‘WE’LL HAVE A PLAN FOR TOMLIN’ BRISTOL CITY v BLUEBIRDS PREVIEW – FANS’ INSIGHT…

By Sam Hardwell,

@HardwellSam

It’s being dubbed the biggest Severnside derby in recent years and if previous results are anything to go by, it should be a tremendous encounter.

The Bluebirds make the short journey to Aston Gate as Neil Warnock and his men are hosted by Bristol City this Saturday lunch time (12pm). I asked Bristol City fan Tom Wallis (T0Mwallis_) on his view for the upcoming game…

With just four points separating the two teams going into the Severnside derby, are you looking at this as a six-pointer?

I think regardless of Saturday’s result, both teams will finish at least in the play-offs. They’ve looked strong from the start, and if they can stay in form and react well to a dip in form (if they have one) then I can see both teams finishing high this season.

You haven’t had the best of luck when playing the Bluebirds. However, with the form you’re in, are you optimistic of your chances?

In my opinion, I think we can beat anyone at our best. Unfortunately, against Leeds, the players didn’t turn up and the result showed that. However, if we continue our fine form of late, I am very optimistic of the result.

What’s been the key to this Lee Johnson side to this season in contrast to last?

I think the depth in squad has helped us a lot this season. If someone unfortunately gets an injury; I am confident that someone can come in to replace him.

Lee Tomlin helped inspire the Bluebirds to a midweek win Tuesday night versus Ipswich Town. Being a former Robin, what sort of reception do you see him getting at Ashton Gate come Saturday?

I think he’ll get a mixed reception. He was loved by the fans and he loved us the same. However, the fact he moved to Cardiff will play a massive part in the reception he’ll get.

Who’s the danger man that Neil Warnock and his men should be looking this weekend?

In terms of a danger man, I cannot think of anyone in particular. Loanee Jonathon Leko is definitely a danger when he’s on form and obviously top scorer Bobby Reid.

What memory sticks out the most when playing the Bluebirds and why?

I have one really fond memory. That being a 3-0 home win for us, with current manager Lee Johnson scoring I believe. Sticks out because I think it was a bit of a shock for us.. or me in particular.

Prediction?

– Close game. 1-0 either way.

Bristol City v Bluebirds – Head to Head:

This Saturday will be the 91st competitive meeting between both teams and it’s the Robins that scrape the head-to-head record winning 36 while 21 resulted in stalemates. 

The latest encounter between the pair came last season in a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Bluebirds at Ashton Gate. Goals from Kadeem Harris and two via Anthony Pilkington helped the Bluebirds complete the double over Lee Johnson’s side.

Cardiff City last endured defeat via the Robins in a 4-2 away loss in August 2012 during Malky Mackay’s promotion winning season. However, with better days returning to Ashton Gate, the Bristol City faithful will no doubt be up for the challenge this time round.

Recent Form:

The Bluebirds have seen a slight dip of form of late while still keeping themselves within touching distance off top spot currently maintained by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Warnock’s side have accumulated eight points out of a possible 15 being frustrated by both Millwall and Derby County while enduring defeat away at Birmingham City. 

In contrast, the Robins may have found a recipe for success being bettered only by Leeds United at home in their last five league encounters. Johnson and his teams’ recent run of form have cut the gap on leaders Wolves to just five points and would go a long way if they were to best the Bluebirds.

Both teams go into the game on the back of victories. Bristol City managed to sink sorry Fulham at Cravan Cottage 2-0 courtesy of goals via both Bobby Reid and Korey Smith in a perfect counter-attacking away performance.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds will also look to build on three points following a 3-1 home victory at the Cardiff City Stadium versus Ipswich in midweek. Former Robins man Lee Tomlin helped inspire the win that was more than deserved.

Johnson on Cardiff and Tomlin:

“Cardiff have one of the lowest stats for ‘ball in play’ so we know what sort of game to expect. It could be a tight, cagey affair but last year was a great contest, even if I was disappointed to lose the match. They’ll [Cardiff] have a strong group, they’ve recruited well. Neil has a good record but it’s about 11 v 11 on the pitch.”

“If Neil decides to play Lee Tomlin then we’ll have a plan for him, like any player. I don’t know what reception he’ll get.”

 

Sky Bet Odds:

Bristol City: 7/5

Draw: 12/5

Bluebirds: 19/10

Prediction: 1-1

 

 

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

By Sam Hardwell,

@HardwellSam

Current Burnley shot-stopper Tom Heaton earns surprise England call-up after having his Premier League dream short lived after just a single season in the top flight with the Clarets.

Heaton and his Burnley side conceded 53 goals in the 14-15 Premier League season, but England boss Roy Hodgson has overlooked the statistics and has stuck by his decision to call-up the Chester born goalkeeper.

Heaton finds his name alongside a more experienced England pairing between the sticks in both Robert Green and Joe Hart, which indicates minutes maybe limited for the ex-Cardiff and Bristol City keeper. However, he has described the call-up as “indescribable”.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and pretty much everything since I started playing has been geared towards trying to get there.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees when you got relegated, but it certainly feels a long way away from that feeling now.”

Heaton praised by Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche

The former Manchester United youth product will be no stranger to a Wembley appearance, if in Hodgson’s future plans, after making an incredible 2012 Carling Cup Final performance for his former Cardiff City side against Liverpool.

It was Heaton himself who helped the Bluebirds on their way to Wembley with two penalty saves in the semi-final versus now Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Heaton proved to be a real pest between the sticks for penalty takers, as he frustrated Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the shoot-out with a stupendous save… Maybe something England require in their woeful penalty shoot-out record?

Heaton will now take matters into his own hands (literally) when England travel to the Republic of Ireland on June 7th.

The friendly will be a chance for new comers such as Heaton to make a claim for their place in the XI, as the squad then travel to Slovenia on June 14th in a European Championship Qualifier.

QPR forward Charlie Austin and Leicester’s Luke Vardy have also been selected in Roy Hodgson’s XI.

All three players will be looking to impress in order to consolidate their places for their beloved country.

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

Bristol City Season Review: Over Productive

By Sam Hardwell

Twitter: @HardwellSam

Bristol City have endured a more than remarkable 14-15 season in all, but they must make sure their over confidence does not become their weakness going into a competitive Sky Bet Championship.

Everything the Robins seemed to do in the 14-15 promotion season, they did in style and flair. With a 2-0 victory in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley over Walsall, it was only a sign of things to come…

Bristol City went on to win promotion in a thrilling 6-0 win away to Bradford City and eventually claimed the title at home to Coventry, where a 0-0 draw was more than enough to lift the trophy at Ashton Gate on the 19th April. It was the first time the club won a league since 1955.

The side from the South West eventually finished the season on 99-points, which included an epic 8-2 victory on the final day at home to Football League Trophy runners-up Walsall. Centre back Aden Flint, of all people, bagging a hat-trick for the League One champions.

With the 3-5-2 system used by Lois Van Gaal’s Holland squad in the 2014 World Cup, some managers seemed inspired to embrace the formation. Gaffer Steve Cotterill has done exactly that with his Bristol City side, seemingly suiting the system better than any other side in the country. However, will it be a case of adapting to life in the Championship with an alternate philosophy or keeping the momentum from last season going?

However the Robins will set up for the 15-16 Championship champagne, it’s easy to get carried away following the over achievement of a double trophy for the club in the previous season, especially for some…

With the Robins 5/1 to win promotion to the Barclays Premier League and a severnside derby on the arisen, perhaps it’s the neutrals playing down the spirits of those in red.

In terms of transfers, it would appear that the Robins will look to offload before bringing anyone into the club with forward Jay Emmanual-Thomas looking to join goalkeeper Dave Richards through the exit door this summer.

“It was very sad really, I’ve been a big supporter for Jay. When people look at him and see his laid-back style and then suggest he doesn’t care – it’s the total opposite.” Cotterill told the clubs official website.

“I know there are potentially a few people interested in him. I’ve spoken to people about him in the last few weeks and I’ve told them what a wonderful character he is.”

The club are rumoured in keeping tabs on talented young target man Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United and Newport County’s Regan Poole. With City scouts watching the 16-year-old whilst on tour with Liverpool’s Under 18’s, the talented defender is also being looked at by boyhood club Cardiff City as well as Manchester United and Fulham.

It is yet to be decided where Cotterill and his Bristol City side will spend their pre-season tour, but has indicated he plans a two-week trip abroad.

The Robins have announced pre-season games to play Western League sides Brislington and Keynsham Town at Ironmould Lane on Sunday, July 5.

How do you think the Robins will fair in the Sky Bet Championship?

By Sam Hardwell

Twitter: @HardwellSam

Football League Team Of The Decade (2005-2015)

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

In the past decade, we’ve witnessed many great players to grace the Football League. Some now coaching, some still going strong and some now living the dream at the top level of English football. The Football League and the Football Manager online community have partnered up to search for the Football Leagues (Championship, League One and League Two) best XI of the past decade to mark 10 years of Football League awards. I went ahead to challenge some of their names to my own XI…

Manager – Ian Holloway

When you have a team, you need a motivator at the helm to take charge. For the gaffer, I’ve chosen Bristolian born Ian Holloway. Some may have their critics on his lack of focus to defend at times, but this man gets the job done and in style. Ian believes in the philosophy that goals win you matches and that was proven in his incredible spell at Blackpool. The Seasiders were favourites for relegation in the 2010 Championship season, but Holloway saw them in a different light and guided them to the Barclays Premier League after a 3-2 victory over Cardiff City in the Play-Off Final. Holloway has also won major honours at Q.P.R and Crystal Palace.

GK – Julian Speroni – Crystal Palace

Maybe not quite the height you’d ask a goalkeeper to be (6’1) compared to some giants, especially in a very physical league, however, when you’re looking for consistency, commitment, desire and passion; look no further than this Argentine. Speroni, 35, signed for Crystal Palace in 2004 from Scottish club Dundee United, going on to make 302 appearances for the London club in the Football League.

The veteran is now making his name known worldwide, playing regularly in the Barclays Premier League. He has also saw his side involved in a Carling Cup semi-final and has found himself much loved among the Palace faithful being named supporters’ player of the season on four separate occasions.

RB – Graham Alexander – Preston North End

Despite his position at the back, Scottish defender Graham Alexander is no stranger to a goal in any division. Yes, it may be from a ‘wee’ 12-yards, but he is a cult hero to Preston fans nonetheless. With 372 appearances and 54 goals for The Lilywhites, he has been renowned for his exceptional reading of the game and carried this trait in to management with League One outfit Fleetwood Town.

CB – Rodger Johnson – Wycombe Wanderers/Cardiff City

Johnson spent the majority of his career at Wycombe Wanderers (2000 – 2006) where he won PFA player of the year, before moving to Cardiff where he won the same award for his performances in a higher division. Johnson is known for his glancing headers in defensive and attacking areas scoring 41 goals in his career, not bad for a man who spends most of his minutes at the back.

CB – Ashley Williams – Swansea City

A center-back who is equally brilliant with the timing of his challenges as well as his distribution. The 49 time capped Welsh international is a real ball playing defender, capable of switching the ball to either wing from the back with pin-point accuracy. Williams has seen his Swansea side promoted on two separate occasions and now finds himself playing in the Barclays Premier League. His performances have brought the attention of many top clubs in England including Arsenal.

LB – Dean Lewington – MK.Dons

With many candidates for the left-back spot, MK.Dons’ Dean Lewington finds his place due to his commitment and consistency in performances for his club. Having made over 500 appearances (cup & league), Lewington found his 500th game for the club dubbed “Orange4Lewie” due to his hair colour. The theme was to make the stadium as orange as possible which brought to much amusement for the MK Dons faithful that day.

WM – Peter Beagrie – Scunthorpe United

A familiar name and face to many associated with the Football League and some may forget the impact he had on the football pitch. Beagrie was renowned for his somersault celebrations as well as being a cult hero among Scunthorpe United fans. The ever lasting winger had abundance of work rate, with quick feet as well as delivering a mean cross. He dropped all of three divisions to join Scunthorpe after playing in the top division of English football. He ended his Irons career in 2006 and went on to have a brief spell at Grimsby Town.

CM – Leon Britton – Swansea City

Began his career at West Ham before joining Swansea City in 2003 helping the Welsh side avoid relegation from division four. Britton has since appeared in every professional English division climbing an enormous league ladder with Swansea and now plays in the Barclay’s Premier League. Britton is not an instinctive goalscorer, but possess the composure that even Andrea Pirlo would be proud of under immense pressure. He looks to play in front of the back four and always seems to have time on his side.

CM – Peter Whittingham – Cardiff City

He may not run, he may not make that last ditch challenge through the mud, but what this lad does have is a wand of a left foot. Beginning his career in the Midlands at Aston Villa, Whittingham made his transfer to Cardiff City in 2007.

The Nuneaton born midfielder was highly criticised in his earlier days at Cardiff, being called “lazy” and “gutless”. However, he more than made up for in abundance with his left boot in order to deliver, create and of course score a worldly of goals. He has been nicknamed the “shy assassin” due to his composure when celebrating.

Whittingham, 30, has so far made over 305 appearances and scored 77 goals in the Football League and thus has earned his place in my XI.

WM – Jason Koumas – West Bromwich Albion

If you give this lad a stage, he will go and perform on it with flying colours. Koumas found himself as a bit of yo-yo player, flirting with both the Premier Division and the Championship. He made his name known at Tranmere Rovers becoming a fans favourite. His skilful performances attracted the interest of West Bromwich Albion where he spent the majority of his playing career. Koumas uses his quick feet to great effect and he also possesses one hell of a strike from distance.

ST – Lee Trundle – Swansea City

Skill, power, determination and a tidy finish; these are just some of the attributes that allowed Lee Trundle to overcome his lack of genuine pace. A name that was more than familiar in South Wales stealing the hearts of, well, all of the Swansea City faithful. Trundle has played for fifteen different clubs since making his professional start for Burscough in 1995 and is now a club ambassador at Swansea City.

ST – Rickie Lambert – Bristol Rovers/Southampton

Much like Trundle, Lambert lacked the pace to beat a man, but was no stranger to a goal. It took him till the latter stages of his career to gain international recognition after signing for Southampton from Bristol Rovers. Many question why Lambert was never given the chance at the top level before, this could have been his pace holding him back. Lambert has scored 204 Football League goals and now plays in the Premier League with European giants Liverpool.

Close Candidates:

Manager – Eddie Howe

Manager – Gary Johnson

Manager – Nigel Atkins

Manager – Tony Pulis

GK – David Marshall – Cardiff City

GK – Luke McCormick – Plymouth Argyle

CB: Jose Fonte – Southampton

LB – Ian Hart – Reading

CM – Richie Wellens – Doncaster Rovers/Leicester City

ST – Adebayo Akinfenwa – Northampton Town

ST – Gary Hooper Scunthorpe

You can find out the Football Leagues ‘FL Team Of The Decade’ at the annual Awards ceremony on Sunday 19th April at The Brewery, London – the tenth anniversary of the event.

The shortlist for manager of the Team of the Decade will be decided with help from the Football Manager online community.

To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.FLAwards.com

Mid-Season Report: Bristol City

By Sam Hardwell, @HardwellSam

Bristol City find themselves joined top of League One with a game in hand at this midway point of the season and with a FA Cup tie against West Ham on the horizon, why not milk it?

August:

City carried on their productive pre-season into the league with a 2-1 victory away at a very good and resilient Sheffield United side.

Other than a shock exit to Oxford United in round one of the League Cup, the Robins went the remainder of the month unbeaten picking up 11 points from a possible 15.

September:

If Bristol City fans thought August was a good month, September seemed almost a dream. With three clean-sheets and fourteen goals scored, it looked almost impossible to find a weakness in those wearing red.

The first three matches of the month saw Steve Cotterill’s side turn over Scunthorpe, Doncaster and Port Vale more than convincingly with Frank Fielding not glancing at the ball in the back of his net once in over 270 minutes of football.

The final two games of the month saw City picking up points away to Fleetwood at Highbury Stadium with a gut-wrenching late equaliser from former Swansea City midfielder Stephen Dobbie. The month was to end on a high with a five goal thriller, 3-2 home win against promotion challengers MK Dons.

October:

With the modern system of 3-5-2 used by Lois Van Gaal’s Holland squad in the 2014 World Cup, some managers seemed inspired to embrace the formation. Steve Cotterill has done exactly that with his Bristol City side seemingly suiting the system better than any other side in the country with what was yet another successful month for the club.

The opening match of October experienced yet another heartbreaking late goal at Walsall with City fans asking the question of why the ever tenacious Jet (Jay Emmanuel Thomas) was not seeing any game time.

Jet started their following match in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in a 3-1 away win at League Two outfit Cheltenham Town. Although, it wasn’t the performance of the former Arsenal man Jet that caught the eye as he often does, but the Fulham loanee Matt Smith who grabbed two second half goals to ensure the Robins into the next round of the competition.

City remained unbeaten through the rest of October with wins against Chesterfield and Coventry, also picking up singular points to both Bradford and Barnsley.

Matt Smith Celebrates his goal vs. Gillingham

November:

November saw what seemed to be City’s most disappointing month so far this season, despite picking up 6 points from 12 with an emphatic 3-0 win away at Peterborough.

City found their 19 game unbeaten league record since the start of the season halted with consecutive losses to both Swindon Town and Preston.

Turning away from the league ladder, City saw themselves progress to the next round of both the FA Cup and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after knocking out Gillingham and Wimbledon, both being 2-1 narrow victories.

December:

A visit from out of form Conference side Telford in the FA Cup brought the opening sequence of victories to come for the Robins in what proved to be a more than brilliant month.

City were looking to end 2014 on a high in order to retain their lead at the top of League One and they seemed to be ticking all the boxes to do so. Strong going forward, resilient at the back and looked more than comfortable in keeping possession.

Despite a one-nil defeat away at Crewe Alexandra, City won five out of six in all competitions through the month of December, picking up maximum points to Crawley Town, Gillingham and former Robins manager, Gary Johnsons’ Yeovil Town.

City currently find themselves level on top of the league with local rivals Swindon, but do, however, obtain a game in hand on the other promotion chasers. They have 22 games remaining in their season and the City faithful seem more than confidant of their return to the Championship next season.

City are showing no signs of slowing down going into the second-half of their season by already bringing in two players on loan in former Chelsea product George Saville (93 days) from Wolves and Wigan right-back James Tavernier until the end of the season.

New City signing James Tavernier playing for former club Newcastle United

“We were looking at James last year,” said Cotterill. “We’re pleased to be able to bring him on board, especially after losing Todd Kane, who was able to play that wing-back role as well.”

“He’ll give us extra legs and quality during our run in.”

Star man: Mark Little

Must do better: Frank Fielding

Current position: 2nd

Mid-season grade: A