The Exiled Robin

A sometimes tired-looking defeat, followed by a determined, highly professional bounce back three days later. Whether this last week’s activities are to be replicated over the coming weeks remain to be seen, but the warning issued in last week’s blog about the number of games making it the most likely time our winning spell might end proved fateful against a well-organised and good quality Sheffield United side. By all accounts (I was unfortunately unable to make the game), Marlon Pack came in and did what you’d hope by a hungry young player on the fringes, and those who watch home and away are starting to come to the conclusion that we perhaps look a better all-round side with Pack, rather than skipper Wade Elliott, in the side. The base he provides alongside Korey Smith being potentially stronger allows the wing backs and Freeman to play with a touch more freedom than even they usually manage, and Tuesday night’s high quality team performance comes following the reverse ...

And there it is. A first league defeat in controversial circumstances at old rivals Swindon Town.  Now comes a true test of this team’s seemingly strong belief and character, moreso than during games where a defeat had looked on the cards as this team now needs to show how it reacts to a loss, especially one which angered and frustrated manager, players and fans alike. Steve Cotterill’s temperament and approach will be critical this week.   If he has spent the week getting the players to channel their emotions productively, then Preston could feel the backlash.   If it’s been a week of feelings of injustice and despondency, the outcome could be somewhat different.    Being 'up for it' seems to be most fans' desire after such a defeat, but without control, that can sometimes be an approach which loses you the sense of purpose and planning with which we have achieved so much this season.   When you throw in the loss of your captain and midfield lynch...

At 5pm last night, Bristol City fans had their last chance to buy a season card.  Precisely one hour later, they announced the sale of their captain, premier striker and last season’s league one golden boot winner, Sam Baldock, to Brighton & Hove Albion.  That’s a fact. Whether the timing was deliberate – as some suspect – or entirely coincidental, unfortunate and poorly thought-through, is up for some debate.  However there’s little doubt that had this happened a month ago, or even a couple of weeks ago, there may have been some impact on sales.  Equally, Brighton haven’t just accepted a delay to his signing of days or weeks just to suit us, so the chances are it may have all been tied up earlier today some time and the announcement was put back by a few hours. This timing issue is a huge red herring however. Of more pertinence is whether the right decision has been made to accept a bid and allow Baldock to go. First of all, the fee. Six bids came and w...

More than seven weeks after the last campaign ended with gloating celebrations at Crawley, City’s close season exploded into life this week with the capture of three players to bolster manager Steve Cotterill’s options for the new season.  Wade Elliott’s signature was the least surprising (but still very welcome) deal, whilst Luke Freeman was a name many of us had hoped for but few dared believe we might get, with reported interest from several Championship clubs for his services. His pace, direct running and eye for a goal couldn’t have failed to any watching Robins fan in our encounters with Stevenage last season, despite him ending on the losing side on both occasions. The other signing is a player many may not know much about.  Mark Little may be getting on a bit, I remember watching him in Neighbours when I got home from school at the end of the 1980’s but with Bouncer in tow I reckon we’ve got a great signing…. Mark Little Ah, OK, not him? Right, right…Lit...