The Exiled Robin

Precisely one year after Bristol City went into Christmas bottom of the league, we enter the 2014 festive season the maximum  number of places higher; top of the pile. However, a once relatively substantial lead has been largely eliminated and for the nuetrals, if there are many that watch league one, an enthralling second half to the season lies ahead with the top four separated by just a single point. In the absence of any real competition from the blue lot north of the river, and setting aside a more traditional ‘M4 derby’, the Yeovil fixture was one many City fans would have sought out when the fixtures were released in the summer, and for once the computer didn’t disappoint. The only disappointment is that if it were not for the reduced capacity, this local derby, with City flying high, would have almost certainly attracted a capacity bank holiday crowd, meaning a lesser atmosphere and circa £200,000 lost revenue. Throw in the fact that it’s the return of Gary Joh...

A couple of months ago one Nottingham Forest fan said to me on Twitter something along the lines of "I imagine you’ll sign Simon Gillett, he fits perfectly into a Sean O’Driscoll team and system and would be the glue to help it all stick together” Well, now the glue has arrived and it will be interesting to see how he’s used, and for who.  Bobby Reid probably needs some rest but he’s playing well and is our key creative force in the middle of the park.  Marlon Pack has been made captain following the replacement of Sam Baldock and plays a key role, adding height to the midfield (notice how many headers he wins just in front of the back four) and is probably one of the most composed ball retainers in the XI. Scott Wagstaff has added a goal threat recently to his unquestionable endeavour and effort. Wherever he fits in, he’s undoubtedly going to do so somewhere. We wouldn’t be paying Championship wages (or at least a portion of) for someone to come and sit on the bench ...