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You may not immediately recognise the name Bobby Humphries, but EVERY ONE of the 21,808 supporters that was at St. Andrews for our fixture with Birmingham City back in August will certainly remember his smiling little face. To remind everyone of the sad events, at just two years old Bobby was diagnosed with a brain tumour! As a result he spent the next three and a half years receiving chemotherapy to battle his illness, with his last chemo being just before we visited Birmingham earlier in the season. For those in the away end that afternoon will remember that really emotional moment when Bobby was introduced to the crowd just to the right of the away end, the little lads bravery and smiling face really made an impression on everyone there that day. There was talk at the time that it would be a great gesture if he could be involved in some way when Birmingham came to Ashton Gate. Well, Thursday Bobby gets his latest scan results and I'm sure we all hope for the best possible outcome and will be keeping everything crossed for a positive outcome. Bristol City have been liaising with both Birmingham City and Bobby's family and as a result invited Bobby to be the Birmingham City mascot Friday night and to lead the bluenoses onto the pitch. There's only one Bobby Humphries!

Looks like excellent news!

You are of course absolutely correct in every word you write. I think the term 'Ashton Gate 8' is perhaps an easier way to 'recall' those times than retelling the whole story to younger fans. 6 of the 8 deserve full recognition due to their overall careers - and I include Dave 'the Duck' Rodgers in that 6. And if you were to ask them NOW I think they will all admit to be very uncomfortable about their status compared to the BOD at the time, and especially Deryn Coller and Ken Sage. Bristol Sport would not exist without the history of Bristol City Football Club to underpin it all - Bristol Rugby,Basketball, Womens Games, concerts, hotels and the new stadium would simply not ever have been considered if BCFC had gone under. BS have a duty to recognise that fact, and when the Atyeo is refurbished (now Big John has his statue) I would very much like to see it named the '1982' stand, with a wall mural of the people involved inside, and the REAL story of the board proudly written up in a huge display in a place of prominence for all to see and respect. So here's to: Deryn Coller, Ken Sage,Ivor Williams, Leslie Kew, David Russe, Bob Boyd, Bob Marshall, John Pontin, and Des Williams plus to a slightly lesser extent John Southern and Alan Williams. Because without the desperate will of that board and associates - Bristol would be Blue - City wouldn't have lasted another 6 months in any shape or form as a tenant at Ashton Gate under Bristol Rovers Eastville Owners owners as Rovers would be the main team. They would just have let us go under. So the guys above closed the share-buying scheme, stopping Rovers grabbing AG for sod all, and basically paid for everything out of their own pockets. Found the £50,000 needed to keep us in the Football League. They bought food for staff who weren't getting paid, washed kits, beg stole or borrowed money from family and friends to keep the club alive until it could stand on it's own very wobbly feet. The 1982 stand is the least Bristol Sport could do, I reckon.

You Gurt Ted !! Making up Lies to suits yours Angendals weme is buying the fruit market and weas will Ave the best stayydiem in da land goodnight Marlene Av it chiteads

Hi @Stortz as you know I have an ill child , huge kudos to Bristol city and @JerrySLO for making this happen

Looks like an old badger humping his skull .

He’s doing well mate , he had heart surgery and is on the road to recovery. He’ll be wearing his Bristol City baby grow tomorrow!

When you become old enough to have lived through events which are now referred to as 'history' it's only natural you want it reported as you remember it from the time. From that point of view I concur with the gist of the above. That's not to say Sir Geoffrey, Jimmy Mann, Trevor Tainton, Gerry Sweeney, and Chris Garland (during 2 spells at the club) should not be forever remembered by the club and fans with gratitude as outstanding servants to BCFC - they truly were, and remain some of my all time City heroes. David Rodgers is not a similar all time great imo, but he had a good City career and there was never a doubt that he gave his all for the club. Aitken and Marshall barely featured for City by comparison, and I've always thought of Aitken as primarily a Rovers' man both before and after his short stint at AG. The true heroes of the hour for BCFC afaic were, and always will be, Deryn Coller and Ken Sage, and they deserve far more recognition for everything they did to save the club.

Nice touch. The game needs examples occasionally like this Makes me wish an agent or overpaid player may like to make a financial donation to help his treatment as they take so much out of the game.

Let's give the young lad a big welcome to the gate......

Everyone who was at Birmingham will remember the round of applause we gave this little lad at half time. Fair play to City for inviting him down, great stuff. Good luck tomorrow Bobby.

You, and the others who have pointed out the truth and facts of how this whole A8 saga played out, have hit many nails on the head, and yet we still have this ridiculous song about "8 men had a dream". They were all having nightmares on the pitch, as we fell from Division 1 and were fast approaching Division 4 with these players at the core of these abysmal performances and results. As you say, 5 of those players were integral to our promotion and/or performed admirably in the top flight. My personal opinion is that I would add David Rodgers to the 5 as his partnership in central defence alongside Norman Hunter in 78/79 was extremely effective, I would also say that Geoff Merrick was brilliant in getting us to the top flight, but he suffered being shuffled out to left back, and then lengthy spells out of the side due to injury. However, by 1982, as shown by the results and league position, these players were way past their best, and basically bleeding the club dry, as the administrators quickly realised that their contracts were unsustainable. It always makes me laugh/cry that anyone could seriously consider Aitken and (especially) Marshall to be Bristol City "heroes". I also think that if OTIB/Social Media had existed at the time, the view of the 8, and their performances in 1981/82, would have been torn to shreds by most on here. But back then we were drip fed news by the EP and local media (and in this case the national media) tended to make out the Ashton 8 as the victims and therefore the heroes who "saved" the club. As has been said, and nobody likes to see anyone lose their job, they had no choice, if the club had folded, they would not have got a penny in compensation. I don't think anyone who sees the 8 as visionaries with a "dream to save our team" wants to hear the truth about what happened. There has not been one serious counter argument to the "alterative" view from a few of us on this thread who were obviously there at the time (not just as kids under the age of 10), but quite a lot of happy-clappy "we must name the stadium after the A8" nonsense. I also get the impression that, as NTB alluded to, that many on here have had the story handed down to them, and don't want the facts to get in the way of their perception of this part of our history.

38 years ago today the Ashton Gate Eight saved our club. As we challenge once more for promotion to English football’s highest division I guess it’s appropriate to take a minute to be grateful we actually have a club to support. Whatever the rights and wrongs of what preceded the events that unfolded, these men should rightly forever remain in the consciousness of all City fans for what they did. Thankyou. COYR https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38750475 and who could forget this iconic image from that era too

A lot of fans make the mistake of thinking that ffp was introduced to create a level playing field, but as you point out it was indeed introduced to prevent reckless owners spending beyond a club's means and to prevent the sort of situation that developed following Pompey's relegation from the Premier League. The crucial issue with ffp is that it matters not the ability of an owner(s) to financial support his/her club, but that all clubs have "signed up" to the financial rules. You say that City fans are hoping Villa get punished in some way because of your acquisition of Kodjia. That is not the issue, not least because most City fans could see that Kodjia wanted away and were frankly amazed by the amount Villa paid to sign him. The real issue is that City, along with the majority of Championship clubs, have made major changes to their overall strategy and finances in order to comply with the requirements of ffp, and in particular the revised rules, even though it compromised their competitiveness on the pitch - over the last 3 seasons we have continually had to sell our best players in order to meet ffp requirements. However, at the same time it seems that some clubs have continued to operate on the basis of maximising on field competitiveness, even if it compromised ffp limits. After the sale of Pride Park became public knowledge, Derby's owner commented that they had pushed the financial limits because otherwise they would not have been competitive! From the outside looking in, it appeared that Villa made a concerted effort to return quickly to the premier league following relegation, and with the benefit of parachute payments ( already going a substantial financial advantage over most championship clubs) were able to retain or bring in players to maintain a strong squad. Correct me if I am wrong, but I read that Villa ( like West Brom) borrowed against the third year's parachute payments in the second season back in the championship. If so, then you were really pushing the boat out financially and that would have been a major risk agains the upcoming ffp assessment. As for the stadium " sale", as with Derby's much publicised situation, there will be much debate on the valuation and whether it represented fair value, but the simpler question I have raised when discussing Derby's situation ( and is applicable to every club that has done the same) is why would any club "sell" it's ground, other than it being the only option left to them to avoid an ffp breach and the punitive sanctions now available to the EFL. Had you breached ffp when assessed in March last season ( which might have been the case without he profit from the sale of Villa Park) then a points deduction would almost certainly have kept you out of the play offs ( as it would Derby in the same situation). Guess which club would have into 6th place instead? In your last paragraph you ask " how often does throwing money at a project work?". Given all I've mentioned above and given that each Saturday we all see Villa on MOTD, I think we would answer Q.E.D.

Those knuckle dragging idiots need to take not of what’s happening with masters, it is an attempt from wael and Staines to silence the truth from coming out but those thick idiots are too stupid to realise what’s happening, when the ground has gone from under them and they are playing Paulton only then will the realise that wael doesn’t have the clubs best interests at heart

Home TICKETS CITY WOMEN FACE EVERTON WOMEN UNDER LIGHTS AT ASHTON GATE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 2020 Bristol City Women will face Everton Women in the Fifth Round of the Women’s FA Cup at Ashton Gate on Monday, February 17th (7:30pm). Tanya Oxtoby’s side advanced to the Fifth Round of the world’s most prestigious cup competition after a 1-0 victory over Durham Women in January. The FA Cup fixture will be the second time City Women have played at Ashton Gate this season after opening the 2019/20 Barclays FAWSL campaign with a draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in front of a record crowd of over 3,000 supporters. Bristol City Women Season Card holders can claim their seat in BS3 for FREE. Adult Bristol City Season Card Holder can bag their ticket to see Bristol City Women take on Everton for just £3, Under-22s and Over-65s are priced at £2, Under-19s at £1, while Under-12s can watch for FREE. Tickets for non Season Card holders will be priced at £6 for adults, £4 for Under-22s and Over-65s, £3 for Under-19s, while Under-12s can bag their ticket for just £1.

I heard the firm they are using is Jonson Clarke and Harris Solicitors.

They are using solicitors !! Do they know how much they cost ???

Here you are - not much in it though. @Mr Popodopolous, @Davefevs @Coppello @chinapig @downendcity

So Stoke's position is basically - we can afford it as our owner is loaded so fkuc everyone else and fkuc the rules? They should get a deduction just for being absolute see you next tuesdays TBH

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/02/05/championship-war-fear-feuds-lost-points/ Shall look forward to reading this- @Davefevs @Coppello @chinapig @downendcity and sure there are a few more. Saw this one on a link and am about to read it now- @CyderInACan too! Or not- behind a paywall as it is!

I'd like to take a stab at answering this one: FGR, Wimbledon and The Mighty Bristol City, talk publicly about their plans because they are real, ongoing, financed and a source of pride for their respective fans. The Sags are told their plans are subject to NDAs because in my opinion the plans are imaginary, unfinanced and a source of great embarrassment for their board. Just a wild guess.

This. 100%

If anyone should have a stand named after them it should be Deryn Coller and Ken Sage.

This crops up every year and amazes me the difference between those who were there at the time so recall what happened and those younger who now lionize 8 'martyrs' who are nothing of the sort. I've previously referenced the excellent history of the PFA that covers our decline in detail, so worthy to recall the facts: The 8 were never "forced" to sign away their contracts or livelihoods, they tore nothing up, they mutually agreed to terminate their contracts voluntarily and in doing so were given (gratis) their registrations to trade. The fact they struggled to find careers at other clubs says more of them than the club; They didn't leave without compensation, the 8 shared circa £100k in compensation (a pretty sum in those days, not all of which was taxable.) In 1982 £12,500 would have gone a long way to buying a house in Bristol; The 8 could have held onto their contracts and become creditors and left with nothing - they didn't. Sadly, quite a few local suppliers to the club did go unpaid and it's to them we owe a debt - they got now't but grief from some fans. Remember, too, the other City employees who were laid off without compensation, save of nobody does appreciate their nameless sacrifice; The fact few of the 8 went on to have further careers in football had everything to do with the fact they were either past it, not very good or both (which beggars why they were on such long contracts in the first place?) Several were vocal and highly critical of the club and remained so for years afterwards, blaming many of their future ills and mistakes on this one event. Contrast the spate of redundancies around Bristol at the time, many associated with the decline of the docks and supporting industries with few of those impacted, including many City supporters, receiving nowhere near such level of support from their employers. It was therefore no great surprise the 8's initial 'testimonial' wasn't that well supported. What happened to the 8 was deeply regretable, as was the impact on local creditors and the decline of the club, but the world didn't stop turning. The club exists wholly because of the actions of a few clever directors who saw a way forward and executed their plan. It's to them, not the 8, we owe thanks each week.

The footage didn’t seem to catch it , but on the final whistle there was a deep silence, really eerie looking back . Lots of genuine football fans deeply upset, and a few idiots that got all the publicity unfortunately

In the last 5 maybe 10 years most teams don’t come back down they stay up for a number of seasons

Didn't they go legal with Sainsbury's. That ended well ?

What a waste of electricity

Good post @Davefevs I see comments underneath stating that the EFL authorised it. EFL...or Harvey? Two very different things! Besides which, maybe they authorised the actual transaction in respect of 'Yes, you can sell and leaseback the stadium...' but that's it! Price can be adjusted, cases can be reopened retrospectively- or maybe there was an ambiguity- those conversations in summer 2018 would be fascinating to have seen, heard- have been a fly on the wall at. Oh yeah, the Amortisation method thing- suppose the flipside might be that profits on players sold are lower under residual value though...definitely seems like it was more of a boost for Derby than not though.

Better call Saul!

I worked with geoff merrick in roughly 2004, hes a sound bloke, and was still pushing wheelbarrows and mucking in then. It was a massive job at longwell green in asda, there was a older leeds fan there who was made up to meet him. No airs or graces about him.

I liked this response. At least one of them knows they are being fobbed off. I have lots of questions in my head & behind the scenes I am thinking of more, but to speak publicly about my questions would give others a commercial advantage. Other questions I have are subject to confidentiality & I have to move a question on before I can think of a new one.

More pages than fans ?

But if the ground does somehow materialise it's odds on we'll see a managerial return of the original "Fruity" himself

we'll still have plenty to laugh at when it reaches page 5678 ..cue Steps ?

Maybe it should be officially remembered in a more permanent and fitting way by the club.

Very remiss of the club not to honour this in some way.

Managed to get down to AG that day. We were let into the Enclosure to survey the eerily empty ground, everyone quiet and lost in their thoughts, preparing for the worst. Then the good news came through and it was straight into Wedlock's for a celebratory pint!

This should have been marked by the club today, I went to Newport thinking it may be the last time ever watching City as a league club, times have changed but this should never be forgotten.

No mention of this by the club official channels today- that’s a miss IMO.

That moment you describe there was reality crashing through the reinforced concrete walls of lies, certainty and delusion. Decades of it. Momentarily, a (small) crowd of poorly dressed people collectively see themselves for what they really are. There is no hiding place. No delusion to escape to and bask in. At that eerie, silent moment, none of the usual lies, the bollocks, the bullshit and delusion work anymore - all that was swept away, leaving only truth and reality. This is what we are: non-league shite.

Why were the Mansfield fans upset?

Things you love to see ..

I agree one thread within the football forum, on similar lines to the Rovers thread. If you don’t want to read it, it’s your choice.

I think the grown up conversation is whether it should have a separate section. Else your argument could be used for just about anything really. Yes, ignore if you don't want to read, but in the meantime should it have its own sub-forum? I think so.

The key difference, though a little tenuous, is that the game relies on the survival of the many. If B&Q were the only DIY store they'd be over the moon. If Man U were the only football team...