Forever Bristol City Podcast

By & large City played some decent football but all they had to show for an hour of total dominance with a stunning free kick strike by Twine who came off the bench to score with his first touch.The lead lasted 5 minutes before MAX made his error of judgement and City were never in at after that as QPR grew in confidence.5 points from the last 6 games is a poor return for some decent football at times and if the season is not to be a sequence of dead rubber games very soon the team need to emulate something approaching Blackburn's 6 successive wins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By itself a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland is a good result. Coming off the back of a dreadful performance at Portsmouth there was no faulting the effort of the lads, particularly in the second half, but to lose two points through an injury time equaliser means its just 4 points from 15 and a real challenge for the play offs now depends on stringing together at least a 3 game winning sequence - can we do this?Ian, Dave Tovey & Dave P debate the action and look forward to Saturday's game vs. QPR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP, Mark & Ian debate a poor day at the office as City went down 3-0 to basement club Pompey.City gave themselves a mountain to climb after the 2nd Pompey goal early in the second half which, like the first, came about through trying to play out from the back in a manner that seems to be the scourge of English football right now.Overall it was a heartless performance and Sunderland on Tuesday night is hardly the place to go and get a result to banish all thoughts on this debacle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few would argue that Wayne Rooney's side would fail to make the shortlist of the poorest teams to play at Ashton Gate in the past 9-10 years.Scoreless at the interval City overpowered their opponents with an opener from Twine, a brace struck with aplomb by Mehmeti and a confidence building strike from much maligned Armstrong in the final minute.DaveP hosts Tom, Mark, Paul & Ian in a review of the action and other points of discussion with the fact surely it might have made sense to give Atkinson 20 minutes once we had a 3-goal buffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very good first half where City deserved to be in front but weren't and then in an oh so typical fashion conceded what proved to be the only goal of the game early in the second half which they finished with a whimper save for Twine's long range effort which hit the woodwork.DaveP, Ian & Neil discuss the match action and look forward to the visit of Wayne Rooney's Argyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP, Ian & Mark discuss the match action at a windswept Ashton Gate where City lost by a single goal to extended the winless home run to 5 games.Max O'Leary wasn't tested much throughout but for us their were two turning points during City's best spell which was in the 2nd half: the poor first touch from Yu when he was put clear by Bell; a better one and surely he would have gone on to score. The second was the penalty that wasn't given for a clear handball that with VAR probably would have been.We also look forward to Tuesday night's game at Vicarage Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, DaveP, Mark & Neil review the match action at Carrow Road as City entered the last game before the international break on a high.Despite injuries & suspension City's starting line up looked far from weak and they conjured up two classy goals after 15 & 62 minutes. There was not a poor performance anywhere in the team as flair, energy & control were displayed in equal measure.Barring injuries things would appear to be on the up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Easy to point the finger at Max O'Leary for his moment of madness in the closing stages of this game and by the time Burrows grabbed the injury time winner City's battlers were physically on the canvas.Maybe we didn't deserve to win but we certainly didn't deserve to lose.DaveP, DaveFevs, Ian & Mark discuss the match action and try to fathom why the injuries keep piling up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luck went our way as Yu clearly handled for City's first with the referee trying to make amends for missing it and in so doing worsen his overall performance!!Superb 2nd half. Vintage Wells finish, excellent team goal for 3rd.Dickie & Roberts make stirring returns after injury.DaveP, Mark, Ian & DaveT review a fine display which anchored City's place in the top half of the table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP, Mark & Ian discuss a game in which City matched their illustrious opponents and extended their unbeaten run to 7 games.The game was preceded by an emotional tribute from the fans to the Manning family for the loss of baby Theo.Defensively City were great, losing McCrorie was a blow but Morrison did enough as a late sub to suggest he should start at PNE, up front the late combo of Armstrong & Mayulu did not spark in a way that is likely to see it happen again!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP, Tom Sutton and Ian analyse the key talking points from an exhilarating game at the Bet365 Stadium.Awful defending by us, superb goalkeeping by Johannson, Nahki's brace & moreWe also look forward to the upcoming Leeds game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Ian Gay and debutant Dave "The Turtle" Tovey in discussing the game at the Riverside where the result exceeded expectations.You can see why Boro have the division's worst shot conversation rate with 2 on target out of 20 today but for me this was City best performance over the whole 90 minutes so far this season.In a difficult week for all associated with the club due to Liam's tragic loss it is a credit to all the players that they put in the effort and got the result they deserved. Extra credit must go to Chris Hogg who rose to the occasion and, on today, showed we need not worry about how long Liam needs away from the pressures of Championship football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke McNally's powerful headed goal saved a point for City in another lack lustre performance.On the upside, the unbeaten run is extended to 4 games.DaveP is joined by Ian, Mark & Paul Hunt in reviewing the action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss a disappointing evening at Ashton Gate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The opening half was one City would prefer to forget as they looked disjointed and out of sorts. Yes, the goal that gave the Swans an interval lead could have been disallowed on another day but only the post prevented a second goal after more lackadaisical defending.In the second period City were much better, Knight's powerful header from Twine's corner bringing the scores level and on the balance of play in the closing 20 minutes a winning goal would have been no less than City deserved.DaveP reviews the match action with Neil, Mark & Ian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the first time this season City had the chances to be well in front before Oxford Oxford took a lead that could have been doubled before the break had the impressive Dembele's shot gone in instead of crashing against the bar.The introduction of Yu for Williams at half time was a masterstroke by Manning in that it allowed Twine to assume the role he was brought in for. The diminutive Japanese winger lifted City with his energy & close control setting up Knight to cross for Armstrong's close range equaliser and then his pass to Roberts drew a penalty conceding foul by Harris which sub Nahki Wells converted with aplomb.It was a decent performance, no more than that, but if Yu carries on as he started then City have signed a real gem. Can he play on the left? If yes then he switches over there for the soon to be returning Earthy to play on the right.Ian, Mark, Neil, & DaveP discuss the action & more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems no lessons were learned by Liam Manning from the previous 0-3 score at Derby as City crashed to defeat at Ewood Park.A bad, and rare, mistake from Max put City on the backfoot before two thunderous shots in the second half from Blackburn's Japanese import Ohashi completed a miserable afternoon.DaveP discusses the match action with Les, Mark & Ian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a humbling defeat against the Rams City go into the international break with a very mediocre 5 points from the 12 available so far.DaveP, Mark & Ian attempt to find some positives from a poor display in front of 3000 travelling fans whose hopes have been raised of a play off challenge after a transfer window when Liam Manning's had everything he could have asked for!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Ian, Tom, Mark in discussing this latest match against the Sky Blues. We were also delighted to welcome Mark from All things Sky Blue to give a visitors perspective on proceedings as well as a wider overview of the club viz. new owner and renting the ground from Mike Ashley.Based on performances overall this season it would not have been impossible for City not to have a 100% record but with 43 games to go it remains a satisfactory start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP, Tom, Mark & Ian discuss a rollercoaster game where City threw away a two goal lead to go behind before showing great resilience to emerge victorious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another curate's egg performance from City saw them exit this season's competition with a First Round defeat against the Sky Blues at Ashton Gate.A decent first half was followed by a dreadful second period and Mark Robins' 5 subs at once on the hour proved pivotal with one of them, Ellis Sims, scoring the decisive goal a few minutes after coming on.DaveP debates the game & more with Tom Sutton, Ian Gay & Mark Tovey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City put in a decent enough performance even if the usual lack of quality in the final third was evident save for a fabulous strike from Mayulu with 6 minutes remaining. That goal should have given City a win they just about deserved but no one bargained for Joe Williams making an unnecessary, rash challenge in the final minute which prompted referee Keith Stroud to point correctly to the spot. Max went the right way but the power of the strike gave the home side a share of the spoils which they barely deserved.Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss the match action and look forward to the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Coventry City Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP discusses City's prospects for the upcoming season with former player Gary Owers. We also talk about the Conway & Twine stalemate which continues to frustrate the fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP & DaveFevs debate the upcoming season and the Conway, Twine situations which seem no closer to a resolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP , Mark & Ian review the final friendly game before the side properly gets down to business next weekend.General view is we are very solid at the back and holding positions in midfield but just where are the goals going to come from if we're to improve on last season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the 24/25 season start fast approaching DaveP discusses with Neil Sutton & Ian Gay the solid 2-0 wins in friendlies vs. Newport & Aldershot and the ongoing saga of Conway's contract and the Twine transfer situation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Chris Honor, Ian & Mark in assessing England's progress to the knockout stage of Euros 24, a review of the 24/25 fixtures and hoped for transfer activity at Ashton Gate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP & Ian met Tins at the HPC to talk about the composition of the playing squad at 1st team level & below. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Dave Fevs & Ellie Jones in more analysis of last season and trying to assess what needs to change next campaign in order to be in the play-off zone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Gary Owers plus Ian Gay & Paul Hunt in reviewing last season and what's needed to move forward rather than have more of the same. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arguably City saved their worst 'til last as they were thrashed 4-0 in the final game of the season.After going 7 games unbeaten one would have expected a more committed display but everyone appeared not to be on their best game.Ian, Mark, Neil & DaveP analyse the match action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The expected success against already relegated Rotherham was achieved with another penalty expertly slotted home by Conway a superbly executed free kick from Twine which, added to his all round contribution, might just see the purse strings relaxed to sign him.Ian, Mark & the Suttons analyse the game with DaveP as well a marvelling out how the storm clouds that were gathering pre-Easter have been replaced by the blue skies of optimism when looking at the prospects for next season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP & Ian Gay met with Gavin Marshall last week to discuss all matters Bristol City!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City extended their unbeaten run to 6 games in an entertaining game against the play-off bound Canaries.Mark Sykes fluffed an easy one on one early but City weren't to rue that miss taking the lead after 54 mins with a striker's finish from increasingly impressive defender Haydon Roberts. They only held it for a few minutes before Norwich equalized with a goal that had a hint of offside about it but then stood firm as Norwich sought to further capitalise and finished the stronger side even having a Cornick effort disallowed.Williams was immense in midfield and surely must be persuaded to stay. Him, Knight & Bird at the heart of the team is an exciting prospect for next season.Twine was OK but whilst going close with two trademark free kicks DaveP, Ian, Mark & DaveFevs can't make a case for him joining for the money he would cost, "...there is better value out there". He's yet to be on the losing side in his time with us though!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP discusses Saturday's Ashton Gate action with Mark, Ian & the Suttons.City kept that unbeaten run intact with a generously awarded penalty in the 100th minute to make it 1-1.Huddersfield played with more intensity but Max had little to do in goal which might have been just as well since he appeared to be in some pain after taking a nasty knock in the first half.Trying to think of nice things we reminisce on the 9th anniversary of the 6-0 win at Bradford which secured the 2014/15 promotion. We debate how many of that team would feature in today's.We try to look forward to 24/25 with optimism but the view of the panel is that it'll be more of the same. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unbeaten run continues as City ran out clear winners to extend their unbeaten run to 4 with another clean sheet which they've now achieved in 5 of the last 6 games.Blackburn had one of the worst players to grace the Ashton Gate pitch in recent years with Dominic Hyam at fault for the first 3 goals one way or another! Tommy Conway and sub Nahki Wells both grabbed a brace of goals and the penalty famine appears to be over with each scoring from the spot.Max O'Leary was rarely troubled, Sammie Szmodics had a return he'll wish to forget and even the referee was decent. Roberts was impressive in defence & Joe Williams brought extra energy to midfield alongside Knight in contrast to the more measured style of James.If we miss the play-offs by 5-7 points by maintaining this form in the final four games we will be ruing that bad form of the 6 games prior to the international break that produced a measly 3 points!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not a pretty game at the windswept Stadium of Light as City came away with a point largely thanks to the heroics of Max O'Leary who produced a string of saves which kept Sunderland out & prolonged their miserable run.DaveP hosts a discussion on the match action and more with Ian, Mark & Lez Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nahki Wells close range header was enough to give City all three points at Home Park and make it a Happy Easter for Liam Manning who has to be praised for his game management across the two games.Ian, Mark, Neil and debut contributor Ani joined DaveP in reviewing the matchday action as well as speculating where City might finish in the table with just 6 games to go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can't deny the fact that City deserved all three points against a Leicester side who have now lost 4 of their last 6 games and in so doing might have to settle for a play-off spot despite leading the division for months.Manning changed the formation which meant the left side was strong with Pring & the impressive Roberts. Mehemti was at his most infuriating but he capped his performance with a well struck winning goal.Max O'Leary deserves praise for some fine saves and even his distribution was on point today.What's the view on Twine and Conway for that matter - should we sign the former whilst did our Scottish U21 put some ££££ on his value based on today's performance.Andrew Kitchen the ref, what a disgrace - showed unbelievable "big team" favouritism Overall though one swallow does not a summer make but things aren't perhaps as bad as some of us are making out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With no match this weekend DaveP took the opportunity to chew the cud on all matters Bristol City with former player Chris and respected local journalist Richard.Premature to be having an end of season review? Not really with nothing but pride to play for over the next 5 weeks.Lots of topics covered with Richard very much in the "be careful what you wish for" camp for those who say SL should move on but tempering that by saying the purse strings need to be relaxed in the summer with a marquee signing.Neither Richard or Chris feel Liam's position is at risk although there was some agreement with DaveP's suggestion that Liam could do with some help in the dugout - no disrespect to Hoggy but he doesn't have a playing record of note whilst Manning knowledge is out of a coaching manual! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re not very good and neither, it would seem. are any of the teams below us in the table! Birmingham, Sheff Wed., Plymouth and Stoke all lost while the other 3 dog- eat-dog games produced three 0-0 draws.There will, it must seem now, little chance of a flurry of decent performances between now and the end of the season and if we maintain our current levels a final placing in the range 17th-19th looks likely.Will we achieve a best in 4 seasons no of wins with the 3 needed to achieve that, probably not and with it the chance of equalling last season’s points tally.Its not good and I think it more than likely that a fair number of season ticketholders won’t be renewing between now & August unless something earth shattering happens behind the scenes.Ian, Mark, and DaveP debate all matters City Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 4-match losing sequence was brought to an end as City emerged victorious from the scrappiest of encounters when beating Swansea 1-0 thanks to Rob Dickie's 5th goal of the season.The opening half saw both sides struggle to offer anything by way of entertainment to the sparse Mothers Day crowd but City were worthy winners by the final whistle.DaveP hosts the Suttons, Mark & Ian reviewing the game where the outcome all but secured Championship football for a 10th successive season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City twice took the lead before losing by the odd goal in 5 against rampant Ipswich Town who, if they maintain this form in the last 10 games could well go from League 1 to the Premier League through back to back promotions.At least City fans saw they side put in a decent performance with goals from Mehmeti & Conway and Max O'Leary managed to save a penalty but there has to be questions over Liam Manning's in game management through the last 15 minutes of the game when some shithousery was called for and bringing on King to calm things down and Roberts to support the injury-carrying Pring.DaveP hosts Ian, Mark, DaveFevs & Tom in an in depth review of the match action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A third defeat in a row and another poor performance to match.Is relegation a possibility with just 9 points from the last 33.DaveP, Ian, Mark, Neil & Tom Sutton try to make sense of what's gone wrong since that stellar display vs. Southampton on 13 February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian. Mark & DaveP debate the defeat at Hillsborough where again the team put in a performance that fell well short of the expectations the board feel this squad is capable of.They [the owners] got rid of a manager who challenged their approach and replaced him with, for arguably the most important position at the club, with "one for the future". This approach echoes our January transfer activity with the likes of Murphy & Stokes. With hindsight perhaps Manning should have been loaned back to Oxford for the rest of the season!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hopes were raised after Tuesday's star performance against Southampton but in true Bristol City fashion the fans were brought back down to earth by the sort of lack lustre home performance that has been all too familiar in recent years.DaveP discusses the action with Ian, Mark & Tom with the group unable to draw anything positive from the game, indeed, there are questions over Manning's tactics and inclusion of Twine on the bench yet not playing him when the team were crying out for someone who could unlock the QPR defence.Ian tried to pin the performance on fatigue associated with the recent cup replays but was shot down and there will be no excuses left to defend a poor performance next week at Sheffield Wednesday as the boss will have plenty of time on the grass in training to get his ideology across to the players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City were fully deserving of 3 points against the high flying Saints whose impressive 25 game unbeaten run was brought to a shuddering halt in the most complete performance seen at Ashton Gate for a very long time.Manning talked pre-match about a game plan and City stuck to it in a manner that suggests the players have bought into the manager's approach whilst he too has shown he has the nous to make the best out of a squad he inherited as they executed a counter-attacking style with aplomb.Ian, Mark, Tim join DaveP in reviewing the match and looking forward to Saturday's game vs. QPR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the midweek exertions against Forest few were expecting City to win their first league game of 2024 at the Riverside but they did just that with a spirited display and two goals in the space of as many minutes quite early in the first half put them firmly in control.They might have gone in at half time with a 3-goal lead had Sam Bell not allowed the keeper to smother the ball in a one-on-one situation but the second half was a different story as Boro camped in our half, had a goal disallowed, pulled one back & didn't capitalise on a good free kick position in the 96th minute when only 5 minutes of added on time had been signalled.Ian, Mark & DaveP dissect the action and look forward to Tuesday's game against Southampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City exited the FA Cup with a spirited display against Forest, pushing their Premier League opponents through to extra time before a Sam Bell miss cost them dearly in a penalty shoot out.Like against West Ham the team did not look outclassed in stark contrast to Friday's game vs Leeds. They recovered from an early goal to draw level within 5 minutes and for long periods were very much in control. If only they had converted those chances in the second half of extra time!Now City need to take this form into the league games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thrashed 1-0 by a side who are likely to be back in the Premier League for the start of next season, City's woeful league form continues and it now just 3 from a possible 18 points since what seems a distant memory of the 4-1 thumping of Watford on Boxing Day.Ian, Mark & The Sutton's join DaveP in chewing over the Friday night action at Ashton Gate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.