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Just now, Ciderhead433 said:

Who the **** is Andy Johnson

Bristol-born ex-Norwich and West Brom midfielder. Gas.

Johnson was a joke on comms, but I have to say he wasn’t wrong in saying “I’m surprised they’ve stayed in this league for as long as they have” (thanks, Nige) and he was also right in saying we are a poor side on today’s evidence. I don’t like it but the truth hurts. Thanks, Brian and Jon.

Why is Manning persisting with Sykes on the left? Does he realise he’s a real threat down the right? Bizarre.

Just now, RUSSEL85 said:

Beat me to it, start buying league 1 players, hire a league 1 manager end result is obvious.

Exactly. West Brom have kicked on under Coberan, as I expected them to as he’s a quality coach at this level. But to barely lay a glove of them has been pathetic. I don’t expect us to win but it’s not unreasonable to expect us to compete for longer than 15 minutes. We’re a L1 club in waiting, sadly. 

2 minutes ago, T R said:

Under manning we look like a league 1 side. Their commentary made me laugh when they said we look clueless to what our game plan is. The club can stick their extra 40 quid up their ass next season. 

Employ a L1 manager, you get L1 football. And I expect us to be staring down the barrel this time next year. 

Best-ever week Festival week for me. Eight sizeable bets, six winners  

18 hours ago, reddogkev said:

I don't care if I get shot down, that's fine, but I am sick of the negativity towards Tinnion.

I love the guy.  Pure and simple, he's a city legend and was in the team for my first four years as a fan and had a left peg I absolutely worshipped.

Anyway, I'm not here to talk about his football legacy, I think it's cruel and unfair the way he's treated on here, quite often as a figure of fun and with his intelligence and communication skills being mocked and belittled, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

He's not our enemy, he's our ambassador, he's a man who's gave most of his working career to our club, even though being a Geordie and having no previous affinity to the club.

We know he's not the best fit for the job he currently has, but he had the ambition to go for it, the same as his stint as a manager, he wasn't up to speed, but he had the ambition and drive to go for it.  I respect and love that.

It's not his fault if he's not right for the job, it's up the people above him if they feel he should be replaced.

Personally, I want him in charge of the academy, that's his best fit and hopefully he will be back there sometime in the future - back within his comfort zone.

But in the meantime, he will definitely be giving everything to the club and deserves much more respect and our support.

You don't have to love Pearson and hate Brian, you can appreciate them both!

And even though I don't agree with Manning being our gaffer, I can see the reasons why he was recruited.

 

You’re entitled to your opinion, as we all are. However, for me, my views of him as a player are as a legend. He was a childhood hero of mine. But, as manager and now in the boardroom, he’s clearly not fit for purpose. 

I take your point about “it’s not his fault he’s in that position”, just like it wasn’t Holden’s fault. Once again that calls into question just WTAF the Lansdowns know about football when most appointments as nepotistic. 

But here’s my point: just because he was a legend as a footballer doesn’t entitle him to be sporting director, regardless of years of service, and that interview shows exactly why he should be nowhere near that role. 

So if he’s not up to the job, is out of touch with the fans, inarticulate in media interviews, make constant contradictions, how do you think that transcends down the entire football operation? It’s a shambles that should never have been allowed to happen.

I had a lovely start with Chianti Clasico, State Man and Lossiemouth yesterday, on top of money back from Firefox. 

Ballyburn landed a tasty trixie (3 doubles and one treble with State Man and Lossiemouth), and Black Bamboo returned an ew profit in the Coral Cup.

If Galopin wins on Friday, that will be a four-figure payout

8 hours ago, ashton_fan said:

Pearson signed him as a squad player because we were short on numbers, but he rated him as effective to change things from the bench as he "makes things happen"

As with all signings under the current regime, NP was told you have £300k to spend on a forward and here are a few options in that bracket. Cornick was decent for Luton, but he ain’t the first striker to rock up at cosy Ashton Gate and regress, as a few of the current squad have under Manning. 

10 minutes ago, David Brent said:

3 of his 5 goals have come in 1-0 wins. Those 6 points are vital. 

Excellent point you make about those three goals coming in 1-0 wins (Cov, Sheff Weds, Swansea), but that’s 9 points (not 6) he's bagged us. Huge contribution, at both ends of the pitch. 

Easily player of the year for me. Not even a contest. He’s been a magnificent signing, arguably Pearson’s best. 

1 hour ago, DirtySanchez said:

Doesn’t he get a chance with his own players not NPs choices, and ex players? 

The question should be would the board back him to bring in his own players. Based on Twine, Mebude and the woeful performances, it’s a big fat no from me. 

1 hour ago, Sleepy1968 said:

I'm not sure the City hierarchy are clued up enough on what impact the number of substitutes allowed has had on required squad depth and the in game management skillset.

With most L1 clubs probably having poor squad depth, LM's in game management might not have been known or tested much before his move here.

I’m sure you’re correct. But JL will have us belief he’s clued up when it comes to the medical side of it, specifically players being deconditioned. 

I thought we did enquire about him in January, despite his £40k pw wages, but he was never interested in coming here? I’ve never rated him anyway and wouldn’t want him on those wages. 

I can’t bring myself to watch BT or JL these days. They are both bumbling idiots. I can’t believe SL made his billions by employing idiots or making nepotistic appointments either, so how it thinks it’ll work in professional football I don’t know. I find it all pretty worrying.

4 hours ago, petehinton said:

Gotta say, a manager saying once the game starts there’s nothing they can do to impact it is pretty ******* mental. 

Also highlights his complete lack of in-game management, in case that was in any doubt.

Just now, Superjack said:

 

2 minutes ago, Superjack said:

He was a Gas supporter on the terraces though.

Exactly. Tried to invest in them first and bosum buddies with Nick Higgs. Where’s the pic of the smug **** holding a gas flag at the Euros when you need it…

1 hour 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. 

SL was never a City ”fan on the terraces”, and Pearson was not a failure. 

Great game for the neutrals and an improved performance, but all three goals were piss poor goals to concede from our perspective. 

We shouldn’t be drawn into it, but the reality is we should lose three out of the next four on paper and if we do, we are likely to be perilously close to the bottom three and I don’t think the coach has the fight.

I have a feeling a higher than usual total may be required to stay up this year, possibly 52 points, and currently I don’t see where our next point is coming from. Swansea maybe, Blackburn, Rotherham, Huddersfield and Stoke all look must-win for us. 

The good news is it’s in our hands. The bad news is Manning isn’t getting the best out of this honest bunch of players and I’m not sure he has a plan A let alone a plan B. With confidence low, it looks like the perfect storm for relegation. Whether it’s this season or next, time will tell. But it’s nothing more than Tinnion and the Lansdowns deserve. 

The football under Wilson and Cotts was the closest to “front-foot football” we’ve seen under all those managers. And it’s no coincidence that they had control of recruitment during those times. 

The model Ashton built post-Cotts remains in place today. It imposes restraints on managers and sets the club up to fail IMO. As Harry said yesterday, that needs to be ripped up.

As for Manning, he isn’t right for us and the issue with sacking him is I don’t trust BT or JL to get it right. Therein lies the problem, and it’s a big un. 

If we were being talked of as play-off contenders when we were six points outside the top six, surely using the same yardstick we are relegation candidates now. 

We have a tough run of fixtures this month. Today was winnable, but I expect little from Ipswich, West Brom and Leicester, especially when we play slow, turgid football and Manning looks out of ideas. 

I would not be at all surprised if we’re looking over our shoulders by the end of March. It’s really not beyond the realms of possibility and Stoke away - a happy hunting ground for us in recent years - on the last day looks potentially huge. 

23 minutes ago, spudski said:

I just wish we were pro active in showing our disapproval at the ground like they often are abroad. 

Moaning on here, down the pub, with mates really doesn't make any difference. 

It may get picked up by the media, but any questions asked to those in charge or at Manning will be diluted. 

Empty seats won't make any difference. They just look at the present day ST takings...thinking this will blow over. 

Manning, JL, BT out banners,  disapproving voices, chants at ground needed imo. 

Supporting right now, is probably misguided...however much it goes against the grain. It needs hostility towards those for long term gain. 

I’m out of likes but that is an excellent post and I couldn’t agree more. Plenty of people talk about it “getting toxic” but it rarely does and that needs to change IMO.