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I really liked McInnes and was very disappointed it didn't work out for him here. He took on a massive job and I thought he was poorly treated by the Board. He really liked the club and was appreciative of the fans. He was on his own in Bristol for much of the time and I've heard many stories of him being alone in restaurants in Bristol after a game and spending his evening happily chatting to fans. One story. It was my son's 21st coming up and we sent a card in to the club asking for it be signed by the players and staff. It was duly returned in good time and we put it aside as my son was going to be away for his birthday. On his birthday the phone rang at about 7.30 in the evening and a broad Scottish voice asked to speak to my son, claiming to be Derek McInnes and wanting to have a chat and wish him a happy birthday. Knowing my son to be a joker who often put on ridiculous accents on the phone I assumed it to be him. I laughed and said, ' Derek McInnes? Ha, ha, good try but you've overdone it!' Anyway, it WAS Derek McInnes, who'd taken the trouble to note the date and phone up. Despite my initial incredulity (and inadvertent mocking of his accent) he was then happy to talk to this embarrassed City fan for a quarter of an hour and ended by asking me to pass on his birthday wishes to my son. Top bloke who should have been a good fit for City and, as I say, really sorry he wasn't here for much longer.

As I frequently point out, probably tediously, Wilson was a failure. Four years and ultimately achieved almost nothing except a destructive player culture which took years to dismantle.

A few minutes at the end of a Scottish football podcast. Key points: He'd knocked back a couple of job offer in England when Bristol City contacted him. He was warned by a few people that we'd had three managers in four years and it may not be a good move. 2nd bottom when came in in October but felt there were enough games to stay up. Staying up, given the circumstances, is as proud an achievement as any he's had in football. Chris Wood was brilliant. In the summer he feels he should have been kicking and screaming about getting rid of more players. He presented to the board a number of lists of players that should be moved on but the board never acted He felt there were 14 that should have been moved on but it was hard as Bristol City was as good as it was ever going to get for those players and they were all well paid Four different managers signings in a dressing room made it difficult Board talked of FFP and said he needed to cut the playing budget in half - from $15m to just over $7m - by shifting senior players and bringing young ones in. Proud he gave Joe and Bobby their chances and brought Bolasie in from the reserves. Bolasie was sold but he thinks the board should have worked much harder to keep him. He loved his time at Bristol City. He loved the club and wanted to be the guy that got it going… but he put too much faith in the board. Was told: "If we go down with Derek McInnes, we come back with Derek McInnes… you help us sort out the financial mess and we'll come back up". Lost a home game to Leicester and was given the boot as the board felt they needed to try something new. Getting the boot was a shock - it shouldn't have been given the league position but it was given all the conversations he'd had with the club. He took the learnings to his next role at Aberdeen a couple of weeks later and he had eight very good years there… so everything happens for a reason.

Don’t ever forget, that a certain Mark Ashton was working with the club as a Recruitment Consultant during McInnes’ time here. No wonder Derek is critical of the recruitment structure.

I just had to Google what MAP meant. But you honestly seem to be equating being gay with peodophilia. I've got no words. If this doesn't prove why there's still so much work to be done on acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues then I don't know what does. A truly awful thing to thing to say.

IMO one of the best managers we've had in the last twenty years. But clearly not backed or understood by the Board. Cotterill in similar vein also came and went. It's taken a long time for SL to realise that we were a shambles, overpaying average players, a holiday camp attitude throughout the club which meant that we struggled to achieve anything other than mid to lower table in Championship. Some may consider that the restoration into a football club under Pearson, is taking a long time. We'll, my view is that we have achieved in twelve months what it used to take three or four years. Real progress and I genuinely believe that we will surprise other clubs and our own fans, how we will do in the coming season.

Good for him. Hopefully he helps a lot of other young people.

Just putting it out there to see what the response would be if a player came out as a MAP, without committing any illegal act. Would being an open MAP also be classed as being brave & something we should celebrate, in the same way as coming out as gay?

A familiar story. We were a bloody mess back then, I think people who criticise him and SOD forget what a state we were in. We're still getting over that mess. You'd think we'd learn...

I’d like to clarify this wasn’t me ?

Two things: - The front foot attacking football had gone by Wilson’s last season. He saw how Wigan had ground out games the prior year and reverted to that, meaning we scored 58 goals in 46 games, against 79 goals the season before - Wilson was replaced by Tinnion. I believe, in your ongoing grudge, you are trying to refer to GJ as “Mr Dull” Other than that, spot on as ever…

Weird. We played very well after a terrible start & there is plenty to be enthusiastic about watching a lot of these lads. Actually thought we were the better side when we got back to 2-2 & looked the more likely winners.

I was in a bar in Bangkok when an attractive local girl came in and sat at the table opposite me. She made eye contact and smiled provocatively, and it was difficult not to keep looking in her direction. I tried self control but it was increasingly difficult. She then undid the top buttons on her very tight fitting blouse, and sat with her legs akimbo and as she was wearing a very short skirt I had to tell myself “don't get an erection, don't get an erection”, but it was too late - she did!

Which summarises my point perfectly. As a tax payer I would prefer to see Derby County wound up even if that means HMRC get nothing, it will prove that HMRC are serious about the collection of taxes from financially cheating football clubs. In addition, I believe it would deter any other questionable owners following the same path.

What`s that got to do with Grange Hill or sausages?

Don't hide behind that bullshit 'cancel culture' and 'no free speech' crap. You can say exactly what you want but be expected to back it up and explain it. The issue is on you, why does is bother you?

Totally agree. Callum was in with the away supporters when we played at Reading & is a really nice down to earth lad. Whatever people’s opinion of him as a footballer they really should think before they post some of the abusive messages that they do.

Ok, I’ve sat back and let this develop for a few pages before jumping in. firstly let’s congratulate the lad for coming out, it must have been a huge step, and the general positivity on radio and social media is heartening that we seem to be moving forward. Hopefully others will follow his lead, by mere probability there must be many more both currently and historically I read with amusement the debate on ‘gays in the changing room’ and whether someone may be uncomfortable. As a gay man who has used communal changing rooms for many years I can categorically reassure anyone feeling a little awkward that us gays don’t find everyone sexually attractive, and we don’t stand, stare and drool uncontrollably at the ones we do find attractive, and the perceived awkwardness from the straight guy says a little more about them than me. If you feel awkward do as many do in my gym do, go home sweaty, change in the cubicle or do the hilarious towel dance, where everyone just presumes you either find yourself irresistible to the gays, or merely have a small pecker and are too embarrassed to show it! for those who defended the comment about the the MAP guy coming out. It was clumsy but I don’t think he was presuming gay men are paedo’s. I am sure he has done his research where it shows this vile perversion affects gay, straight and bi people lastly let’s not too woke, the jokes about ‘leaving the back door open’ are just funny.

Players do come and go, however do remember that they are no different than you or I and have feelings etc. Callum was amazing when he met my son, giving him so much time and encouraging him to pursue a dream of playing football. Last week was mental health week, and many don't know about some of the injuries that Callum has faced as he is quite a private person. Many may say he should/could have delivered more, but I will say this - from what I saw, he gave his all and both he, and his family cared deeply about this club. He also did a lot in the community that was unnoticed and unreported, and represented Bristol City as a professional at all times. Good luck Callum and I for one hope you go on to achieve more in your career.

I thought he dropped more than he caught, myself. Tall but not very good.

Just got back, bit unlucky to actually lose, but difficult letting in two early goals like we did. Proud of the young lads, and well worth going tonight. Hoping for ET at Forest now.

I did like the look of Rose, hadn't seen him play before, but reminded me of a Korey Smith type player.

A couple of weeks ago we had a new girl start at work. I did something to help her and she gave me a hug. Yesterday I found out (at work) that she is Gay. So what should my reaction be (after reading some of the comments on this thread) if she tries to hug me again as a non gay female ( I hate the word straight, it implies that anything else is not right)? Should I recoil in horror, be afraid to work near her incase she touches me again? No, if she wants to hug me again as a thank you etc I would hug her back as she is a PERSON.

I know what you mean. I am heterosexual and, sometimes, when on the beach, I might see an attractive young lady wearing only a skimpy bikini and find her attractive. On occasion, I have even seen young ladies, still wearing only bikinis, eating ice creams and licking them in a way that, to my mind, can only be described as extremely lascivious. Even worse, sometimes when I am taking a shower before entering the pool, I get this strange feeling that these lovely young ladies are all watching me; I imagine you are familiar with such feelings, hence your understandable worries and fears. It is so hard being a heterosexual man.

We don't know mate, that's the problem, It's up to the player whether he wants it out in the open or not I suppose, I'm sure the club is doing its upmost to support him, but we as fans have to be patient on this one imo

Who knows? There has largely been silence about this. There have been claims that HMRC have accepted 35p in the £ to be paid over 3 years but I haven't seen any reputable source confirm this. Others may have though. In January HMRC made a statement insisting they do not do sweetheart deals and always insist on the full amount due being paid. But in the same statement they said they never accept less than a court would award, which seems like a bit of a get out clause. If they settle for 35p they are going to set a precedent (though not a legal one I think) and possibly get a backlash from clubs who pay their taxes in full. I still think this one will run and run.

If he did come back again to play for us, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be watching him play. Don't get me wrong, prior to his concussion I loved his 100% aggressive nature, but watching that approach wouldn't sit right with me knowing that one more bang to the head could result in severe disability or death. I'm not sure I'd like to watch. I appreciate it could happen to anyone at any time, but surely the risk is a lot higher in this case?

Why Pring? He made his first start for City this season and went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions. He's made tremendous progress and had a really good season.

Yeah, but are your owners?

Couple of points I picked up that haven't been mentioned yet, I don't think: - We had player unavailability due to injuries for a total of approx. 250 days last season, that's down to around 75 days this season. So undoubted progress on that front. - When talking about success of Luton he said something along the lines of "they have equality in their wage bill, which we don't have yet". Thought that was a really revealing comment and hints at some of the dressing room issues he inherited in that first season. Also points to more financial mismanagement under Ashton. Must admit I've been pretty disinterested these last few months, but that interview was encouraging, and Nige sounded very confident we'll be better next season. Definitely going to be interest/offers for Antoine though.

How about we don’t ?

Let’s hope he doesn’t score against a team who are losing and going for a equaliser,yes that’s right the old commentator saying “they left the back door open”.let’s get the homosexual jokes out the way

Players do come and go, however do remember that they are no different than you or I and have feelings etc. Callum was amazing when he met my son, giving him so much time and encouraging him to pursue a dream of playing football. Last week was mental health week, and mayn don't know some of the injuries that Callum has faced as he is quite a private person. Many may say he should/could have delivered more, but I will say this - from what I saw, he gave his all and both he, and his family cared deeply about this club. He also did a lot in the community that was unnoticed and unreported, and represented Bristol City as a professional at all times. Good luck Callum and I for one hope you go on to achieve more in your career.

Hope Huddersfield stuff them.

We see it often enough at AG

Yes. Disappointing for everyone. However the blond boy Backwell (correct me if I’m wrong about his name) was excellent when he got on. Reminded me of Barry Bannan (:laugh:) There were a few eye catchers. The lad playing right full back/wing back ran and ran but hardly got a decent ball in to him. A ridiculously sluggish start was annoying. The Portuguese kid made our backline look like they were carrying rocks in the first ten. Still plenty to be upbeat about, particularly one or two who really haven’t had much attention!

Sorry...I didn't put it very well. I'm quite sure people within the game see his value, as indeed do many fans. It's just that it's not 'wow factor' leap out of your seat type value - which is where this started. That Preston goal being an example - and when that sort of ability doesn't result in a goal its noticed even less. When Semenyo has the ball at his feet, two defenders in front of him, and he is ready to go at them, you can almost sense the anticipation in the crowd. Weimann tracking back, directing, making clever runs, less so. I think that 'edge of seat' stuff is more about anticipation than it is necessarily about end product. Semenyo as above: JET receiving the ball with his back to goal. Even (dare I say it!) Palmer looking up for a pass. Often (very often in some cases) it doesn't come off, but they are players who generate that excitement. When the whole team has an off day and we lose without putting up much of a fight, the comments on the match day thread reflect this, I think. Weimann is often described as anonymous. Semenyo is described as crap! I think that's because you notice still Semenyo on an off day, there's still the anticipation that he could do something but you're constantly let down. Whereas Weimann making those runs that no-one picks up, trying to direct play and being ignored, drawing opponents out of position only for no-one to take advantage - that just doesn't get noticed. Personally, I love watching defenders who can manage opposing forwards, who stay unflustered, read the approach perfectly, just steer the attacker away from trouble and into places they don't want to be. It's not edge of your seat stuff. The crowd pleasers are the ones who tackle - and again the anticipation is always there, despite the risk of them missing completely and giving the attacker a clear run - or of giving away a free kick. And I just think that the game needs its Semenyos and its Tanners to get the crowd excited. But that's absolutely not to underestimate the Kloses and the Weimanns and the role they play. Quite the opposite in fact!

I'll give a genuine answer, but I really think it's fairly obvious. A person attracted to minors is a person attracted to a vulnerable member of society.. whilst it would be brave to announce you were, it would not be something to celebrate. Someone gay is someone attracted to a member of the opposite sex rather than a vulnerable segment. Really shouldn't need explaining.

**** me, I actually had to look that up. Are you seriously equating someone being gay with paedophilia? Take a look at yourself, FFS.

Sounds like something to delete from your history quickly!

You seem to be putting being attracted to minors on the same page as being gay, which is simply staggering. No wonder people are still scared of revealing their sexuality when comments like that are made. I would say frankly : That is your problem to deal with. As for the suggestion he uses separate changing areas - why not give him his own cup to drink out of as well. You could even make it a pink one so its easily identified - that way the other players wouldn't have to drink out of it. Jesus Christ. Here we are in 2022, still knee deep in absolute dinosaurs. I thought they died millions of years ago - apparently not.

I just checked my outlook calendar to check the year. ?

Why would you be uncomfortable?

What is the general feeling about somebody who is gay i.e finds a member of there own sex physically attractive sharing showers and changing rooms? it's seems to be the Elephant in the room that nobody has yet discussed. I'm not sure I would be comfortable with it personally and am wondering what the players at the club feel about it and whether some might feel a little uncomfortable and ask that he uses separate changing and washing facilities, I would like to add that I have nothing against him for being gay but would be interested to hear what others think about the situation.

It's the culture of Football fans these days. Many want instant success and glory without any form of context and knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes at a club. The whole Holden appointment thing was a total and utter mess and probably sent a whole load of alarm bells ringing for many City fans that we were still run so badly behind the scenes. We've needed a Manager to come in and be straight talking, have a plan and get on board with what the club is all about. It might take a few years to be actually successful, but it will be worth the wait in my opinion. Yeah you can call it being a happy clapper, but I genuinely think we're finally in good hands on the playing side of things. Pearson as Manager, Tinnion as Youth manager, Gould as CEO. It could be much worse.

In a statement, Quantuma said the exchange was "conditional on the sale of the stadium, EFL approval and receiving secured creditor consent". https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61475788 So just minor admin stuff then.

Quick, someone knock them up a highlights reel… or as I prefer to call it, that Norwich goal on continual loop.

Delighted, Nathan Jones is the most obnoxious manager in the division. Weird that someone who bangs on about being a Christian then spends most of the 90 minutes calling the linesman a ***. Vile man, horrible team. Would love them to struggle badly next season.

The phone line broke up a couple times so I might have missed something but here's the bulk of what Nige said: - says Mark Sykes has the qualities he wanted. That is that Sykes has something to prove and is ambitious. - 4 players have been told they aren't in the plans here. Nige said these players need to make a career choice to stay and pick up a wage without game time or go and play. Says the club don't encourage them sitting and picking up a wage. Wells isn't one of them. - says he's slightly behind where he hoped on the 3 year curve. NP said it's been a tough year but that the work that's happened this year will pay dividends. - Said if we are serious about making a cultural change it has to have a lasting effect. Thus, what's important for his role is that we move in the right direction rather than the prem in three years. - he is delighted with how we've developed as an attacking team, but not the defensive side as a team! He doesn't want pats on the back for the progress so far, rather he acknowledges the progress and work left to do. - Nige says it's been satisfying and rewarding for the coaching staff to see the availability of Martin and Weimann this season - Injury length has reduced, availability up. Says Joe Williams has been available for 70% of the year, and that we're much more likely to win or draw with him in the side. Said Joe is a good player and a nutcase who has worked hard to get back to where he is. - Says Semenyo is self-aware, is ambitious, a good listener who is receptive, studies his own game, doesn't waste time and energy when injured and this is why his development has blossomed over the season. Says he has the natural tools, but his finishing is improving and he practices in a professional way. He says he'd be disappointed if we weren't worried about losing him and in time we'll have decisions to make about him. However, it'd have to be the right deal for us and he hopes Semenyo will be here next season. - Nige says an aggressive and tight culture at Luton is a reason for their success. He says this will be achieved when we hit targets of wage bill and people know what their job is and where they sit. Says Luton might drop next year as the players and agents will cash in on a good season and this is the reality of it, so it might not last. However he focuses on us rather than focusing on Luton or anyone else. - Nige bans Sky Sports in his house so he can relax! - he says our identity is being formed now and next year we will be competitive and better than we were this year just gone. - to our fans he says: he will try and keep fans updated in a realistic way but this won't be with speculation and there's a lot of fake news in football. Overall it was nice to hear a manager who's down to earth and direct. If he doesn't want to answer, he is comfortable to say that and explain why, or Re O'Dowda he simply said we thank CO'D but it's time for change. So refreshing to hear that interview following plenty of buzz phrases from Ashton and a lesser extent Johnson.

Yes, but I can’t remember - either because I was too young then or too old now!