When I was a lad I used to travel in the top front seat of my dad's double decker bus from Highbridge to Bristol and I couldn't wait to arrive at Bedminster Down. From there I could see the top 2 wonders of the modern world (Clifton Suspension Bridge and Ashton Gate Stadium) and suddenly all the troubles of the world were put to right. I dreamt of watching European and FA Cups galore being processioned across the bridge and ending up in Ashton Gate with a crowd of over 50,000 baying for their world class team to bring even more silverware to our doorstep. Something happened on the way to the forum and it's called the real Bristol City (not REAL as in Madrid). You know them better as the lot that arrived somewhere in deepest Sussex yesterday and then proceeded to trot out the usual apathetic performance that we have all come to know very well. Since the days of my childhood dream many things have happened, including my attendance at Wembley to see England win the World Cup, which have changed "the beautiful game" for ever. Wigan (who?) have joined the league and are now in the Premier League (what?). How many of you didn't know that England won the World Cup but know they never will again? Every football supporter in the land has dreams about their team and lots of them come true, however we BCFC fans know better and the usual comment on the way home after the match is "apart from that Mrs Lincoln how was the show?" I must confess sometimes I wish I was back on the top of that double decker bus again with my dreams, although unfulfilled, still intact. A confession is needed to end this diatribe - it wasn't really my dad's double decker bus and he was just the conductor (they used to be on buses to sell the punters tickets for all those too young to understand). Happy days when hope was still alive and well at Ashton Gate but keep on dreaming lads and keep the faith.
And I was one that thought my dreams had come true, when we entered the top tier of English football back in the 70s....... 1st game of the season, packed into the away end to Arsenal, winning 1-0, with the cheese scoring the only goal.... Now that was what it was all about!!!!! Will that ever come around again?????? Who knows......but nobody can take those memories away!!!
The sad part onefour is that I totally missed the so called glory years because canadian media didn't cover football games and there was no internet. So imagine how I feel. As an aside I just wikied Paul Hartley to answer a question from a friend, and his photo sums up BCFC in a nutshell. take a look.
Mike, are you seriously taking the mickey out of a genuine Scottish hardman...??? Best of luck to you, probably a good job you live in Canada...!!! DM knows what he has and what he is going to do about it. Meantime, there is nothing he can do about it and have to make do until the end of the season so there is no mileage in repeatedly hammering the players on the forum every week...
i wish i could watch city in the prem, i dont think apart from Middlesbrough i have ever been at a game with a team in the top tier playing city, and it feels like i never bloody will at this rate
You sound pi**ed off at me prem and my intentions were never intended to raise criticism of DM. If you look at some of my previous posts I have lauded him as a manager who clearly understands the game as highlighted by every article that I have read on him. I have also clearly stated that he was my choice from day one based on my readings of his history. What started out as a whimsical review has turned a bit sour for me.
It's ok Mike, can't seem to say anything on here without them jumping to conclusions..... So DM must be god cus he's Scottish........like all Scottish managers, must be pride of the world..
I really do like DM onefor and I believe he's what we have wanted for many years. You only have to look at the history of successful Scottish mangers in England to buy in to his philosophy. Nose in your face hometruths should be the order of everyday at AG not this namby-pamby hands off approach of previous regimes. He will succeed I have no doubt and I can't wait to see any changes in the next few weeks. Dreams never die - just the dreamers.
Mike, my point was also half whimsical - at least in terms of Paul Hartley. If there was one bloke who you couldn't accuse of being half hearted about anything, it is PH, your typical Scottish hardman although admittedly, the pose does look a bit gay. Whilst I don't necessarily disagree with you regarding some of our team, there are also a few very decent youngsters on board who DO try so, my point was that your point is well made but also that there is no need to keep repeating it every time we lose as it doesn't do those who are putting the effort in (and who all read these boards) any favours.... Not really sure why one4 is referring to DM, I just said that his hands are mostly tied to the end of the season so he has to make do with what he's got plus those he is allowed to bring in, thats all
I don’t know how far back you go Mike, but I started in April 1950 before PJW Atyeo arrived on the scene. I’m now 68 and hope I can live long enough to see my Bristol City win another cup game, League or FA before I die. In my second season, as a Third division side we got to the 5th round and again in 57 when the “Gas” beat us at the Gate. A couple of League Cup semi-finals 1971 v Spurs and 89 v Forest. But what concerns me most at present is the alarming inconsistency of this squad. I see just a handful of games live so have the radio the rest of the time. After the first five minutes yesterday, it was obvious from the commentary, that we had not turned up and that the inevitable defeat was inevitable. If we continue with this wildly variable form, we are certs for the drop!
Same age as you cidered and enjoying life to it's fullest in the Canaries for the winter - tough life. One thing on my bucket list is to watch Bristol City vs Man Utd at our packed new stadium and us winning 1-0 just like the last time I saw these 2 teams play in the old 2nd division. My world is back in place today prem and here's hoping that DM gets the job done in the transfer window. His overall commitment to this game is undeniable and will see us well. Let's hope that when we are mathematically safe he will play some of the vaunted youngsters on our books and allow them the chance to become a part of our future success. Like you cidered I have many memories of the days when all players gave of their absolute best at all times and how I miss having a team that played a lot of local lads living their dream by playing for BCFC. The total loyalty disappeared in to the mist many years ago and despite the game being tarnished by non-committed overpaid players it's still the greatest show on earth isn't it? And where better to see the greatest show on earth? At your local teams stadium and that is ASHTON GATE BS3.
I think the apathetic (by all accounts) display and consequent loss at Crawley is actually something of a good thing in a strange way. DM can now see for himself who does and doesn't have what it takes for the survival scrap we find ourselves in and who doesn't have the heart for it. Without mentioning names he voiced his dissatisfaction with several players performances on Saturday and I hope that action is now taken to remove the offenders from the next starting 11. We have a tough game at Brighton to come followed by a must win game at home to Doncaster. The aim must be to catch the likes of Portsmouth, Watford, Peterborough and co.
