tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57044611641151508972024-03-20T04:32:17.991+00:00The BCFC Times - The Unofficial Blog of Bristol City Football ClubBCFCTimes is the unofficial blog of Bristol City Football Club. We bring you up to date news and opinions from Ashton Gate.BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-68733909769407179892008-08-04T23:11:00.000+01:002008-08-04T23:12:28.527+01:00BETSY SET FOR SWINDON<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Gary Johnson has tonight given the all clear for Kevin Betsy to talk over a possible move to League One Swindon Town.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Swindon boss Maurice Malpas tonight confirmed the winger was keen for the move and Betsy was at the County Ground tonight watching Swindon in their final pre-season match against Plymouth.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Malpas told <i>swindontownfc.co.uk</i>: "That deal is basically down to him and Bristol City. We have tried to accommodate him as best we can. He wants to come here, as we have seen by his presence here tonight."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">However, Gary Johnson has revealed that Swindon aren't the only club interested and both Brentford and Millwall have been linked with the journeyman over the summer.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Betsy signed for £150,000 from Wycombe two January's back and played a key role in the second half of the 2006/07 season ensuring City's promotion from League One - however since being in the Championship he found himself third in line for the right wing spot, meaning two loan spells at Yeovil and Walsall.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-66078954379700412002008-08-04T19:47:00.000+01:002008-08-04T19:48:34.253+01:00KNEE INJURY MAY KEEP ELLIOTT OUT OF OPENER<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">Marvin Elliott looks set to miss the season opener at Bloomfield Road due to knee problem.</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The midfielder has suffered with a fractured toe throughout pre-season and has now received a new setback ahead of the first match of the season against Blackpool.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Manager Gary Johnson today confirmed that the former Millwall man will be sent for a scan to ensure that there is nothing too serious with the knee.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Elliott joins Scott Murray (broken wrist) and Jordan Walker (leg) on the injury table who have both been ruled out of Saturday's showdown already.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-14503393732965256132008-08-04T19:38:00.001+01:002008-08-04T19:39:17.320+01:00JOHNSON: FANS GET THE NUMBER 12 SHIRT<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">City boss Gary Johnson has 'promoted' the fans from number 31 to number 12 due to their services to the club.</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Johnson told how he felt that it was only right that the fans got their new number after being a positive influence on the club over the past two years.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica">Johnson told bcfc.co.uk: "</span>They've had two fantastic seasons with a promotion and a Wembley final, and they've been the number 31 both times. It's only right they are promoted for their services to the club.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"Now they really are the twelfth man for us and hopefully we can give them another season to remember."</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-16224079226149882282008-08-01T22:43:00.002+01:002008-08-01T22:45:38.409+01:00NICKY'S DREAM DEBUT<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City 4 - 0 Royal Antwerp</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Nicky Maynard began his Bristol City career in superb fashion as he bagged a hat-trick in a 30-minute period.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Lee Trundle bagged a late penalty to add to the three from Maynard which closed Bristol City's pre-season campaign.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">In a game that Bristol City controlled throughout, Dele Adebola had the opening chances as he headed just wide from a Lee Johnson free-kick and was then involved in a goal line scramble which was finally cleared by the Antwerp defence.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">But moments later the opener arrived after some neat play from Adebola allowed McIndoe to get behind the Antwerp defence and his cute chip was placed home by the outstretching <b>Maynard</b>.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Dele Adebola once again went close with a quick fire shot at the Antwerp stopper and soon after Gavin Williams' free-kick drifted just wide. However, City doubled their lead late into the first half as <b>Nick Maynard</b> stormed onto Cole Skuse's gifted pass giving the £2.25million man a one-one opportunity - which was duly converted.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Then just two minutes after half-time Ivan Sproule pulled back a cross into the area which found it's way to <b>Maynard</b> to complete his hat-trick. By this point the 1,000 strong army of Belgians were quiet and City relaxed leading to a couple of chances for the visitors but nothing clear.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The two strikers were replaced by Brooker and Trundle, and it would be <b>Trundle</b> who would close the scoring as he cooly hit home his last minute penalty after he was brought down in the box.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City: Basso; Orr (Riberio 79), Carey, McCombe (Fontaine 67), McAllister; Williams (Sproule 46), Johnson (Noble 72), Skuse (B.Wilson 72), McIndoe (Myrie-Williams 79); Maynard (Brooker 61), Adebola (Trundle 61).</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-49150301696317639842008-08-01T22:16:00.000+01:002008-08-01T22:17:04.379+01:00FANTASY FOOTBALL - BRISTOL CITY STYLE<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">The BCFC Times has revealed it's very own Fantasy Football game - but with a twist.</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game is in the style of the popular Dream Team game from <i>The Sun </i>but instead of picking eleven Premiership players you pick a seven man squad of Bristol City players, and then choose your starting five.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game can be found at <i>www.bcfctimesfantasy.blogspot.com</i>.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-68384055021617744722008-08-01T22:15:00.001+01:002008-08-04T19:53:20.638+01:00BRISTOL CITY ANNOUNCE SQUAD NUMBERS<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-size:12px;">Bristol City have this evening announced who will be wearing what numbers for the forthcoming campaign, and those players will tonight wear their numbers against Royal Antwerp.</span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The list is as follows:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">1. Adriano Basso<br />2. Bradley Orr<br />3. Jamie McAllister<br />4. Liam Fontaine<br />5. Jamie McCombe<br />6. Louis Carey<br />7. Scott Murray<br />8. David Noble<br />9. Steve Brooker<br />10. Nicky Maynard<br />11. Michael McIndoe</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">12. The Fans<br />14. Cole Skuse<br />15. Dele Adebola<br />17. Ivan Sproule<br />18. Brian Wilson<br />19. Jennison Myrie-Williams<br />20. Gavin Williams<br />21. Frankie Artus<br />22. Chris Weale<br />23. Lee Trundle<br />24. Christian Ribeiro<br />25. Marvin Elliott<br />26. James Wilson<br />27. Jordan Walker<br />28. Kevin Betsy<br />30. Tristan Plummer<br />32. Stephen Henderson<br />33. Lee Johnson</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-76225868177885349442008-07-31T20:33:00.001+01:002008-07-31T20:33:33.755+01:00MAYNARD'S OURS!!!<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">Bristol City today clinched the signing of Crewe Alexandra's young striker Nicky Maynard for a record breaking fee of £2.25million.</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The 21-year old has put pen to paper on a 4-year deal after he today passed a medical and agreed terms. City had made a bid of more than £1.5million for the Crewe Alexandra graduate earlier in the summer but the Railwaymen declined City's bid.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">However after the Mifsud fiasco broke down City were quick to get Maynard in with a deal being agreed just last night. The forward has been Crewe's top scorer for the past two season's grabbing 35 goals in 57 matches - an impressive tally in any league.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Windsor-born speed demon becomes City's record ever signing, smashing past Ade Akinbiyi's arrival by just under £1million, but he insists it won't affect him, Maynard told <i>bcfc.co.uk:</i>"To be honest I don't feel that sort of pressure, I just like going out there and enjoying my football.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">"i want to score as many goals as I can and help Bristol City into the Premier League. Everyone is confident the team can go one step further and hopefully I'll be able to help that.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">"I'm so excited. It's a good move for me to keep progressing in my career. This seem like the perfect place for me."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Nicky Maynard will make his first appearance in the City shirt tomorrow night at home to Royal Antwerp in City's final pre-season match.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-8338882410861212332008-07-30T00:26:00.001+01:002008-07-30T00:28:26.072+01:00JENNISON SAVES CITY'S BLUSHES<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Cheltenham Town 1 - 1 Bristol City</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Jennison Myrie-Williams scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot as City struggled against League One outfit Cheltenham Town.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The youngster, who had previously been on loan at Cheltenham, held his nerve to cancel out Ashley Vincent's opener after Dele Adebola had been pulled down with just seven minutes on the clock.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City's evening began in a negative mood and it wasn't helped when stand in centre-back Cole Skuse had to depart after suffering an injury to the nose with just 9 minutes gone.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">On a more positive note Chris Weale, who stood in for an injured Basso, shone during the 90 minutes as the ex-Yeovil stopper kept City level on countless occasions but was unable to keep out <b>Vincent's </b>strike, after being set free from a David Bird pass.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City changed their front-line at half time with Adebola and Myrie-Williams replacing Brooker and Trundle and City gradually seemed more more of a threat but it wasn't until late on that City would have their chance to level.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Adebola, who had been a threat during his performance, tumbled to the floor after being tugged by Michael Townsend leaving the ref with no choice and <b>Myrie- Williams </b>to cooly slot home.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City: Weale; Orr (McCombe 66), Carey (J.Wilson 66), Skuse (Ribeiro 9), Fontaine (Artus 66); Williams (Betsy 66), Johnson (Noble 66), Elliott (B.Wilson 66), McIndoe (Plummer 66); Brooker (Adebola 46), Trundle (Myrie-Williams 46)</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-31652220025824192782008-07-29T20:11:00.001+01:002008-07-29T20:14:19.927+01:00JOHNSON CANCELS MIFSUD DEAL<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Gary Johnson has this evening revealed that he has terminated negotiations between Michael Mifsud and Bristol City Football Club.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Mifsud was expected to sign a contract with the club on Monday after chairman Steve Lansdown announced the the Maltese striker had agreed terms and passed a medical at Ashton Gate.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">But this evening Bristol City were still left without a new striker as terms broke down because of unprofessional behaviour from Michael Mifsud and his representatives. Johnson told <i>bcfc.co.uk</i>: <span style="font: 12.0px Arial">"I had a text from the player (Mifsud) on Saturday saying that he had enjoyed looking around Bristol and would be down on Monday to sign.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px">"I told the chairman that and he obviously announced that at the Open Day, like I had done to many fans. The lad reneged on that and at that point I started questioning things.<br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"Him, his representative and lawyer took negotiations to a new level that I've never been before, not as in finances necessarily, but in the way they were conducting business.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"In my opinion it wasn't very professional and certainly not respectful of this football club."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Johnson also admitted he was sorry for the fans and the chairman: "I'm sorry for the supporters and especially sorry for the chairman because he's done exactly what I wanted him to do. He's come up twice with £1.5m for Meteb and Mifsud.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"Twice we've agreed with clubs and twice we've agreed with players. I'm only going to do things that are right for the football club - I promise the fans that.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"Both situations proved, given certain incidents during the negotiations with the players that they weren't right. I think at some stage we would have lost them, albeit in the head or whatever circumstances.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"However good the players are, you will lose them in the end if they don't come across as what we need for this football club.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I don't think he's right for us. I know people will be shocked by that and this is not me trying to enhance my reputation for interview techniques.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I can't commit £1.5m of the club's money to people that I don't think can be committed to the club over three years.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"That means so much to me and this football club. We've worked so hard over the last few years getting where we are with the dressing room we have.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"When I talk to people and try and do a deal with them you get to know their weaknesses. Although they might be very good players, in the end if they aren't the right personality for me and the club they'll let you down in the end."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">City fans will now wait to see if the un-named striker who was expected to join will, and whether Johnson can find the second striker he craves.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-6529059978926907192008-07-26T18:33:00.000+01:002008-07-26T18:35:16.598+01:00CITY UNBEATEN ON COASTAL TRIP<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City have came out of their two latest pre-season friendlies undefeated.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Robins played out the first fixture on Friday night against Weymouth, Johnson lined up a youthful starting line-up bar the strike-force of Brooker and Trundle and the midfield duo Kevin Betsy and Brian Wilson.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">All six goals of the 3-3 draw came before half time and it was City who fired ahead to a 2-0 lead as both Welsh youth internationals <b>James Wilson</b> and <b>Christian Ribeiro</b> converted Kevin Betsy corners.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Within moments Weymouth halved City's lead through <b>Kevin Sandwith</b> but <b>Kevin Betsy</b> extended the lead again after calmly slotting home an accurate through-ball from Lee Trundle.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Weymouth's <b>Scott Beavon</b> had the last say in the match as he bagged a brace just before half time to save a draw for the hosts.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">However a stronger squad took to the stage at the Fitness First Stadium, but it wasn't until late on that the deadlock was broken.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Dele Adebola</b> took his pre-season tally to 3 as he headed home a James Wilson cross on the 83rd minute to snatch City's second win of this years pre-season.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City vs Weymoth: Henderson; Ribeiro (williams 82), Williams (Wilkinson 46), J.Wilson, Walker; Plummer, Betsy, B.Wilson (Edwards 46), Kington (Jackson 46); Brooker, Trundle.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City vs Bournemouth: Basso (Weale 46); Orr, Carey, Skuse, McAllister (J.Wilson 78); Sproule, Elliott (B.Wilson 46), Johnson, McIndoe; Noble; Adebola.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-89913377263911266312008-07-23T18:04:00.000+01:002008-07-23T18:05:14.006+01:00MIFSUD SET FOR TALKS<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Michael Mifsud is set to arrive in Bristol tomorrow as he looks to finalise a move to Bristol City form Coventry City.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">News of an accepted offer were published this morning on Coventry's official site, meaning City had to publish the information on <i>bcfc.co.uk </i>and send out official SMS messages.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Maltese striker handed in a transfer request yesterday after being subject to interest from City, Norwich and Crystal Palace, but it seems Mifsud is more likely to join up with his former team-mate Dele Adebola at Ashton Gate rather than head East.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The speed demon will arrive sometime tomorrow to hold talks and take a medical before becoming either City's second or third signing of the summer.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Meanwhile, little information has been disclosed on the futures of trialist Alan Maybury and Egyptian Emad Meteb.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-84687185257055191882008-07-22T22:02:00.000+01:002008-07-22T22:03:18.159+01:00SECOND HALF ENTERTAINMENT PLAYED OUT AT EDGAR STREET<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">Hereford United 2 - 2 Bristol City</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City had to twice come from behind in the second half as Hereford and City played out an entertaining contest at Edgar Street.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game had started with Scott Murray forcing a couple of saves out Hereford's keeper Craig Samson and it would be City who would have the better of the first half chances - being shared between Murray and Lee Trundle.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The second half however would have the better of the entertainment as goals started to arrive. Just 6 minutes after half time Tristan Plummer had a shout for a penalty turned down and it would be moments later that Hereford opened the scoring. <b>Simon Johnson</b> smashed home from 12 yards out beating Basso who couldn't get down quick enough to stop the shot.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Bulls broke into energy and started to have more of an impact on the match but ten minutes later City had another penalty shout - this time it was awarded. <b>Lee Trundle</b>, who had been brought down, subsequently stepped up and duly stuck it away to equalise.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">But Hereford would re-take the lead when <b>Gary Breen</b> headed past Basso from a Jack MacLeod corner.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City would finish the nights scoring though ten minutes from time when <b>Scott Murray </b>struck home a volley from close range to level the match for the final time. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Trialist Alan Maybury was replaced by Ashley Kington with a few minutes left on the clock - leaving Johnson with a decision on the full back's future.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; min-height: 13.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica">City: Basso; Maybury (Kington 84), J. Wilson, Ribeiro, Walker (Wilkinson 75); Murray (Stambolziev 82), Betsy, B. Wilson, Plummer (Jackson 82); Trundle, Brooker.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-8808035301649314272008-07-22T19:05:00.000+01:002008-07-22T19:06:17.136+01:00MAYBURY SET TO FACE HEREFORD<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; ">Alan Maybury will make a surprise performance tonight at Edgar Street as City take on Hereford United.</span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Maybury will be the most experienced man at the back as the 29 year old will line up alongside Ribeiro, James Wilson and Jordan Walker. The former Rep. of Ireland international full back was last playing on loan for Aberdeen from Leicester City, but he has also played for Hearts and Leeds United.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">On another note Jamie McCombe joins the injury list as he has picked up a shin injury - like he did during the last pre-season. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Brooker and Trundle look set to lead the line and Basso plays his first game back in England since the Play off final.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-28813162763147952402008-07-22T16:22:00.001+01:002008-07-22T19:07:50.176+01:00CITY REPRESENTATIVE GAVE OK FOR EMAD - AGENT<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Emad Meteb's agent Nader Shawki has revealed that the reason why Meteb played was because of a misunderstanding between him and the City representative Mohamed Hamid.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Shawki claimed that he was told that Meteb was allowed to play in the Cairo derby and Meteb had meant no disrespect to City or Gary Johnson - despite Johnson telling him there was no chance of him playing.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica">Speaking to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Filgoal.com,</span> Shawki said: </span>"A misunderstanding made us believe that Emad's participation in the game is fully acknowledged by Bristol.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"Bristol's representative Mohamed Hamid informed us that there will be no problem if Meteb played his last game.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"But then we were surprised to learn the frustration of Bristol officials to the extent that the transfer could be cancelled.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I have already spoken to Johnson and I hope we can resolve the problem, because Emad didn't mean any disrespect to the English club."</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-14214151465727083492008-07-22T13:03:00.002+01:002008-07-22T13:09:32.737+01:00JOHNSON TARGETS MIFSUD...<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City are reportedly tracking Coventry City striker Michael Mifsud as their third signing of the summer but face competition form Crystal Palace and Norwich.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gary Johnson revealed two weeks ago that he wished to bring in two new strikers, and with Emad Meteb on his way, it looks like Mifsud is the man to fill the second vacancy.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City had been chasing both Nathan Tyson and Nicky Maynard but it seems that the players have been priced out of City's reach meaning the swap in targets to the Maltese international.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">It is likely that Coventry would listen to offers as the Sky Blues have brought in Freddy Eastwood and are more than likely to sign Clinton Morrison by the end of the week, pushing their last seasons top scorer further out of the picture. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Also their rather public financial situation could help City recruit the speedy striker as Coventry will look to regain the reported £1.2million spent on ex-Wolves striker Eastwood. But City will first have to see off opposition from Championship rivals Norwich City and Crystal Palace.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Mifsud, whose main attribute is his pace, scored 17 goals last season and the majority was scored when he was upfront with Dele Adebola - who signed for City in January.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">He made the move to the Midlands when he caught the eye of Micky Adams, who was in charge of Coventry at the time, when Mifsud was playing for Lillestrom. The striker bagged 17 goals in 48 games for the Norwegian club and was voted the best foreign player in Norway in 2006.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The player began his career at Sliema Wanderers where he scored 60 goals during a 4 year spell in Malta. During his time at Sliema, Mifsud made earned his first international cap - the first of 56 to date, of these he has scored 19 times making him Malta's second top goal scorer in their history of internationals.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">It was soon after his debut he made his big move to Kaiserslauten where he stayed for just two years. The move was a brief one after he failed to make an impact in Germany, scoring on just 2 occasions, and he ventured back to Sliema but only for a year as Lillestrom came calling.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The two time Maltese Sports Personality of the Year does look a likely candidate for Gary Johnson's team - he could be the pace 'Golf Club' that our bag certainly requires and it would be hard to believe after Coventry's recent signings that Mifsud would be priced out of the market.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-77318336008123620272008-07-21T22:32:00.001+01:002008-07-22T01:12:41.003+01:00ADEBOLA BRACE HELPS CITY TO 3-0 WIN<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Yeovil Town 0 - 3 Bristol City</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Dele Adebola had a part to play in all three goals tonight at Huish park as Bristol City cruised to a 3-0 victory over Yeovil Town.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The match was a pre-season friendly but both fans and players alike took the match very seriously. First half bookings went out to both Marc Bircham and Nathan Jones of the Glovers and City's own Ivan Sproule found himself in the Ref's hand book.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City opened the scoring with 22 minutes on the clock as a Jamie McAllister cross found <b>Adebola</b> with a free header in front of goal which he duly finished. Chris Weale stopped a Gavin Tomlin strike as Yeovil look for an equaliser but the goal keeper would have a very solid match.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game wasn't of the highest standard but City began to take more control in the second half, and they doubled their advantage on the 53rd minute when Adebola was brought down in the box. <b>Michael</b> <b>McIndoe</b>, a former Yeovil Town player, stepped up cooly slotted home.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gary Johnson's men finished the scoring as <b>Adebola</b> broke through the defence and cooly lobbed the keeper, there was some unrest from the hosts as Yeovil felt a decision for offside was missed in the build up to the goal.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The win was City's first of pre-season and tomorrow the Robins take on Hereford up the M5. Jordan Walker made a brief appearance replacing Bradley Orr.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City: Weale; Orr (Walker 87), Carey, Skuse, McAllister; Sproule, Noble, Johnson, McIndoe; Adebola, Myrie-Williams (Plummer 79).</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-2526241943580777562008-07-21T13:27:00.000+01:002008-07-21T13:28:19.153+01:00JOHNSON AND CO. SET FOR HUISH RETURN<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Gary Johnson tonight takes his team to Yeovil Town for their first match back in England after the tour of Portugal.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Last season the two sides played out a friendly 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate as Lee Trundle played his first game in the red shirt, and scored, but tonight the venue changes as Johnson, and a number of players, return to a former home.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Since Gary Johnson left Yeovil Town to become the new boss of Bristol City in September 2005 he has recruited a number of his old employee's in order to get City where they are now.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Lee Johnson, Michael McIndoe and Chris Weale, who could all feature tonight, have since re-united with Gary Johnson after successful stints under the former Latvian boss. Phil Jevons also signed up for City but left last January for Huddersfield after falling out of the first team plans.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Liam Fontaine was once a loanee at Huish Park and has since once again found himself working under Johnson, and new signing Gavin Williams was a star player for Gary at Yeovil - earning him a move to West Ham - but it is unlikely he will play any part tonight.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game kicks off at 7.45pm and City fans will be standing on the Corpse Road Terrace, see www.bcfc.co.uk for ticket details.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-67936866466160645372008-07-21T13:26:00.000+01:002008-07-21T13:27:46.318+01:00METEB MAKES SURPRISE FINAL APPEARANCE FOR AL-AHLY<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Last night Emad Meteb shocked Bristol City fans as he turned out for Al-Ahly in their African Champions League derby match versus Zamalek.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Bristol City fans had been told by Gary Johnson that the new signing would not be able to play in the match as his registration with Al-Ahly would be cancelled in order to apply for a work permit.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">But news filtered through from Egypt over the weekend that the Egyptian striker would be named in the 18-man squad for the match on Sunday. However, he was selected in the starting line-up and played the whole 90 minutes.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Thankfully, for all parties, Meteb came out of the game without a knock or injury and was carried around on his shoulders by his team mates after the final whistle in Al-Ahly's 2-1 victory, saying good-byes to fans and players.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">But what City fans will now be asking is who lied? Johnson had told us that he would not take any part in the match and supposedly both Al-Ahly and Meteb would have had to agree to this part of the deal, yet he went on anyway.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Will this incident mean City pull the plug? It's unlikely after the amount of time and money in the deal but time will tell how this one ends....</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-47476267297310275622008-07-21T13:25:00.000+01:002008-07-21T13:26:39.419+01:00FONTAINE COULD MISS COMPLETE PRE-SEASON<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Liam Fontaine's ankle injury could leave him out of the rest of pre-season.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The centre-back picked up the knock 10 minutes into the friendly match against Rushden & Diamonds during City's tour of Portugal.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The defender could be in line to return to training in early August which would leave him touch-and-go for the final warm up game at home to Royal Antwerp.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Fontaine joins Marvin Elliott, Gavin Williams and Stephan Henderson on the injury table.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-23386601074396114452008-07-19T20:40:00.001+01:002008-07-19T20:41:27.259+01:00JOHNSON DENIES ENQUIRY REPORTS<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Gary Johnson has this evening revealed that he had not made any enquires to Kevin Phillips' agent about bringing the striker to Ashton Gate.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Bristol Evening Post today claimed that City had been tracking the former West Bromwich Albion hitman as he was out of contract during the summer, but decided against the move as Phillips requested too much money. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica">However the club's official website published: "</span>Meanwhile the City boss has clarified that, contrary to a report in today's Bristol Evening Post, he has not at any stage in the close season enquired about Kevin Phillips".</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The former Sunderland and Watford hitman eventually signed for relegated Birmingham City last week.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-66924459286963374042008-07-19T00:13:00.001+01:002008-07-19T00:14:46.302+01:00GJ WANTS 2 OR 3 MORE AS CITY FALL TO DIAMONDS<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica"><b>Rushden & Diamonds 1 - 0 Bristol City</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Dean McDonald's 34th minute goal was enough to end City's tour in disappointment.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City failed to win either of their matches in Portugal during their five day stay in the country, but more of a worry could be an injury to Liam Fontiane. The defender had to be replace by James Wilson just ten minutes into the contest after he injured his ankle.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica">The performance had left City boss Gary Johnson wondering about whether his squad was still not Championship quality. Johnson told the official site:</span>"We've still got a few injured lads to come in, but we need to get to a group of 20 Championship players. We're proving at the moment that we haven't got that yet.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"We'll have to have a look at that. I think we already knew that we need another two or three new faces.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I wouldn't say anything I've seen so far has changed my opinion (regarding signings). We give all the lads the chance to prove themselves - that's what pre-season is about."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Adriano Basso returned to the team for the first time during pre-season and was replaced at half time by Chris Weale. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial">City: Basso (Weale 46); Orr (B.Wilson 46), Fontaine (J. Wilson 10), Carey (Orr 69), McAllister (Skuse 69); Murray (Sproule 46), Artus (Noble 46), Skuse (Johnson 46), McIndoe (Betsy 46); Adebola (Myrie-Williams 46), Trundle (Brooker 46).</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-42468189179040528002008-07-17T12:52:00.002+01:002008-07-17T12:55:15.455+01:00EARLY KICK OFF FOR WOLVES ENCOUNTER<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City's Championship match against Wolves has been moved to a lunch time kick off at request of the West Midlands Police.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The game was scheduled to take place at 3.00pm on Saturday the 27th of September, but due to other events in the West Midlands it will now take place at 12.30pm.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The change comes as Aston Villa are playing at home against Sunderland at 3.00pm and a conference for the Conservative Party will also be taking place on the same day, both will require a police presence. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">These two events could be somewhat of a blessing in the eyes of the WMP as trouble occured in the last meeting between the two teams at Molineux which finished 1-1.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-32547223581883364932008-07-16T20:31:00.001+01:002008-07-16T20:33:00.710+01:00TOURIST'S GRAB DRAW...<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica"><b>SC Olhanense 2 - 2 Bristol City</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica; min-height: 16.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica; min-height: 16.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City opened up their tour of Portugal with a 2-2 draw against SC Olhanense in the Algarve.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">City had to rely on two equalisers to save the game as both Brooker and Myrie-Williams found the net on either side of the break. City were once again without the four players who missed the game at Forest Green as nine players were replaced at half time.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">James Wilson and Bradley Orr came the closest to helping City to their first win but the game finished level in an even game.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial">City; Weale, Orr (Ribeiro 46), J. Wilson (McCombe 46), Carey (J. Wilson 62), McCallister (Fontaine 46), Murray (Sproule 46), Johnson (Noble 46), Artus (Skuse 46), McIndoe (Betsy 46), Adebola (Trundle 46), Brooker (Myrie-Williams 46)</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-59645977806504929022008-07-16T19:05:00.000+01:002008-07-16T19:07:03.082+01:00CITY NET METEB, AT LAST!!!!<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bristol City today completed the long awaited signing of Emad Meteb from Al-Ahly for £1.5 million.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The fee makes the Egyptian international City's record transfer into the club, taking Ade Akinbiyi's claim at £1.2 million. The powerful striker has bagged 89 goals in 172 games back in his native land, but today left those stats behind him as he signed a three year deal.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">However City will have to wait until Meteb is granted a work permit before he can put on the red shirt, although that shouldn't be a problem. Emad will return home to Egypt to say good bye to his fans against Zamalek however he will NOT play in the match, this was confirmed by Gary Johnson.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">The 26 year old told the official site: "I'm happy to be here and I hope to give all my best for Bristol City. I want to give my best for the manager (Gary Johnson), who I like very much.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I am a natural striker and I know all about Bristol City. I know the kind of supporters that are waiting to see me play. It has been a difficult decision to leave the club where I grew up and learnt my football.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"But this is a professional life and I'm sure they will understand my decision in Egypt. I hope to realise all my dreams with Bristol City."</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704461164115150897.post-49203943358419216352008-07-15T16:23:00.000+01:002008-07-15T16:25:30.819+01:00METEB AT THE GATE....<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Yesterday Emad Meteb was at Ashton Gate taking a medical and discussing personal terms as he looks set to become City's record transfer.</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The Egyptian international is ready to trade Cairo for Bristol after his final game for Al-Ahly which is scheduled for July the 20th against Zamalek. The striker wishes to play in this match as it is the biggest match in Egypt and he would like to honour and repay his fans by participating.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Bradley Orr has been linked with a move to Watford over the weekend.</b> The rumours began after City's 1-1 friendly stalemate against Forest Green Rovers, Steve Brooker scoring to save City's blushes, and have been discussed ever since. However, BCFCTimes believe that there has only been one enquiry over the summer and the said enquiry was from a premiership club.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Also today, Bristol City left the country for Portugal as they continue their preparations for the forthcoming season in The Championship.</b> The first opponents will be Sporting Clube Olhanense tomorrow at 5.30pm, and the only other fixture is against Rushden and Diamonds.</p>BCFCTimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15711590934856052177noreply@blogger.com0