Caught Cold?

[sparky]

There has to be a concern after what happened at Forest Green (I've done a report on www.sportywest.com) and Torquay that City will be caught cold again at the start of a Championship challenge, just as they were in 1998.

It's going to be immensely interesting to see just how big a step up it is for the boys this time. There's no question that last season's team has needed some serious strengthening in attack and midfield ahead of 2007-08 and whether it's enough as it stands is open to question, although they're clearly trying to get a prolific striker in before the start.

It's right that you should never panic over a few poor season results. Remember Danny Wilson's teams had some appalling results against poor opposition that left us cursing (Exeter springs to mind) but went on to have a couple of (unsuccessful) promotion challenges.

Nevertheless, there is a major challenge afoot and City really do need to hit the ground running. Gary Johnson's record as a manager to date cannot be questioned; he's achieved what a string of previous hopefuls to the Ashton Gate hot seat did not and he has to be congratulated for that.

Now comes the acid test of his and Keith Millen's credentials as a pairing at a much higher level and they deserve every fan's support for what they have done. Gary has never managed in the Championship and it's possible he'll need every inch of backing if there's not to be a repeat of the opening months of 98-99 . . .

[Bristol Boy]

The point of pre-season is to get players fit and bed in new players.

I'm not overly concerened about friendlies as long as that happens.

That having been said, FGR was totally unacceptable as a result, but moreover a performance.

My biggest concern, regarding our existing squad, is the number of injuries we seem to be picking up and the availability (lack of according to EP) of Brooker & Noble against QPR.

Concern No 2 is to do with signings and integrating them into the squad & team pattern.

If we improve significantly on all fronts against Swin, Yeo & Bmth then these results will be a dim and distant memory.If we don't then our planning will be open to criticism if we start the League Season poorly.