lotusman

He really was one with a lot of potential to move onwards and upwards, he had great attributes , it really was very sad to see how it was all so tragically taken away from him at such an early age. Illustrates the fragile nature of being a footballer.

Earlier in the season before Pearson was sacked there was a survey which indicated we were the 3rd most over performing club based on the squads. Ipswich and Preston were the two teams above us, they have maintained that status. Forgetting the lunacy of both J.L. & B.T. perceptions of the squads top 6 potential L.M. is now simply illustrating Pearson and his coaching teams quality and success in delivering that over achievement especially bearing in mind the thin squad available to them at that time.Normally new coaches or once upon a time managers came in and created an immeadiate "spike" with improved performances and results, sadly from treading water we seem to be being sucked further down!

Nothing like getting your name on the scoresheet, whether it is a fall from grace or an opportunity for real game time I hope he takes it with both hands. His destiny is in his own hands.

I do not think his lack of goals will diminish suiters. The scouting machine will be fully aware of how our current style does nothing to embrace his strengths of getting on the end of crosses and latching on to through balls. His tv moments are never forgotten ,his age and potential remain a positive. There are very few better finishers around he simply has been devoid of ammunition.

Leicester & Leeds automatic. Us in 15th, kind of surprised me thought we would be a little lower. I understand both J.L. & B.T. combined their powers and have subsequently revised their earlier thoughts of a 6th place finish, they now predict just missing out finishing in 7th. We should respect their thoughts for they do pray each night that what ever the final outcome is it must be better than Pearson's achievement of last year.

Spot-on. The defeat at Cardiff is one that you feel was so desired the prospect of bouncing back with a couple of wins could not be allowed. What remains so frustrating is the lack of honesty in JL&BT, do not make it a footballing reason when if in reality it is a working relationship problem. Manning sadly was burdened from day 1 with ill founded expectations and a very confused set of supporters'

The next few games are now loaded with pressure beyond belief. A dismal position at the end of the season should he retain his position would certainly restrict his spending power and represent a lack of confidence from both our two football experts. In my 60 years of supporting city I find this contrived chaos caused by JL & BT disgusting. Already I fear our focus each week will become looking below us in the table rather than having optimism and looking upwards.

Impossible to predict we are the most inconsistent team in the league albeit were only " human born to make mistakes"' My only visit there was back in the early 90"s a balmy kind of evening with Ron Atkinson as their manager, they had a real star studded team not least with an ageing but still fantastic Trevor Francis. A certain Nigel Pearson their captain was still on the mend with a broken leg. We were second best but played well, Andy Leaning had a good game back in his native Sheffield, Wayne Allison scored a couple and it ended up 3:2 or 4:2. Can't remember if the former S.W. player and terrific city performer Gary Shelton was in the team that night. Mark Aizlewood certainly was, I still remember as crude a tackle I've ever seen on Trevor Francis ,he got a yellow, Aizlewood looking back at Leaning winked at him as if to say 'I got away with that".

Probably 6 inches taller than our record appearance (both possible exaggerations) goalkeeper MIKE GIBSON.

But I thought we already had a squad capable of a top 6 finish !

The only two things I enjoyed on watching a thoroughly depressing performance was that of Max and the silky skills and energy by a couple of the QPR players. I certainly enjoyed Tony Thorpe's anticipation and excitement for the game, his comments throughout were absolutely spot-on. We are I fear the championships GREAT PRETENDERS.

A goal or two and I think we will see the real player in him emerge, we do not want another Smodicks on the CV.

I think the passing of time will only enhance his achievements and standing. For the vast majority of fans he developed a level of connectivity and trust that ultimately others were jealous of. He is his own man uncompromising in terms of integrity and character and therefore will remain a truly respected individual to those with a love of Bristol City.

I know exactly what you mean and feel, my angst is not with L.M. I really wish he does well. My 60 years of supporting is now disturbed and challenged on how to overcome this contrived situation that has been forced upon what was a very supportive, understanding, and patient support of the N.P. era.

Still struggling to come to terms with it all. I hope Manning becomes our greatest manager of all time and with the longest contract in the championship he has certainly been installed with a level of trust never before seen. The problem he has to contend with is the expectation heaped on him by both J.L. & B.T. claims that this Pearson assembled squad is capable of top 6 seem delusional. A valid survey indicates we are the 3rd most over-achieving side only outperformed by Ipswich & Preston, likewise the bookies who seem to have the habit of getting things right have down graded us to 15th.