Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill insists promotion is the only thing that really matters this season. please log in to view this image BRISTOL City boss Steve Cotterill is adopting a single-minded approach to tomorrow's League One showdown with Barnsley at Oakwell. At stake is City's 14-game unbeaten run, the longest in the Football League this season, while victory would further improve Cotterill's prospects of landing back-to-back manager of the month awards. But Cotterill has his sights set on one thing only â achieving automatic promotion and returning the Robins to the Championship after an absence of two years. City's super-charged start to the campaign has won the players and their manager multiple plaudits and accolades; Cotterill was named League One manager of the month for September, while Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Bradford ensured the Robins eclipsed the club's previous longest unbeaten start to a League season, set way back in 1954-55. But Cotterill is concerned only with the bigger picture and the pressing need to defeat Barnsley and extend City's six-point lead over nearest rivals Peterborough United. He told the Bristol Post: "I've said that all along, it's great to get manager of the month and it's great to still be unbeaten and to have broken the record. But we cannot afford to take our eye off the bigger picture. "If there are milestones you can tick off along the way, then all well and good and we will take those. But it is all about the bigger picture and where we want to be at the end of the season. "It was nice to get manager of the month, because it was for everybody at the football club. "But I don't mind if I don't win another one all season. "I'd rather be nominated every month and not win, because that would mean we're up there challenging right at the death. I'm not worried about personal accolades, I'm more concerned about the club and our ultimate goal. "Everybody knows what we want to do here and we've made no secret of it. I've said it enough times. "Winning manager of the month awards, the team breaking records and players meeting goal-scoring targets are all peripheral really. They can be used for motivational purposes along the way, but that is the journey. "Our focus has to be on the destination and making sure we do whatever it takes to be where we want to be at the end of the season." With the notable exception of Korey Smith, whose involvement is by no means guaranteed, Cotterill will be able to select from a full-strength squad tomorrow. Now recovered from the hamstring strain that caused him to miss the last two games, midfielder Smith has trained this week and will travel to Barnsley. But Cotterill will need to be 100 per cent sure the former Oldham man will not break down before putting him back into the starting line-up. Although playing three matches in a week raises issues of fatigue, Cotterill insisted it is no problem for his players. He said: "It is something we have had to get used to in this country. Playing three times in a week and travelling can be a bit tiring, but it is something we have learned to deal with." http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Promot...y-boss-Steve/story-23419074-detail/story.html
With our strong happy squad I can see us having that top spot all season as long as we get the results and lets not worry about the teams below us, keep it up City!
that's 51 points I think...the way things are going it will need to be at least another 23! maybe even 24! a more important milestone is winning 29 games then we know we will almost be on our way
I cannot ever remember another City manager being so clear about our objectives in a season. Many have hinted about such things but generally are afraid to even whisper the "Macbeth" word of football - PROMOTION! SC has put his squad under pressure simply by stating the obvious and I heartily congratulate him for so doing. We may or may not achieve the goal but I give full marks to him and the squad for the efforts so far. Winning promotion over 46 games and nine months is tough and he has clearly brought in characters who appear to have the mental strength to make it happen.
Still a long way to go, and we will have a blip at some point. I live 60-odd miles from Bristol, and most people that know me, know I support City - everyone asks me about it It's a great time to be a City fan
no shame in boasting about promotion blast it loud, and proud, we are Bristol City we are top of the league
The messages are clear, measured and calculated He wont let it go to his head or to the players heads that we're on a good run and winning awards. Focus, belief and togetherness have all been achieved under SC and I take my hat off to the bloke. 3 points from Oakwell tomorrow please despite the fact that Simon has again put us down for a defeat !
My mates here in York are planning a street party for me if we do it - but I guess thats because they won't have to play us next season (if York manage to go up) If York do go up then of course its street parties all round…=WinWin
