanks to @Jerseybean for his efforts with all of the Match Day threads. I know this season has not been all we had hoped for but everyone enjoy the closed season and hopefully some much needed sunshine. Happy hols all.

Special mention to Alex Pritchard, refused to play for Sunderland to force his “dream move” to Birmingham City, only to be playing league one football next season.

Happy St George's Day!!

Well fair play to him, he does a ******* brilliant impression of one.

At least pay your £5 to help fund the forum if you wanna come on here and talk bollocks

Gash Head of Data and Analysis Adam Mahoney gone - only been there five minutes. ”Head of data” - typing a “0” into the shots on target column twice a week must’ve taken its toll.

When you consider that you are listening to, fundamentally, an idiot, this is okay

No shock one bit, we all knew it. There’s not an ounce of class, real experience or professionalism between any of them, let’s be real.

Cardiff City - not their player when there’s a transfer fee to play Cardiff City - is their player when they want compo

I’m assuming you’re still living in the days of Gregor McGregorface and Andy “one for the road” Stockhousen. James Piercy is an excellent journalist and above the standard you normally get at a local paper such as the Post, particularly after the cutbacks at Reach. I do think he goes a bit too easy at times but he’s knowledgeable, articulate and doesn’t just ask banal questions. He won’t be there for long - he’s too good.