Every word from Nigel Pearson on Blackpool opening game, injuries and Bristol City transfers A transcript of the first pre-match press conference of the season as the Tangerines come to town How excited are you for the start of the season? I’m looking forward to the start of it because we’ve worked hard pre-season. It’s got a different feel, not just here, but the squad as the makeup of the squad is different. I’m looking forward to getting started again. Do you have any specific targets for the season? To be successful, finish as high as we can. If that’s promotion, great. You’re confident that Bristol City can improve on the way that they ended last season? I’m sure you will have seen some statistics that the club were bottom for shots on goal – but you’re happy that the Robins can improve on that this year? Yes, very much so. What’s the team news for Saturday against Blackpool? The only two players that aren’t available are the ones who had knee operations at the end of last year. Antoine Semenyo and... I’m not sure we knew that there was another? Robbie Cundy. I was going to ask you about Robbie – is he a player that’s still in your plans because he’s a player that supports have not seen... I’ve never seen him play so hopefully he’ll be back on the training field soon and then we’ll see where he’s at. I wouldn’t expect him to be available before the window closes so he’ll have an opportunity to prove himself. How much do you know about Blackpool and what sort of challenge they will offer this week? They’ve got promoted through the play-offs so they’ve got a bit of momentum behind them. They might have had a difficult pre-season but there aren’t any easy games in the Championship. The bottom line for us this year is we need to make sure that our own performances are what we expect them to be. Towards the end of last year, it was the trail off of our own performances. It’s very difficult to measure yourselves against opponent if you’re always shooting yourself in the foot like we did last year. They’ll be a decent team. Obviously, Yates was in fine form so we’ll have to be wary of him. Apart from that, we’re very much looking forward to it. There could be the strange situation we’ve just been talking to Matty James about with him possibly coming up against his brother in a Blackpool lineup? Is that something that you’ve spoken to Matty at all about? You probably don’t need to motivate on that one! No, I’ve not spoken to him about his brother at all. On your defence, you’ve picked Nathan Baker and Rob Atkinson at the back in recent times. Obviously, Tomas Kalas is the club record signing. Just where do you see his position at the moment? Is it possible that you might give him a bit more rest after the Euros or is it a case of competition for places? It’s competition for places. It’s no relevance that he’s a record signing, that’s got no relevance to me whatsoever. He, along with everybody else, is in competition to play and it’s as simple as that, really. The transfer window is still open, Nigel. Is there a lot of interest in your players at the moment? Not that I’m aware of, no. No further departures after George Nurse left? Is it possible Bristol City fans may see any other players leaving or do you think you’ll probably stick with the squad you’ve got? It depends if people are interested in them, doesn’t it, to be honest with you. What about loans? I know you’ve said that you might not send so many players out on loan. The last few years, we’ve seen quite a few players go out on loan to get first team football elsewhere. What’s your thinking? Players go on loan if we think it’s right for their development. Apart from that, we’ll develop them here so it depends on the individual circumstances, really. That’s how we judge it so you’ll have to wait and see, I’m afraid. This week there was the sad news of Terry Cooper passing away, obviously someone held in high regard by Bristol City fans and the national game. Do you have any memories of him? Did you come across him? No, I didn’t come across him but we, as a club, will certainly recognise his passing. I think we will show our respects before the game with a minute’s applause. People who are better placed to make observations on him will do so but we, as a football club, will recognise his very positive contribution to our own history. We’ll be recognising him. It’s the first competitive game of the season at Ashton Gate coming up. Do you have a message for the fans? I’m sure they’re looking forward to coming back and we’re going to need them. It’ll be great to see them back at Ashton Gate and hopefully we can provide them with the type of football that they will get behind. I think the onus is always on us to perform first and I’m sure if they see commitment from the players, they’ll get behind the team. That’s really what it’s all about. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport...ws/every-word-nigel-pearson-blackpool-5749257
Hard working, organised and ready to go, they say a good team reflects the image of their manager,I wonder?
I think we need to hit the ground running, nothing short of a good performance and a win is needed. I’m sure Blackpool will be up for it as a promoted side, but we will meet more difficult opponents this season and need to start on a positive note.
Baker starts: The predicted Bristol City XI to face Blackpool https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/baker-starts-the-predicted-bristol-city-xi-to-face-blackpool/
Bristol City's new signing Matty James on playing against his brother https://www.itv.com/news/westcountr...ng-matty-james-on-playing-against-his-brother
Predicted Bristol City XI: Bentley (c); Vyner, Baker, Atkinson, Dasilva; Scott, James; Weimann, Palmer, O'Dowda; Martin The expected Bristol City team to face Blackpool in Championship opener with surprise starter Our predicted XI to face the Tangerines on Matchday 1 with Ashton Gate expectant https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/expected-bristol-city-team-face-5743376
Good luck guys for the season. Hope Pearson proves me wrong and able to galvanise the troops for a decent campaign. No Robins TV this season, the only good thing about that I wont have to put up with that ridiculous commentator.
Bristol City v Blackpool Matchday Programme available to read online https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/bristol-city-v-blackpool-matchday-programme-available-to-read-online/
Is Nagy injured? If not seems strange that he’s not even in the squad. Kalas on the bench too, either on their way out or as both at Euros so missed some of pre season , does seem strange though
INTERESTING LINE UP!!! Round 1 phweeeeep … Going to be wet, here we have had rain since 1pm wind from south and rain falling at 20 degree angle, short break now stronger swirling wind from west and stair rods for 5 mins visibility down to 150m ….. hopefully no goals against us will be flukes aided by 12th man Le Wind. Had a flash back to when they beat us 4-2? will need to check that!
Excited for this game even if it is on Radio Briz followed by The Lions final game. Watched the Olympics in the Velodrome earlier so it’s a good day today.
I tell you we look quite sharp with some good performances out there which have helped my enjoyment with Robins TV.
