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12 hours ago, Sir Geoff said:

Bet he regrets pulling out of last November's Internationals in favour of training with the 'new manager,' now.

According to the Post Tommy has said "Liam Manning has come in and I’m learning a lot under him. Huge credit to him and his assistants, I’ve learned a lot from them and I’m in a good place at the minute."

So, are we possibly missing something with LM (fwiw I don't think so) or is this just Tommy trying to protect his position until a move is made? 

12 hours ago, Davefevs said:

No thank you.

Agreed, in his day maybe, but I reckon his ship has long sailed.

12 hours ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Ship has sailed but honestly never understood why we never went for him? Cardiff, QPR, Sheff Utd, Rotherham, Palace, Huddersfield etc brought him in. Why were the Lansdowns so arrogant to not give him a shot here?

Sums it up mate 

10 hours ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

Lucky he got the Swansea result as he would have been sacked by now surely. Even though Swans was equally as bad performance wise. So difficult to know what is best, lose a couple more so he goes but then risk is they don’t sack him and the drama goes on and on. I personally think sack him now and admit to the fans it hasn’t worked and apologise. Think the fans would respect that more. 

Don't think that's going to happen, EVER !! 

1 minute ago, Capman said:

Manning out yes, but it’s not the long term answer. Jon has to step down as Chairman and BT needs to be demoted too. I suspect there is some very difficult musical chairs needed over the next few weeks if we are to have any chance of promotion next season. The current structure and people are absolutely not fit for purpose. 
Personally if I were Steve I would announce King to manage to end of the season, Jon had decided to stand down as chair to pursue his other business interests but would stay on the board and the search was on for a new Chairman who would lead the recruitment of a new manager. 

15 minutes ago, Son of Fred said:

Judging by our current form the only game I'd say to be  a very likely win is Rotherham.

You having a laugh ? 

9 hours ago, Steve Watts said:

The "hierarchy" will be hoping that the international break gives them some breathing room so we can all remember that we beat Southampton.

Perhaps this is when the will hit the fan .

33 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Money is too tight to mention round these parts so when we do spend it, we have to spend it wisely.  With the blessing of hindsight can we really say we are where we need to be recruitment wise?  To spend £10m on the below, is it good enough?

Knight - £2m

McCrorie - £2m

Gardner-Hickman - £1.5m

Mehmeti.- £1m

Dickie - £800k

Cornick - £500k

Twine, Mebude, Stokes, Murphy - all signed for short or long term - circa £1-1.5m spent I’d guess. 
 

Seems a mixed bag at best to me 

What's your thoughts on Sykes 

38 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

You learn something new every timeon the odd occasion on here, thanks. Still need to choose between Hitler and Himmler, though .....

Which one had only one ?

If I was to have the say between LM & BT, I would get rid of BT, then just maybe someone would come in with the balls to sack LM. If LM is to go first then we're still stuck with BT to appoint another failure.

Don't think either will happen soon but I'm  & .

6 minutes ago, Odd socks said:

Don’t forget. Southampton

This will end up like the Basil Faulty line "I mentioned the War Southampton but I think I got away with it".

12 minutes ago, Nugget said:

A bring back Nige chant at home would really be a punt in the nuts to the ones that put us in this mess. 

I'm looking forward to the day Nige brings another team to the Gate to hear the welcome he gets, maybe then the Muppets in charge will get the message 

1 hour ago, Jerseybean said:

A key attribute for a leader/coach is excellent communication skills.

Thats the winner for me .

I've seen a few coaches in different sports that weren't the most gifted athletes/players but excelled in communicating with the group & they got respect & results. Here in Oz many small country clubs use parents of players to fill the coaching rolls, which isn't always the best route to improving young players but when you get a mixture of a bit of knowledge & exceptional people skills then the results seem to happen. I guess it's important having a happy playing group as a foundation to any sport.

With LM only time will tell but do we have time, COYR's.

11 hours ago, AppyDAZE said:

So you think she'll come first, just clarifying.

Only a photo finish could decide that mate .

Over to you 

12 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

Have you made that comment each way?

No mate, A technical error 

8 hours ago, AG City said:

Looks like he is plastered all over the Mailonline this morning with their usual Cheltenham ladies spread of pics!
Looking sharp!

Good looking Filly he's backing 

8 hours ago, AG City said:

Looks like he is plastered all over the Mailonline this morning with their usual Cheltenham ladies spread of pics!
Looking sharp!

Good looking Filly he's backing 

15 hours ago, Bristol Rob said:

Won't be surprised to see Conway go, Pring to be sold and possibly one other (based purely on a rumour) to be sold.

Hope I'm wrong but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see offers for Max after his recent performances,  it's only his recent re-signing that may save us.

20 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

Found myself looking for excuses not to go.

Weather? Looks dry and mild.

Roads? Looks all clear.

Mothers day? Sadly no longer with us.

Thats it then, off I go again. This time we’ll all be rewarded with a fine win against the Welsh……….or maybe a draw. 

4 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

Piercy asked re supporters reaction at Cardiff and pressure - can’t control it so don’t try to think about it, all was great 3 games ago and his energy is better served doing his job

Oh Hello............ Liam it can be controlled by improving the performances, he's answered it himself (better served doing his job)

7 hours ago, Davefevs said:

What are the comparative “challenges” you see that should’ve resulted in equal treatment?

For me, Nige inherited a mess and therefore needed a period of time to reset the club.

Liam took over a club in a “healthy state” - BT:

”best squad in a long time, well contracted, only 3 OOC in the summer”

In fairness he did say “when fit”.  Although we have seen a few more creep in over recent weeks, they’ve been spread across the positions, so he hasn’t had to play players out of position.

Depth has been an issue for both, but we are then back to budgets!

FWIW I don’t think Manning is shit, there are things I like about the way he’s done things.  But just too many areas I’m not convinced by.  I didn’t like everything Nige did either.

 

 

As usual, fair comments Fevs, thankyou 

6 hours ago, Tim Monaghan said:

I've been a devoted Bristol City supporter for 34 years, I find myself at a crossroads, a juncture if you will, where admiration and concern intersect. Its all steamed from the debate this morning on the FBC Podcast. Steve Lansdown, the visionary behind our beloved club since 1996, has left an indelible mark on our history. His passion, commitment, and financial backing have propelled Bristol City to new heights, this is undeniable, yet, as we stand on the precipice of another season of mediocrity (some on here will argue self inflicted), I can’t help but feel that this is a pivotal moment—a last chance saloon—for Lansdown’s ownership.

First of all, let me begin by expressing my gratitude. Steve Lansdown’s journey with Bristol City mirrors that of many fans. From fan on the terraces through his sons love of Bristol City, he transitioned from a passionate supporter to a director, and eventually, the owner. His investment in the club has been transformative. Nobody can deny that. The redevelopment of Ashton Gate stands as a testament to his commitment. Our new modern facilities and infrastructure have surpassed expectations, providing our players and fans with an environment befitting a club with ambitions.

But success in football is a fickle mistress. It demands results, both on and off the pitch. And herein lies the conundrum. While I will forever be grateful for Lansdown’s contributions, I can’t ignore the recent growing turbulence. Liam Manning’s appointment as head coach—I feel a pivotal decision—has placed the spotlight squarely on Lansdown’s shoulders yet again. I feel his success or failure will reverberate through the corridors of Ashton Gate on this occasion. 

As fans, we yearn for stability in fact its a must, however, football and sport in general is about progress, and silverware. But I'm asking myself, is it too much to ask for both? I want to see our team compete at the highest level, challenging for promotion, and perhaps even gracing the Premier League. I get that football is a game of fine margins, tiny percentages and a dash of luck, but I feel that they have made so many wrong decisions on the football side, that if Mannings tenure doesn't work out how we hope, the Lansdowns must introspect. He must consider whether it’s time to pass the baton—to let someone else steer the ship with new ideas and investment into the team. 

If, or as some are convinced, when, Manning fails, Lansdown must be prepared to make the toughest decision of all. Selling up. By his own admission, SL isn't a footballing man. JL is, I've actually played football with him, but this is also under question with a vast majority of our supporters. He will also always be the rich boys son or crayon boy as the highest intellectuals will crow. A highly unfair tag, but one he will never shake, lets be fair. 

Above all, do I trust the current set-up to choose another manager should (when) this one fails? After all, their track record is somewhat erm, shite (when you also include hires when he was part of the board etc): 

• John Ward - Success
• Benny Lennartsson - Failure
• Tony Pulis - Failure 
• Danny Wilson - Played nice football, but... 
• Brain (judge me on) Tinnion - Huge failure 
• Gary Johnson - Success 
• Keith Millen - Failure 
• Steve Coppell - Huge Failure after owners signing of David James meant he only lasted 3 months
• Derek McInnes - Huge Failure
• SOD - Huge Failure
• Steve Cotterill - Huge Success (pretty sure he was Keith Dawes appointment though and SL didn't want him)
• Lee Johnson - Mixed
• Dean Holden - Failure 
• Nigel Pearson - Failure 
• Liam Manning - Looking like its failing (even though I feel its too soon to tell) 

Anyway, this is a very long winded way, and maybe a chance for me to verbal diarrhoea some words on to a page, to say that if this doesn't work out then maybe enough is enough. Bristol is one of the biggest cities in the United Kingdom. Our catchment area is insane. We as a football club should have tasted success, especially with how committed, and lets be honest, patient, our fanbase have been. 

Mr Lansdown, selling isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s an acknowledgment of responsibility. It’s saying, “I’ve given my all, but now it’s time for fresh ideas, renewed vigour, and a different path.”

My mind has been swung. I appreciate your dedication, your love for the club, and the dreams you’ve woven into the fabric of Bristol City. But we also recognize that this is a critical juncture. I'm praying the footballing gods smile upon us, and Liam Mannings reign lead us to glory, I believe it can, but if I'm wrong (and many of you think I am) may you find the courage to pass the torch—to let another custodian shape our destiny. I feel its time. 

 

 

 

 

I agree with most, the financial stability SL has given this club has possibly been one of the best in all the leagues. In saying that it could have been so much different with managerial appointments being made by some-one who knows the game ala the Steve Cotts appointment.

I cannot agree with your take on NP as a failure, he was not given the financial backing, he spent the majority of his tenure fixing the mismanagement of previous & we will never know how far NP could have taken us if given the chance. I'm now in my 76th year & followed BCFC for approx 70 of those years & like you I am at the crossroads. City will always be in my blood but I now never rush to see the results come in or get confident on games we should win such as bottom team fixtures, which have had dismal results for a long time.

As I said, City will always be in my blood but I'm rapidly needing a transfusion, as does our club .

3 hours ago, REDOXO said:

I know it!  
 

That is difficult take. Particularly as it was Wes Burns that ripped us a new one. 
 

 

Well at least he proved he wasn't good enough for us, I say well done to the lad & anyone else who sees their future elsewhere because at the moment we are definitely a no-where club.

Really hurts me to say that 

50 minutes ago, nebristolred said:

Nige

King & James have extensive knowledge of a higher standard, could they be of any help?.

Not that I believe for one minute that LM would consider asking.

I think TC had such a close bond with Nige & deep down hasn't forgiven the club for what happenned to possibly the best manager in my 76 yrs.

45 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Just saw this on FB so thought i'd share in case someone knows or is William Vaughn.

Found in the Robins pub and is now behind the 

I see the expiry date is 08/23 so I wouldn't think he would need it ?

Hopefully he's safe.