For me - the definition is a simple one. Do you care enough to talk about who your support, to check on results and feel happy or annoyed dependent on the result. 

Living where I do, it can feel a real effort to make games, but with both myself and my 2 children having season tickets - we do try to do almost all of them, and have some great family time too. At various times, that will include my wife, who cared little for football until she met me, and actually stated after the Cardiff game, "I quite enjoyed that!". This was the same lady, I hasten to add, that said after Sunderland scored the 3rd goal in that infamous 3-3 game around 4 seasons ago, "Wouldn't it be funny if they get a 4th.." That was a quiet car journey home to Berkshire!

What I love more than anything is joining conversations with other friends at work, or at social times, where I proudly say who I support. Due to this, over the last 8 seasons, I've managed to persuade close to 20 friends to visit Ashton Gate, and almost all being impressed with what we have. The stadium.... the football at times has been woeful.

My son plays locally in a football team at Under 9's level, and amongst the various Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City kits on display at training, he always turns up wearing his various City Kits. And is proud as punch to do so.

This weekend, as a family, we've ventured North to have a few days away in Blackpool, so my son and I will go to the game tomorrow, whilst my wife and daughter head off for afternoon tea. We frequently do this for at least 2-3 away games in a season.

I'm lucky that I can combine following City, with family life, and as a father who lives 100+ miles from Bristol, to ensure my son supports BCFC will go down as one of my best parental achievements. Others may suggest it's the worst thing you could do!

So in summary, what is a 'Real Fan' - someone who cares about the club. They don't need to travel, they don't need to go to games - but if makes you happy, then do so, but we're all equals. Do however be proud of the club you support and do so - be it the good or bad times. 

13 hours ago, RED4LIFE said:

There seems to be a fair few people on here who have forgotten how bad it got under LJ and Holden. 

Very few shots on target let alone goals, game after game... yet are happy to scapegoat Pearson who hasn't, relatively, had a pot to piss in financially yet we are now a team that look like, and have been, scoring every game.

As a club we have needed a massive seachange in structure, finances and expectations.  The club are doing their bit for the first two, yet some fans still can't understand the third bit.

Smacks of entitlement to me, and of people who have no idea how hard it is to win games of football.

There's many fans who make comments around me each game that are just strange. At the risk of getting abuse, so many football fans really don't understand the game or the laws of it. Constant calls of offside when clearly not, shouting out for fouls when it was a good challenge from the opposing player too. Not understanding how a team works as a shape etc....

Opinions of course, but I truly believe that the gulf in knowledge of what the game involves and how fans understand/ interpret it, is becoming bigger than ever. 

Follow every twist and turn in the life of a football manager as the BBC go behind-the-scenes with League One’s Rotherham and Oxford to witness all the drama both on and off the pitch.

Highly recommended, having listened to the first 6 episodes - it gives you a great sense of what it is like behind the scenes of football clubs.

Lots of City connections/references, including Steve Cotterill, Matt Taylor, Mark Sykes etc

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0cf9vkv/episodes/downloads

The same had been said for years with the likes of Anfield, and Craven Cottage.

Grounds that were unable to be modified due to location and surrounding area - however with advances in engineering and changing circumstance of the area, these are now a reality. 

Is it imminent we redevelop A/G further? No, not beyond the plans for the Flyers.
Is it likely that we could expand the Atyeo and Dolman, and have a plan should we need to. Yes, very much so - and plans do exist. 

 

13 hours ago, phantom said:

It will be interesting to see how Sunday looks 

Far less busy based on Ticketmaster - a LOT of seats left to sell, in particular seats on the pitch area. 

Was interesting to see Ben Foster talk about fixture release day on his podcast yesterday and what players look for and their take on it all. 

He was keen to stress that as a player, any tie against a promoted side is not wished for, let alone an away one. 

With this in mind, and I would agree with him, Sunderland away is about as bad as it could get TBH.

I'd be happy with away to Millwall or QPR (selfishly local for me) as any London game will see good away numbers travel, and both of those clubs are similar in terms to us of expectations, albeit QPR would have the conundrum of a new manager that could be a blessing or curse. 

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/pre-season-home-games-streamed-free-to-season-ticket-holders/

 

PRE-SEASON HOME GAMES STREAMED FREE TO SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

MONDAY, MARCH 28TH 2022

Did this actually happen and take place last week?

It seems like all info and news on it has vanished without trace.

Seen Springsteen and the E-Street band 12 times at various places all over the world and they are nothing short of exceptional. 

IF he does play AG - I would seriously suggest anyone who like live music to see him before it is too late.

And I for one would be rather excited to see Springsteen at the Gate. Doesn't get much better than that, aside from Chris Martin scoring a 97th minute Championship winning goal v Cardiff  

It was the season I expected to be honest - and as ever, it is the hope that kills you.

There were some low points - away to West Brom and Coventry were just woeful

There were some high points - away at QPR with the Wells winner and home v Cardiff spring to mind

To me, it is clear where investment is needed and we have some very experienced people at the club who I feel will strengthen where we are going.

What many don't realise is really how bad things behind the scenes were. COVID provided a smokescreen of accountability and accessibility for us to see ourselves. Some still within the club are using it, to hide behind the decisions they made and the actions taken - but I do believe we have turned a corner for the better.

Like many, I'm ready for a break TBH (albeit a shorter one with the WC) and am already looking forward to the fixture list and trips down the M4 to watch the team. Next year will be better, but it won't happen overnight. I'd happily take a top 10 finish for next year, providing we keep the spine of the young and developing squad which justified the investment into the training centre. Then in 2023/24 - we'll be fighting the once again relegated Fulham to win the league! 

Based on where I live, the cost of fuel is the biggest issue for me.

A 200 mile round trip for every game is taking it's toll.

But to ensure that my son and daughter wear the red of BCFC with pride around Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey = priceless (providing I don't look at the Esso receipt every Saturday evening). 

All 3 of us will renew through blind faith/love/hope/stupidity. 

 

6 hours ago, swanker said:

Some on here didn’t rate him! You gotta laugh  

Sums up a lot of comments on this forum. The lack of actual football knowledge amongst some supporters is genuinely terrifying. 

Likewise - always found him very approachable and wanting to help. I raised an issue with him and he actively wanted to help resolve it.

He does a lot that goes unseen and unnoticed.

One thing I would say though is that the Ask SLO forum is slightly flawed in that you can't reply back, when he has posted back. It means if there are further elements to follow-up on, they can't be expressed. 

By the off chance, does anyone have a Youth Large version of this for sale?

My son has determined that this is the shirt he wants for his birthday and as is often the case, it is the only one out of stock on the website.

Thanks. 

1 hour ago, RedM said:

Add the fact that he was a disruptive element in the dressing room too and you've summed him up perfectly.

Not sure how many know the full story, but many players in the team were glad to see the back of him due to some of his behaviour

2 hours ago, Loosey Boy said:

Forget the Red Button - let’s get as many down the Gate as possible on Wednesday; a big game and one which could go a long way to our survival this season - Nige and the players need our support

COYRs

I'll be coming from near Reading. Keeping fingers crossed the usual long trip home is a sweet one as I pass lots of Royals fans on the M4, looking grumpy as they bemoan yet another loss. 

He's gone alright!

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/12529081/sunderland-sack-head-coach-lee-johnson-following-6-0-defeat-by-bolton-in-league-one

9 minutes ago, bexhill reds said:

You'd like to think he's learn to actually look around him to see what is going on rather than being caught watching the ball again. No doubting the Preston player took his chance well, but if Zak had actually seen what he was doing and closed him down, as he was the closest player and had tracked him back, he would have little room for that type of shot. Players make mistakes, but this type of switch off seems to be a reoccurring thing as far as Vyner is concerned...

 

Exactly this. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again.

A quick look back over the last 12 games of the goals we have conceded.

How many have come from Vyner's inability to beat his man at a cross. I've counted at least 7. 

12 hours ago, RedNachos said:

Already got masses of comments saying "he's not good enough" and the usual bollocks of "league one at best". For the life of me I can't fathom why our fanbase is so bloody keen to write him off.  Last season he took masses of responsibility playing as a sweeper in central midfield, consistently picking passes and allowing a pathway from defence to midfield, and then a transition to attack. Something that ridiculous signings like Lansbury and Brunt didn't do, but no it was our right/centre back who'd only played half a season of Championship football.  This season, he's played in patches, mostly in 3 and done (for me at least) majoritativilley well, but is a scapegoat when we concede a high quality late goal, when the midfield are nowhere to be seen. I'm not saying he's the messiah, but if you didn't know financially we're in deep shit, and can't go out buying a £5m replacement, who, yeah, would probably be an upgrade on Zak, but we don't have these sort of options, so I'm asking why are we rushing to get him out the picture, its not like we're brimming full of better options. Against Luton I'd argue he was our best player, and I really like him in a 3, and even midfield. Again he's not the messiah, but get some perspective please instead of saying you'd never like to see him in a city shirt again.                                         

Sorry I could not disagree anymore.

Pearson has given Vyner ample opportunities to prove himself and he continually fails to take them. A manager has to trust his defenders to do their job and pick up their man from crosses in particular. Yet again (and with fresh legs, having come on as a sub) Vyner has not just been beaten to the ball, he's nowhere near him and the striker has just drifted 3 yards from him with a basic move.

Sorry, no scapegoat, but his mistakes are getting highlighted and he is costing the team and his teammates points week in, week out.

I'd rather play Cundy for the rest of the season and give him some experience as the trust instilled in Vyner just doesn't pay off - and he needs to go to help himself, and for us to be serious about achieving more. I've not even mentioned his passing which is worthy of a thread on it's own by the way.... 

16 minutes ago, Corsham Alf said:

I love this post and it’s 100% spot on. My slight concern is Big Nige is not going to have much money to spend to correct our obvious deficiencies due to our trading loss. But he’s working well with what he’s got. Zak Vyner watch your step !!

Thanks for the nice comments, and I agree that the lack of funds may be an issue.

That said, the amount of out of contact players this summer on free transfers is huge. There will be some good quality available, and also players who are mentally right for what Nige is building. To an extent you can coach a player to get better, or add physicality. Changing an attitude or habit of behaviour is harder. 

Others teams (QPR with all their turmoil, Coventry and Barnsley last year) have shown you don't need big money, but you need to identify team players to align to the approach and system the manager wants. With that in mind, our biggest expense will be signing on fees and not transfer fees. 

On 18/01/2022 at 14:00, GrahamC said:

Gives you some perspective to our issues.

Firstly this confirms Moore is on £35k a week & that he is “amongst” their highest earners, so not alone. Wow.

Secondly there is clearly an issue with several absentee Chinese owners (West Brom & Birmingham to name two others).

Finally Reading are a club where support vanishes pretty quick, they have an inflated view of themselves based on the Coppell years but poor results, a horrendous wage bill & disinterested owner is a toxic mix.

Being local to Reading FC, I see this last part a huge amount. The amount of fans that live in Berkshire who support London clubs is high. When Reading did have success, many adopted Reading as their second team, to enjoy Premier League football and then deserted them thereafter.

No doubt if/when that success returns - they will come back in their droves.

Much can be said about Bristol as a City, and as a club we have our own issues, but the loyalty of our fanbase for a Southern team is actually quite good. Each time I drive back up the M4 after witnessing another 97th winner conceded at home, I am miserable until I arrive and come off at junction 11 and see the Madjeski stadium and think to myself - 'it could be far worse!'.  

2 hours ago, mightyreds89 said:

There was a post yesterday that for me thinking about Nige & his influence for me it feels like there are signs it’s on the up he seems more relaxed and confident in interviews, the players over the last 5/6 weeks seem to have improved desire, commitment and understand the expectation bar Sheff Utd away. I do feel like there are some green shoots of small steps forward. 

I then started to think why might this be? Initially I thought maybe Nige is and hopefully feeling better following his illness he has more energy and passion for the role which led me into thinking what else has changed… the coaching staff there are fewer with Downing & Simpson now gone maybe he’s starting to become his own man, more involved in the coaching?! He has to be surely? Less voices for the players to hear one constant and steady view. He’s also now fully in control of managing upwards. I thought I’d look at the stats with and without the now departed coaches and as expected some positive signs especially when you consider it’s early days without them the main highlights are below, 

With Simpson & Downing,

P 14 W4 D4 L6 - points 16 ave Pts per game = 1.14 

Win rate 28% 

Goals for 15 average goals for per game 1.07.

Goals against 22 ave per game 1.57 

 

Without Simpson & Downing 

P11 W4 D2 L5 points 14 ave pts per game 1.27

win rate 38%

Goals for 15 ave per game = 1.36 

Goals against 15 ave per game = 1.54 

Overall,

We’ve found a way of increasing our ave pts per game, our average goals scored and slightly improved our ave goals against so certainly and improved balance of not conceding any more than before but scoring and creating more. In essence we’ve turned what may have been a few draws previously into wins since their departure and draw on average less. Over a season that’s an extra 12 -14 points. 

Whilst in recent games we’ve also had improved possession stats (from memory) I haven’t gone through this game by game but have noticed post game that shots and possession are improved certainly feels like progress. Hopefully this momentum continues over as perusing of games and we can secure a position of 12th-14th by end of the season which for me would be a decent effort give the circumstances. 

One of the best and most sensible posts I've seen on here in a long time. Great analysis.