I am about as far removed from the playing surface as is possible and therefore have no handle on what's happening down in BS3 and would be interested in hearing the opinions of you, all even at this early date. Over the summer I saw what I thought was a sensible approach to what needed to be done to move us up the next level (whatever that might be in the minds of the management) and saw the proof in new player activity without all the misguided and somewhat farcical transfer targets of last season. Nobody on this site is unaware of the perils and pitfalls of trying to run a football team in today's over inflated shopping plaza, and having to deal with all the media interjections and gossip doesn't make it any easier. Not having seen a single ball kicked in anger leaves me on the sidelines when it comes to individual players, and their plusses or minuses, and as far as the team shape and interplay I wouldn't have a clue what to suggest to make the team better. For what it's worth here's what I have seen, based only on listening and trying to disseminate information received through the internet and other sources. Firstly I think we had one of our best summer maintenances in a long time and the search actually seemed to based on someone's footballing knowledge of what was needed to make the ship more stable. We have added experience along the way with some potentially dynamite talent up front and although the hoped for goal fest hasn't yet arrived we can only hope it comes to fruition soon. City appear to be a better rounded squad this time out and as yet nobody has torn us to shreds despite some dire predictions from the professional pundits so I suppose only time will tell whether we are capable of maintaining stability and what, if anything, can be added to the mix to improve our lot. For the first time in many years I am quite content with what's happening and yet my bleeding Bristol City heart makes me want to second guess my confidence based on previous experience, but to hell with it all I will stay on board and see where it takes me.
Looking good Mike,i really am expecting something this season. Our team should well and truly hold its own this time around. our front end can and will cause havoc. midfield looks solid and comfortable. Defence looks strong and formidable. City are on the rise.
Nice and positive RR - are you ill?! Though we've looked solid enough so far I think there's more to come as the new players develop an understanding and Matthews coming in should strengthen the team further. This season could be v. interesting.
Using the joke from the Magnificent Seven when Brynner and McQueen are taking the hearse up to Boot Hill. Did you hear about the guy who jumped off the 7th floor in a Boston building? No. Well as he passed the fourth storey window he was heard to shout "So far so good".
I think we will make progress compared to last season, but I cant honestly see us being top 6 come next May, but top half of the table might be possible. Don't underestimate this league despite the reasonable start. Anyone is capable of beating anyone, which is why after just 3 games no team has maximum points.
in the EFL only Bolton has maximum points ..... Any one beating anyone? I think for the next 3 or 4 games that is very likely but then the pattern will evolve which will lead us to the end game ... amazingly after 10 - 12 games top 8 and bottom 8 season after season has had the 2 of the 3 teams going up or down!
A good start amongst the 'randomness' of the first 10 games. It's always good to get a head start on the pack. Tammy is VERY good but it's worrying to rely on one player and all that noise about Kodjia won't help morale one bit. It's never a happy dressing room with a want away player present. IF Kodjia is going we need a replacement or we will be reliant on poor old Wilbs if Tammy gets injured or banned.
Will we see Kodjia leave this window and what's this all about, ambition, agent greed or just the I want our syndrome? As you rightly say a player making waves about his current employer is never a good role model for the rest of the squad and I hope we sort it out sooner rather than later to stop animosity building in the dressing room.
We will get to test our mettle in the next 2 matches because we are playing the better end of the table supposedly and we will find out where we expect to stand over the rest of the season. Mid table methinks as well.
2 Years ago we had a great summer signing new players which made it more surprising that Kodija was our only new player ready for the start of last season. What an incredible difference this year, our organisation and spending has been unbelievable. Lansdown has changed the infrastructure and released the purse strings since the demise of Cotterill. I say it through gritted teeth but well done, so far, Ashton and Junior, you lucky pair of ....... The Championship gets stronger every season - I hope for a mid table finish.
I have managed to watch all 3 league games on I player....but as yet haven,t seen the fluency and understanding that was prevelent during the latter stages of last season. Too many balls hit inaccurately out of defence for Kodjia to chase and not keeping the ball well and long enough. Norwich showed us how to build effective attacks, and though it pains me to say it Norwich were in control of the match and were reasonably comfortable. It is early days and the squad are relatively new to each other's style of play, but as potentially we have a squad which can take us to greater heights, I do remain confident of a top 8 finish.
Like Mike, I am following from a distance, however for me I compare to three games in last season and we seemed to be playing good football but through some naivety we were not getting results. This season the vibe is the football isn't as good as this stage last season, but we have 6 points compared to 0 last season. I will take that!!
