March the 1st beckons for Matt Smith but I wonder if it will be as warm as this - "Manager's praise ahead loan striker's last game. Steve Cotterill says Matt Smith’s contribution to City has been “huge”. The Fulham loan striker will be available for selection for the last time this season against Rochdale at Ashton Gate on Saturday. He has scored 13 times in 20 games – including five goals against Gillingham to book City’s place in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final. Cotterill told 'Bristol City Player': “He’s made a huge contribution at a key time. Matt came into the team with Jay (Emmanuel-Thomas) after Kieran (Agard) and Aaron (Wilbraham) had suffered their injuries. Kieran and Aaron had began the campaign so well; they were on fire. After losing them, I would have been surprised to get through the tough winter months as well as we have done. That’s a real credit to Matt and Jay. They ended up striking up a partnership.” “There will be a tinge of sadness for Matt on Saturday because he’s enjoyed his time here. He’s been a big character on the field, but also off the pitch as well. “We’ll all keep an eye on Matt Smith from now on. He’s been a brilliant loan.” Source: http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/...ge-cotterill-2298426.aspx#T3jfCjUEQHMPFmOF.99
Will he return, looks like it. will Kit play him ?, could do for the last 5 min. Can we recall MS, I feel we could do with him between the sticks with his experience if only to let Marcus get his act together.
Smith - gotta play him, surely! Stek - isn't the deal with international loans that they can only be recalled in January?
I think Kacaniklic had a clause in the deal allowing a January recall, as the Danish season runs to the calendar year so it was Copenhagen's close season. Normally with international loans I don't think any recall option is allowed. I could be wrong, but I think that's the case.
"Hot-shot striker Matt Smith has given Bristol City another reason to celebrate by landing the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Ultimate Finish for the Area Finals. Smith’s incredible left-foot volley from the corner of the area in his side’s 4-2 first leg win at Gillingham – on a night when the frontman bagged all four goals – claimed 59 per cent of the public vote to land the prize. Smith, who is on loan at Bristol City from Fulham until tomorrow, had another goal shortlisted in the competition, while Walsall’s Anthony Forde’s pinpoint freekick against Preston North End came second with a third of the votes. Smith, 25, said: “I’d like to thank all the supporters who voted for me. It was a special night for me, scoring my first professional hat-trick and then getting a fourth at the end. The goals that night were all very different but I agree with those who voted, the volley was probably my best.” As well as receiving a trophy for his success, Smith will automatically be featured in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Ultimate Finish of the Season competition, which will showcase the tournament’s best goals after the final in March." Full story: http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/...the-ultimate-2299962.aspx#puTYX6m2WWUPFip0.99
There'll simply just be no interest in Bournemouth in the premier league. No one cares. Love or hate Leeds, we're a big draw for most top division teams and a lot of our games are televised for a reason.
You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better, just don't believe it. Bournemouth are a good footballing side with, as Madness suggests, an excellent young manager. If Bournemouth go up they'll have done so on merit, just the same as both of our sides will finish this season where we deserve to be based on our (disappointing, for both of us) results. It's quite right to be proud of your club's history, but it doesn't entitle you to anything in the here and now that isn't earned on the pitch.
In the main I agree, you are where you are on merit. But the attendance figures back up my argument, and ask Sky for a list of televised non-Premiership games over the last 6 years or so and see where Leeds are on that list!
So Bournemouth getting promoted would be an even greater achievement given they get less than half the gate receipts of Leeds? A good club being run in the right way, much more than can be said of both of our clubs recently. They deserve everything they get.
Matt Smith has capped a memorable Johnstone’s Paint Trophy season whilst on loan at Bristol City by landing the Ultimate Finish of the Season award. Link to full story: http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/may/07/smiths-ultimate-finish
