It’s the most wonderful time of the year. A new season is nearly upon us and with that comes optimism, excitement, anticipation, a degree of trepidation but ultimately that almost indescribable tingling in the belly of what could transpire over the next nine months.
Those feelings are shared by Bristol City fans, players and staff alike, it’s just the latter two groups are professional enough to hide it a little better.
It’s hard to escape the fact, and Nigel Pearson has said it himself, that there is a buzz around the Robins heading into 2023/24 after two campaigns of a steady rebuild across a number of facets of the club, and that patience needs to be rewarded to some extent.
City appear to possess an all-round stronger, older and wiser squad - admittedly, with some question marks remaining - as they prepare for what could be one of the most competitive Championship campaigns in recent memory with quality and well-equipped sides joining from the Premier League and League One.
With the Robins hosting Preston North End on Saturday at Ashton Gate in the first of a gruelling and ever-fluctuating 46-game season, we spoke to 10 City fans for their hopes, fears, dreams and what they believe is possible...
On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you regarding City’s prospects for the new season?
Daniel Tate, 19, Backwell: “Overall, with the state of play as of today, August 1, I’m looking forward to the new season. That’s quite a change from recent years, however I feel we’ve got our business right for where we are, with Alex Scott still a City player.
“It’s probably going to be the most competitive championship season yet, with more quality than ever before - just look at Leicester. If City want to be competitive this year we need to hit the ground running.
“Three points on Saturday this week is as important as any other match day, but this year we cannot have any inconsistent patches as we saw last. The winter period is going to be crucial as well, having fallen off at that point last year.”
Pete Harper, 40, Cullompton: “I’d say 8. We have recruited well with some young and hungry players who will help us push on more.”
Justin Carter, 33, Brislington: “8/10 - I think we are still a couple of players short but with the boys who are injured at the moment should be fit before Christmas should help.”
Michael van Klompenberg, 22, Rotterdam: “8. I'm optimistic about the season. What pleases me most, is that the team has developed a clear identity of an energetic side with pace and commitment. I'm also a youth football coach and seeing a team playing with identity is really pleasing to see.
“Furthermore, you also see the players really developing and, although I am not on the training pitch, have to praise the coaching staff for that. Those aspects in combination with what I think is a fairly balanced squad, makes me positive about the season.”
George Petrie, 18, Avonmouth: “Right now, I would be at a 7 regarding City’s prospects this season. This is because of the transfer business we have done. I’ve liked every piece of business we have done and they have all looked impressive. The reason why I haven’t graded things any higher is because there are a lot of good teams this season in the Championship and they all seem to have improved their squads.”
Mark Van Neste, 59, St George: “8.5/10, essentially very happy. We have a trifecta of important factors in our favour. Firstly, quality youngsters with an extra year of valuable experience and physical maturity. Players like Tommy Conway, Scott and Sam Bell have a great opportunity to kick on in 2023/24 and I think they will.
“Secondly, the Robins’ quad depth is much improved compared to 2022/23. Finally, we can rotate players and cope better with knocks and injuries with fierce competition in every outfield position.
“We’ve also kept the players together, with one of the lowest ‘pitch minutes lost’ of any Championship team - that togetherness and continuity a real plus, both on and off the pitch.”
Lee Molland, 39, Wells: “I’ll go 8/10. We are led to believe that the work Pearson needed to do with the squad has been done leaving this very much his group of players. A talented bunch of young players is exciting to watch.”
Robert Collins, 20, Dunstable: “8/10. I think it's the first time since the Lee Johnson 2017/18 season we can genuinely challenge for the play-offs. We've addressed key areas of need at left-back, centre-back and central midfielder, while seemingly having a strong amount of depth elsewhere in all outfield positions. I think the underdog tag and not being expected to do much by others will help us too.
Danny Veale, 32, Yate: “I would probably say an 8 as I haven’t been this optimistic for a long while. I think the way we ended last season with a way of playing which included youth and pace plus the additions we’ve made to (hopefully) tighten up at the back.
“I can’t help but feel excited to see Conway, Bell and hopefully Scott have another season under their belt and improve again, which judging by their performances in pre-season they seem to have kicked on again.”
Ben Mead, 15, Staple Hill: “Overall I'd probably give it a 7. City have had a really good pre-season, going unbeaten and scoring a lot of goals. The signings we have made have been brilliant, the likes of Jason Knight and Hayden Roberts have looked brilliant.
“The only thing is that I believe this is going to be the most competitive Championship season in a long time. I reckon there could easily be 10-12 teams pushing for a play-off place late on in the season - hopefully City will be one of them, however there are a lot of strong teams this season.”
What constitutes success for you this season?
Daniel Tate: “Success for City this year is to be ‘there or thereabouts’. Think most fans would agree with me on that. If you take a look back at Nigel Pearson’s ‘Three-year plan’, it was about building foundations and pushing on in this third season. The success will ultimately determine Pearson’s future too, as ever.
“I would be content with a place in the top half, but would assume there would have been a time we had a real push for the play-offs and fell off. So I’d imagine come May I’d be content but disappointed on a missed opportunity.”
Pete Harper: “A top-half finish and another cup run (in either competition). It would show further improvement and progression.”
Justin Carter: “Maintaining a fit squad and keep building from last season pushing towards the play-off places.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “A play-off place. It could sound a bit weird after a 14th position last season. But when looking at our league position in the calendar year 2023 and the consistency in style of play, manager and players, I believe many ingredients are present for a play-off spot.”
George Petrie: “Challenging for the top six. This is because this is Nigel’s last year of his contract and, for me, if he wants his contract extended then we have to be challenging for the play-offs at least.”
Mark Van Neste: “Anything less than 70 points will feel like failure. This team can concede 10 fewer than last year and score five more. Do that and you are in the play-offs, or very, very close. When you consider the uptick in form once we switched to 4-3-3, we will surely beat 59 points with a clear run at it in 2023/24 and you would fancy City to do that quite comfortably. There won’t be many teams we fear. One or two, but not many.”
Lee Molland: “Being in the conversation for the play-offs in April. Not letting the season fizzle out so having things to play for with a buzz around the stadium at the business end of the season. Success isn’t always defined by numbers, it can be replicated by the feelings you get. Being up there is important.”
Robert Collins: “A top-10 finish. Ideally, we would push for the top six. Nige said top six in three years when he arrived and he's now had 2.5 years, so you feel we will push on, especially with some of the football we played towards the end of last season.
“I think realistically, top six may be a stretch when looking at other clubs' business. Also, for me, you wouldn't expect a team to jump from 14th to sixth in the time frame of a season, so setting attainable goals is important and top 10 is just that.”
Danny Veale: “It has to be making a play-off push, with ,depending on how the season unfolds, a top-10 finish being the minimum, think anything less than that may affect contract talks with Pearson going forward.”
Ben Mead: “In my eyes a successful season would be a top-10 finish with a chance of play-offs in the final few games of the season.
“It's Pearson's third season of a three-year contract, he's had time to build a squad, find his formation and his preferred starting XI. I think he's managed to do most of that now, we haven't let go of many first team starters this window, maybe only Jay Da Silva. which suggests that Pearson has now got his squad.
“From the pre-season we have had, and a brilliant mix of experience and young talent in the squad I really hope we can push on this season, and have a bit of excitement around Ashton Gate again, especially later on in the season, having something positive to play for would be brilliant.”
How have you rated City’s transfer window?
Daniel Tate: “Solid. The best word to sum it up. Rob Dickie, for the fee we brought him in for, is a great bit of business, and shows promise for Phil Alexander - with that deal coming out of the blue. Ross McCrorie is an unknown in the Championship, so it will be interesting to see how he performs. With Kane Wilson leaving he is an important addition, however.
"Jason Knight has to be the pick of the bunch though. 12-18 months ago under Wayne Rooney he was tipped for the Premier League with fees in the region of £8-12m being suggested. To bring him in again for a very decent fee is great work by the club. I was however sad to lose Dasilva, but Cam Pring has made that spot his own and Haydon Roberts on a free is good business.”
Pete Harper: “The transfer window has been good with some further room for more recruitment.”
Justin Carter: “I feel this has been a great window, we have brought in young and hungry players plus also some experience of the Championship, which is something we’ve not done before. Signing the three young lads from our great youth setup is also massive.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “I think our recruitment, not only this window, but definitely also the last window, has been positive and well thought out. This window we've added Knight with outrageous energy that suits our identity. I am also pleased with the additions in defence. Overall, I like that we have different options for many positions. Take for example Sam Bell and Anis Mehmeti. Two very different players with their own style, but the gaffer has to be very keen with those options for different styles of opponents.”
George Petrie: “I would give it an 8 out of 10. I have loved the business we have made so far and they have all looked really good in pre-season. We did all of our key business early and improved on the positions. And to think we can get proven Championship players of the likes of Dickie is a massive statement.”
Lee Molland: “Good. We addressed key areas of the pitch all within the protocol that NP wants (hungry players, and not big transfer fees who are doing us a favour). Early business is always good, helped very much with the crossover period between CEOs. Good characters have also been signed.”
Robert Collins: “8/10 - Dickie is a shrewd piece of business, an experienced centre-back at his peak, same with McCrorie at right-back, while Roberts has been a pre-season standout for me, especially in the flesh away at Cheltenham.
"Knight is our most important signing for me and might be the missing link. I don't think we've had a genuine box-to-box midfielder for a long time, going back to Marvin Elliott or even before him! The only question mark for me is competition for O'Leary, but I don't get the pleasure of watching Stefan Bajic and Harvey Wiles-Richards train every day!”
Danny Veale: “I like the additions we’ve made so far, we haven’t managed to see much of McCrorie sadly but I think he will be an astute signing. Dickie being the established dominant centre-half we’ve needed for a while, plus he looks like prime Maldini when he brings the ball out!
“Roberts has surprised me, he looks to be another great addition who’s only going to improve, but Knight for me is the one that really tops it off, top young player who brings the energy I think we’ve maybe missed since Josh Brownhill left. If he can chip in with a few goals he will be very important.”
Ben Mead: “Overall I'd give City's transfer window a seven. I think our business early on in the window was good, the recruitment has been fantastic. Losing Da Silva but then replacing him with Roberts, someone who looks like someone who can give Cam Pring really good competition for that left-back spot. Knight looks good as well, Dickie is an experienced Championship player, who although he had a poor season last year has shown in recent years the talent he has.”
Would you like to see some more additions to the squad?
Daniel Tate: “I would like to see a minimum of one more through the door. Either a goalkeeper or central midfielder. Max is a solid championship keeper, and has proven himself. But with Bajic (who I am still unsure about) and Wiles-Richards as his only competition, there’s no one of championship quality to push him in training day in day out like we saw with Dan Bentley. Someone like a Matija Sarkic would be a great addition.
“In terms of a central midfielder, it all depends on Alex Scott. If he goes, and it looks likely, we will need to add another body in that area of the pitch. I’d like to see Tom Davies at the gate, with us previously linked and him being a free agent, that one could be one to look out for.”
Pete Harper: “Another centre-back as I feel we may be light if injury occurs and a goalkeeper to challenge or become first choice would be great.”
Justin Carter: “I would like another experienced goalkeeper just to push the young lads we have got. Also a centre forward. Someone different, as it feels like our attacking line are very similar.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “In an ideal situation, I would add a very technical and creative player that can open up games. However, I realise those types of players are in demand, but it could open up games against teams sitting deep.”
George Petrie: “Yes, I would like to see more additions and I would like to see two more players, even if Alex Scott doesn’t leave: An experienced goalkeeper or a goalkeeper to challenge Max for the No1 spot and I would also like to see another centre-back come in, as in pre-season we had Dickie and Vyner but then you have had academy players, who both looked quite good but they could do with a season on loan in League One or Two.”
Mark Van Neste: “We’ve all been holding our breath to see what Tomas Kalas does. Basically, we need a someone to contest the left-sided centre-back slot with big Rob. If Tomas can’t be persuaded then we need a body there. We are basically one senior centre-back short at the moment.”
Lee Molland: “I’m generally pleased with how we set up, however we could have a big Alex Scott hole to fill. A technician who can keep the ball moving and is calm under pressure would be welcomed. A loan from a top Premier League team would be great, adding excitement to our current crop of young talent.”
Robert Collins: “Personally, I think we could do with a keeper that's experienced to support the three we've got as mentioned. Anticipating a loan for one of them, I think Max could benefit from some support. Elsewhere, I believe big Raph Araoye is good enough to be fourth/fifth choice centre-back, so we won't need another in that area.”
Danny Veale: “Yes, I think we need another centre-half, a goalkeeper to push Max (unless they highly rate Wiles-Richards) but I’d like a situation where we know we have two potential No1s. The only other place I would go would be a big No9 but on the other hand I wouldn’t want to limit any of Conway’s playing time.”
Ben Mead: “Honestly, with the squad City have at this current moment in time I don't think we need anyone else. However I wouldn't mind seeing a back-up keeper come and mabye even a wide player as well, especially if Nigel Pearson is serious about playing with width, playing from the front and having a high press.”
What's your biggest concern going into the season?
Daniel Tate: “Inconsistency. It’s been a theme under Pearson and although hasn’t cost us due to our general league position, it would do going into 2023/24. Any Lee Johnson-type run of losses would most likely kill our season, if our aims are to be up there this season.”
Pete Harper: “An early injury to Max O’Leary will leave us short. The Championship is an unforgiving league and is not the best place for an inexperienced keeper.”
Justin Carter: “Maybe the size of the squad. I understand what Nigel says about having a smaller squad to compete with each other. But if we get one or two injuries in key positions then it could be a problem.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “Probably not a common answer, but I fear that teams are more and more adjusting their game plan against us and will defend deep, especially if we can start the season well. I fear that we lack some creativity to create chances against very well-organised teams that are defending deep. Usually, we are at our best when we have space to attack behind the opposition’s defence.”
George Petrie: “The lack of depth at centre-back and that’s why I think we need another player in that position.”
Mark Van Neste: “I would like to get that extra centre-back in the building and hope big Rob’s recovery goes smoothly. We need a strong defence or the project will remain somewhat holed below the waterline.”
Lee Molland: “Not replacing Alex Scott with the necessary quality. And if we do, having expectations that aren’t realistic given the competition in the Championship and expenditure financially. We’ve come a long way with Pearson so we have to remain patient now and see through any upcoming difficult challenges. A run of three or four games without a win doesn’t break a season.”
Robert Collins: “The biggest concern for me on the pitch would be losing Conway to injury. I love Nahki and rate him highly, but I think TC's movement up top is so important for us. There was a noticeable difference when he came back and our form reflected that as well. I think he's got 20 goals in him this season and those strikers are very hard to come by.
“Off the pitch it would be people losing patience and not recognising the massive overhaul that's occurred since Nige has come in and the Gate becoming a toxic environment if things go sideways.”
Danny Veale: “Injuries, I think we’re better equipped than last season but if we were to lose a few of our regular starters I still think strength in depth is an issue.”
Ben Mead: “This is the first season in a while I am actually quite positive going into a season without many concerns. My only concern would probably be if we lose Pring and Scott, I think it would be hard to replace them both if they do end up going, not only because they are brilliant players but also I'm not sure who could replace them. But let's hope we don't have to worry about that and the transfer window can close with them both still in a City shirt.”
If a £25m bid for Alex Scott was to arrive today, what would you do?
Daniel Tate: “Not panic. Clubs will know we have money and can hold it against us to demand bigger fees. As much as I’m sure fans would love £10m on Joel Piroe, £15m on Nathan Tella etc, it’s just not realistic.
"For me, I’d reinforce with Tom Davies on a free transfer as his wages would cost us a transfer fee overall. I’d then perhaps bring in a keeper and hold off until January to see where we are at that stage. Don’t forget it is not a given than Pearson is here next summer, and having funds available to spend in summer 2024 would likely attract a better quality of manager should we make a change.”
Pete Harper: “It depends where it comes from. If it’s a Premier League club, I would take it because I would not want to hold him back from playing somewhere he may force his way to full England duty. A Championship side? Then reject, we don’t want to make a rival any better.”
Justin Carter: “Keep him, 100 per cent. I think the young man is class. We could not replace him. He is worth a lot more than £25m. I am glad the club are staying strong and not selling him on the cheap like we have done before.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “I must admit, I furiously hope that we can keep Scott, even for a £25m bid. Like Mehmeti, he can open up games, and I think if we lose him it may be the difference between play-offs or a mid-table finish, due to a lack of creativity and moments of magic in games.
“Especially when we can’t reinvest a big proportion of the money we will receive to add other creative players. I try to make a comparison with Antoine Semenyo. He was also very important, but we also had other players in attack who could come close to his specific qualities. However, I think we don’t have a second Alex Scott in our squad.”
George Petrie: “I would have to reject it. All summer I would have accepted it but it’s days until the new season and I think it could unsettle the squad a little.”
Mark Van Neste: “If I was Steve Lansdown I’d reject it. He’ll be worth £30m+ this time next year - he’s only 19 - and we get a chance of getting to the Premier League with him and Conway still in BS3. Bournemouth and Wolves are barely a step up for the lad, he’s loved here, he’s settled here. He gets all the pitch time he can handle and has a great opportunity to showcase himself week in, week out.”
Lee Molland: “A few days ago I would have accepted it. I believe in giving players a chance to play at a higher level, if the deal is right for the club and the player. I do think he is a star in the making and could command at least £30m though given the finances the Premier League has. A sell-on with future profits has to be included in the deal.”
Robert Collins: “I'd ask Phil Alexander! My head says sell. My heart says keep. The age-old debate of does the risk of keeping a player and then selling 12 months later at a lot smaller price outweigh the chance of keeping him and hoping for promotion? £25 million now or gamble and hope for hundreds of millions. I'm glad it's not me making the decision!”
Danny Veale: “Cry! In all seriousness he is so far ahead of anything else in the Championship and he deserves his chance in the top-flight. I’d love for him to stay with us for another season.
"I was slightly worried with Pearson’s comments on ‘Sound of the City’ where he said we wouldn’t have much more room to strengthen even if Scott is sold. I don’t think that would go down too well with £25m in the coffers as fans would want to see improvements.”
Ben Mead: “If I had the choice, I'd reject it. I don't think we really need the money at this point in time, I don't think it's a situation where the player really wants to leave and if we can keep Scott and start the season well, I really believe we could have quite a good campaign.”
Which player are you most excited about watching this season?
Daniel Tate: “Alex Scott should be everyone’s answer, if he’s here. Due to the fact he probably won’t be, my dark horse and one to look out for is Harry Cornick. I’ve said this before in previous tweets at the time but in one of his first interviews he said Nige saw him as a number 9 who could win headers and hold up the ball. That’s not his game and it looks like finally this pre-season he’s being played right of the front three. I’m expecting a good season from Harry with his dangerous pace something we lack as a squad in general.”
Pete Harper: “Tommy Conway. I want to see him score for fun again and hopefully for the full season with no knocks. With his goals we’ll continue to progress.”
Justin Carter: “Anis Mehmeti, I’d love to see him have a run of games. He is direct and reminds me of a young Scott Murray. When Scott and Mehmeti played together last season it seemed like they had a great connection.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “I’m very excited to watch Mehmeti this season. I think deep inside he was a little bit disappointed with his game minutes last season. However, I hope he has adjusted well and I believe he could really make the difference in specific games due to his creativity.”
George Petrie: “There are loads but the one I am looking forward to is Hayden Roberts. I have really liked what I have seen from him in pre-season. I’ll give a second one as Conway because I think he could be the Championship top scorer this season.”
Mark Van Neste: “A toughie, probably Jason Knight. He’s a Gerry Gow character, a front foot, all action, box-to- box midfielder that every team needs. He’s a big piece of the puzzle and I hope he has a great season. I think the fans will go mad for him. Everyone loves a trier.”
Lee Molland: “Conway. He plays with that little bit of niggle similar to Matty Taylor. A constant goal threat and someone who connects with the fans.He always seems to be in the game. Could take the league by storm and be the next big-money departure. City through and through as well.”
Robert Collins: “It’s difficult to narrow it down to a specific player. I'm going to go Sam Bell due to his ability to finish and quick turn of pace, alongside him being an academy product and having a City legend for a dad.
“In terms of breakout prospect I'd expect/hope for Araoye. At such a young age to have such a demanding presence and composure at the back is impressive, he plays well beyond his years and could be our next wonder kid.”
Danny Veale: “Apart from the obvious (Scott) it would be either Conway or Jason Knight. I really do think Conway could get 20+ this season if he stays fit, and Knight could just be that missing ingredient we’ve needed in midfield to push us up the table.”
Ben Mead: “I'm looking forward to seeing the competition between Pring and Roberts at left-back. They have both looked really good during pre-season and will be interesting to see who does actually start as first choice.
“I'm also really looking forward to seeing the frontline this year. In pre-season, Harry Cornick, Bell and Conway looked sharp and I'm looking forward to seeing if we will play that high energy, high press and attacking football that we saw moments of in pre-season.”
Where do you think City will finish this season?
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Finally, where do you think City will finish?
Daniel Tate: “I’m predicting City to finish 11th. I think the league is filled with too much quality at the wrong time from our perspective. See last season for example. Burnley “walked” the division but from 3rd-12th there were minimal points in it. This year I can see the play-off places being just too far for City to reach. 11th would be a solid season and an improved performance on our last two seasons. Perhaps enough to extend Nigel's contract.”
Pete Harper: “My heart says top six, head says 10th to 12th. We always have that spell of drifting off midway through the season. If we can avoid that this season then top six is a real possibility. As long as we finish higher than last season I’ll be happy.”
Justin Carter: “This is now Pearson’s side. Since the FA cup second half against Swansea and switching to the 4-3-3 it has been great to watch. With the like of Pring, Bell and Conway having another full season of the Championship then I can’t see why we can’t get top six this season.”
Michael van Klompenberg: “I’d go for sixth. If we can keep the squad, which in my opinion is very well balanced with different styles of players, it should be possible in my opinion. I wish all players and staff the best this season and I hope to take the trip again from the Netherlands this season to visit a match and also do my part!”
George Petrie: “I think we will improve from last term but there are so many good teams this season so I would say 12th.”
Mark Van Neste: “I can’t see us outside the top eight and unless we have some very bad luck I feel optimistic about a top-six finish. I bought BCFC at 60 points in the outright Championship spreads market which feels a strong bet. That spread has already shortened to 62 points and even then it still looks like value. I’m very confident we can get at least 68 points in 2023/24 and hopefully 70+.”
Lee Molland: “10th. Continuing to progress but ultimately there are too many of the big boys taking up the positions higher up the table.”
Robert Collins: “Heart says sixth, head says eighth. It's the most positive I've felt about a season for a number of years. I'd love to think we'll break into the play-offs, but I feel we'll just come up short for some reason, maybe not being able to grind out some ugly wins when they are most needed. We'd need some luck with injuries, which in fairness, we managed alright with last season and it would be nice to get some refereeing decisions too, but best not get into that discussion.”
Danny Veale: “Heart says sneaking into sixth, head says just missing out so I would say 7th-8th. That being said if we lose Scott and don’t add any more it could be lower, but let’s be positive you Reds!”
Ben Mead: “I reckon City could get top 10 this year. However, we need to start well, and avoid a big slip-up during the season for this to become reality. The Championship is so strong this season, and going to be very competitive. For anyone to get into the top 10 with the hope of play-offs they would need to start well, have a good run of form over the winter period and then ultimately have a strong second-half to the season.
“It'll be tough but I reckon if City start well they can do it. I still think predicting play-offs is unrealistic at this moment in time, but to even have the thought of play-offs in the final few games of the season would be incredible. I'd go for 9th though.”
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