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nick jones of hereford

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Everything posted by nick jones of hereford

  1. I recall seeing Atyeo score five in a game, it was my first match watching Bristol City. 5th November 1960 FA Cup 1st round. Opponents Chichester
  2. I’m still in Nottingham & am getting a train home in an hour or so. It was a great experience, I was a guest in one of the executive boxes. It appeared that most of the executive boxes were empty (presumably season tickets are for league matches?) although there were two attractive faked tanned young women in the adjacent executive box. We surmised that they were WAGs as they spent most of the time looking at their phones, instead of the match. After conceding early I thought “oh dear here we go. Is this a continuation of our performance against Leeds?” But no, we responded superbly. King’s shot was a thunderbolt & Knight’s finish was great. In the first half we were arguably the better team. Before the match I was worried how players who might not be match fit would perform, it’s one thing against championship teams but another when playing a Premier league one. Roberts grew into the game and my fears were unfounded, he is now a defender who can come into the team without real fears. Andy King was superb and played with real football intelligence (which I suppose I should have expected), he inevitably faded before he was subbed. Mehmeti had perhaps his best game for us and whilst in league matches he irritates by what often appears as poor decision making. Maybe he’s being coached better? I don’t know, but he didn’t let anyone down. Max O’Leary had another fine game. Yes, his mistake against Coventry cost points but, hey goalies who don’t occasionally get things wrong don’t exist. What does come across to me is that Max appears very cool under pressure & that must help the defence. Williams was brilliant & ran himself ragged, so much so that I doubt he could play 90 minutes against Middlesboro in what is only a couple of days away. Tommy Conway seems to be so much better when playing top teams & I echo the comments made by others. Sam Bell had an excellent game & I feel so sorry for him for that penalty miss. Centre backs Vyner & Dickie were dominant, the former being especially important to us. We matched or bettered Forest until they brought their subs on (wow, Hudson-Odoi, what a great player) then the differences in class showed. I expected us to lose in normal time but we hung on in there and showed grit. Despite Forest looking more skilled and also looking fitter, we had the best chances late on (but missed). Cornick I’m afraid looked like a player who isn’t up to Championship standard & don’t expect him to be here next season. Knight-Lebel came on and I feared for him, but oh how wrong I was, he acquitted himself very very well & contributed to a great team performance. He looks to have a great future with us, I was particularly impressed at how during a set play he took charge and was shouting at others, telling them where to go etc, No doubt I’ve missed a lot but my overall impression was of a performance that was memorable, not one would expect from a team in our current position in the bottom half of the Championship. If I have a concern, it’s that we have such a short time lag before we play Middlesbrough & most of those who played last night will feel both physically & mentally knackered. I expect a lot of changes for Saturday.
  3. It is understandable that Andy Weimann would want to finish his playing career nearer to where his family lives. I echo the comments about Andy being a great servant who had always given 100% and has been a leader and mentor for our younger players. Too often someone leaving results in thanks being given but capped off with snide comments. None of that for Andy Weimann which shows how much he is respected.. Reading this forum he will be sorely missed. I hope that when he comes back that he is given a generous applause. Thanks Andy and good luck for the future
  4. Incredibly sad. So young too. Condolences to his friends & family. RIP.
  5. Reading Ole’s match reports is always something I look forward to. Thanks !
  6. I’ve been watching City since 1960 & seen both the 4 seasons in the top league — and the awful time leading to 1982 & the Ashton Gate 8. In 1982 I bought shares (which I could barely afford). I reflect that the stadium & team are exponentially better than for most (not all) of my time as a supporter. Yes, I’m miffed at the way Pearson was dismissed, he did a great job with limited funds and was responsible for a lot of very positive changes. It’s obvious that Pearson was sacked as he didn’t get on with the Board & was (or on the verge of) being openly critical of those in power above him. The official rationale for sacking Pearson was one that few, if any, fans accept. However we move on, Manning might be a good appointment (it’s too early to tell). The biggest negative with many fans appears to be with the owner (and his son who is chair). Whilst I’m disappointed at the lack of dynamism & leadership from the Board, we have owners who are City supporters and have put huge amounts of money into the club and facilities. Looking at other clubs and ownership, we are fortunate. Its a no brainer for me, yes I’m renewing my season ticket.
  7. Yes he was there, but with the players. When subs were preparing to come on he was with them & someone around me joked that Scott Murray was about to come on as sub.
  8. Sad news. A few years ago I was living in Huddersfield & went to a local pub (“The Cavalry Arms”) & discovered he was the landlord. After his surprise at finding a City fan living Oop north, he was very friendly. A few weeks later we had a great (I think it was league cup) cup run & won away to Bradford, despite the Bantams being in a higher league, Gordon used his contacts to get me into the players bar after the match - so I was able to chat to the players. It was great how a former player who had retired umpteen years beforehand, was so kind to a stranger who happened to support his former club. I’ve just been reading an Evening Post publication (author Ivan Ponting) with profiles of 100 Bristol City Greats. Gordon Lowe features, with his being described as playing in 203 games, he succeeded John Atyeo as captain after big John retired. Gordon was an ever present in the 1964/65 Third Division promotion season and the following one when we finished fifth in the second tier. RIP
  9. I was stood on the terracing in front of what is now the Dolman stand. It was pouring with rain with a high wind - which assisted. I don’t often remember individual goals but this was different
  10. I paid £5 to watch the Portsmouth friendly, it didn’t seem to work, so I tried again. It transpired that the £5 fee was taken from my account twice. Whilst I have asked for a £5 refund, I’ve had no response. last near I bought loads of stuff from the club shop but never had any of the supposed benefits that were promised. I’ve never received any email about mates rates or about anything else. maybe it’s a generational thing, however I’m glad I’ve got a physical season ticket instead of a digital one. Until I am confident that the club’s IT works for me, I will continue to seek a physical season card.
  11. Same for me - but PayPal took money from my account twice.
  12. 5 November 1960 was the date when Atyeo scored five in the first round of the FA Cup against Chichester. I remember it as it was the first time I watched City.
  13. It was a fantastic night. I’d been working in BIrmingham & wanted to leave early, but circumstances conspired against me. I drove to Bradford & parked in a secure car park, paying a fortune for the privilege (parking near rhe ground useful if one wants class A drugs or services of a sex worker, but it’s not the best place to park.) even at 0-2 up I was reminding those with me that earlier in the same season Bradford were 0-2 down to Chelsea in a cup match, but came.back to win. Once the 3rd goal went in, it was clear that we would win and it was unremitting joy. I’ve watched all our promotion matches since we beat Oldham 2-0 with goals from John Atyeo & Brian Clark. To win 6-0 & get promoted was something I will never forget
  14. If you go to skysports - then live football - then it shows the red button matches. the format has changed to access Red button matches
  15. Arrived at Ashton Park School (£220 pa to park for league matches) - gates locked & no one can find the key. Doh ? managed to park at the clanage which is a mud Bath. Too often it’s problematic parking at Ashton Park School. Sometimes away fans there. One would have thought that the club charging so much for parking would make better arrangements to ensure we can actually park.
  16. Scott and HNM are totally different players. Whilst both are regarded as midfielders, Scott is so talented and has such a high level of football intelligence that he can - and he does - play in different positions. I saw him last week at the Rotherham match and he wasn’t at his best, but he was still so obviously the best player on the pitch. He nearly scored (yes he will need to up his game & score more goals) and he provided the assist for Pring’s header. I rate HNM who has potential but Scott is on a different level & in my humble view is almost certainly going to have a good (and lucrative) career in the Premier League. The longer we hang on to him the more he will be worth. I agree he will thrive in a better team but he’s still superb in a very mediocre Bristol City
  17. Reflecting on the match (I don’t get to many away games), the 3 points were the most important feature (pre match we were only a point off a relegation spot and we have historically not done well after an international break). O’Leary looks as though he could be first choice keeper for some time, though his kicking could do with improvement- which I’m sure will happen). in defence I thought that Naismith as left CB was a great success as his not being in the middle means we are less likely to have the odd suicidal pass to which he has been prone earlier in the season. He can still coach others and he made numerous intelligent passes forward to prompt attacks. Importantly his playing in his current position also ensures he’s on the pitch so he can deliver those fabulous crosses from set pieces which makes him so stand out. To summarise, Naismith suits left CB, however that didn’t prevent the soft equaliser where it seemed obvious that we missed that Flint like commanding CB who wins all headers in the 6 yard box. In attack, Conway & Wells looked excellent as usual, they have a great understanding. What I found intriguing was that when Sam Bell came on late as sub he looked like he had electric pace and was full of confidence. I’d like to see more of him (especially as my previous views of him where when he played out of position in a defensive role). We deserved that win and I was impressed at how we handled the last few minutes with good game management which was so effective that by the end of the match, the home stands were virtually empty. Semenyo played a good part in that. Our midfield with Scott always looking like the class player that he is, was decent. Whilst I’m not sure if Tanner is a natural CB, one assumes Nige sees that potential & is coaching him. I think he’s going to be a very decent right back or wing back & he has a bright future. Pring also has a bright future & his crossing is decent - and he took his goal very well which must improve his confidence. The older experienced heads helped too of course. Having been disappointed so many times I the past watching City lose away, it was great to see such a well deserved win after an international break, with several of our youngsters showing that they have very good futures. The biggest downside was that due to the weather deteriorating I drove back home instead of staying with family overnight & witnessed such a depressing experience on TV when I got home. In the Championship it’s not uncommon to feel that the outcome of a match was determined by poor refereeing decisions - but the number of bad decisions from the ref in England’s match was so disappointing. It’s unusual to have such a poor ref for an international. (Sorry for the digression- great day for City, shit time for England supporters)
  18. HT 2-1 up which is great. The goal we conceded showed how badly we need a dominant centre back. naismith at left CB is helpful as he plays intelligent balls forward and makes us a better team.
  19. Some good possession & decent footy from us. Just had good shot saved
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