Forever Bristol City Podcast

DaveP hosts a review of the game with Dave Fevs, Ian Gay & Mark Tovey.Is our new boss trying to change too much too soon? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian & Dave P discuss a game in which had City's players made better decisions in the final third of the pitch they would surely have come home with all three points.There is a change in how we play as once again on possession City were on c60% and although the home keeper had little to do there were 14 shots on target!The goal conceded was again due to careless play on the ball but it will be a boost for his ebbing confidence that Conway got on the scoresheet with a smart finish.5 points from his first 5 games means Manning's critics can say he's no better than Nige and it will be interesting to see if the "maxed out" playing budget will allow for new additions to the squad when the transfer window opens in 3 weeks time.Btw, the opening music is Sidesaddle by Russ Conway - a Bristol lad, no relation to Tommy! You have to be over 60 to remember when he was a chart topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Ian, Mark & Neil in reviewing Sunday's lunchtime fixture which ended in defeat despite going in at half-time 1-0 up.The 2nd half was poor with two sloppy goals conceded in a generally poor and disjointed showing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave P, Ian, & DaveFevs discuss the match action which saw a fine first half display go unrewarded as City fell to their first defeat under Liam Manning.Conway had a header that he couldn't direct effectively and then for the second time in 5 days failed in a one-on-one against a keeper with Southampton's Bazunu also producing a smart save to keep out a Sykes header.City were poor in the 2nd half and now have to face 5 matches in 19 days starting with Norwich at Ashton Gate on Sunday lunchtime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Neil & DaveP discuss an eventful game at Ashton Gate against Michael Carrick’s in form Boro After a slow start City went in at half time 2-0 ahead thanks to an absolute stunner from TGH and a coolly slotted home penalty by Tommy Conway who had fluffed a one-on-one opportunity only minutes before. But with barely 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half that lead had been surrendered and another Stoke City throwaway appeared a distinct possibility but no, City came storming back with Mark Sykes crashing in a volley from Dickie’s header across goal. Ther big question – did we notice any change in the playing style after 10 days of coaching from new boss Liam Manning. For me it was a yes and that from an occasional observer of City who joined me for the game and commented on the high press on more than once as City had all ten outfield players in the opposition half. That same observer also remarked on how City seemed to lose out on most of the 50-50 challenges with frustrating regularity. City will face an even tougher test at Southampton on Wednesday and if they come through that unscathed then that play-off challenge looks more than a pipedream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Manning's first game in charge saw a point gained in West London but it was a dire affair.Ian, Mark and DaveP discuss the match action and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Chris Honor, Mark, Neil & Ian as they discuss all matters surrounding the appointment of new Head Coach, Liam Manning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Ian, Mark & Lez in a review of Saturday's win over lowly Wednesday as well as speculating on who's next for the Ashton Gate managerial, or should we say Head Coach, hot seat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian & DaveP with contributions from Neil Sutton & Chris Honor discuss the surprise sacking of Nigel Pearson on Sunday lunchtime.Why now and who next are amongst the topics discussed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This result made it five defeats in the last 7 games and whilst that is not a good statistic, when you look at the extent of the injury crisis many feared it could have been a lot worse.Ian, Mark & DaveP analyse the match action and take some positives but it is very difficult and to be quite honest we feel a real sense of disillusionment about how things are on & off the field.The HPC must be more like a "Casualty" ward at the moment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A spirited performance but defeat against a newly promoted Ipswich who, on current form, look like they’ll sail past City into the promised land!Max O’Leary appears to be the villain of the piece for failing to deal with Broadhead’s well struck shot that was the difference between the sides. Fans should cut him some slack in my opinion with his acrobatic save just before the goal and another one-handed stop from Davis at the start of the second half which kept City in the game.Cornick was unluck to see his late effort strike the post, goalkeeper’s bank than spin along the line in similar fashion to that effort from Alan Walsh in 1989 League Cup semi before being cleared.DaveFevs joined Ian Mark and DaveP in discussing the match action and thoughts on off the pitch matters. Fevs very much the stat man points out that City’s Xg was marginally better than Ipswich whilst Ian quotes from Wyscout that we played more forward passes and had more crosses than the visitors but fewer touches in the box - what do we make of that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Pearson is not a man to mince his words and clearly his post-match comments to the media suggests if there was just a hint of a rift before between him and our owner it appears to be right out there now!City's shambolic opening half hour did not give the Sky Blues the 2-3 goal advantage they might have expected on another day and most fans in the ground were shocked to see Rob Dickie's headed goal give us a half-time advantage.Talk post match was more about what Nigel said in an open attack on a lack of communication from the club's hierarchy about his contract situation and whether we are operating under any sort of strategic plan going forward.DaveP hosts Mark, Ian & Neil in a lively debate which also pays tribute to the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton who passed away on Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there is some comfort in defeat it is that many Leeds fans felt we were the best side to visit Elland Road this season on the basis that at least we attempted to play football rather then shut up shop.Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss the match action which sees City go into the 2nd international break on the back of 3 defeats in the last 4 which could well have been worse were it not for Conway's late brace at Rotherham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Conway’s first goal in particular would not have looked out of place amongst those at St James Park where Newcastle stunned PSG last night. His second goal wasn’t too shabby either!Dave P & Ian are joined by Chris Honor reviewing a match remembered only for another 3 points gained on the road after what was at times a shocking performance across the field and that included as usual some crass officiating.It’s on to Elland Road next where a point would be most welcome going into the next international break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 2-0 up after 15 minutes another convincing home win looked on the cards but it didn't turn out like that as City surrendered that lead to lose 2-3.Ian, Neil & DaveP dissect the match action. There's some criticism of Naismith as a defender and general bafflement at Nige's quadruple substitution barely 10 minutes into the 2nd half.We pose the question: would most City fans be happy to accept an indefinite number of seasons on the we are where we are principle and be grateful to the Lansdowns for keeping it that way.We also look forward to two games in South Yorkshire in the next 7 days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kal Naismith timed an 18-yard area tackle to perfection vs. WBA last Saturday but he had no such luck as he went to ground and brought Ndidi down for a penalty which proved to be the only goal in a close fought encounter.City were rocked pre match by the surprise news that Vyner was unfit to play and Pearson’s post-match comments suggest a lengthy lay off if it’s an ACL problem.The only disappointing thing about City yesterday was their wastefulness in possession when in attacking positions but that apart the 3300 fans who made the trip were not let down and had the satisfaction of winding up Jamie Vardy.DaveP, Mark & Ian discuss the game and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were goals a plenty at Ashton Gate as City convincingly beat west country rivals Argyle to secure their first home league win in emphatic style.Racing to a 2 goal lead inside the first 10 minutes the result was never in doubt once that margin had been restored to snuff out any hope of a Plymouth revival, City going in 3-1 ahead at half time.It was a great team performance savoured by DaveP, Ian, Mark & Neil in their analysis of the game and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arguably one of the best opening 45 minutes to a game since Nigel Pearson took charge but City were unable to convert superiority into goals and may even have gone in behind at the interval were it not for Vyner's superb tackle on Asante.More WBA in 2nd 45 but would it have been fair on the visitors had Cornick's effort had gone in - a bad miss or a good save.Ian & DaveP dissect the match action as well as looking forward to Tuesday's game vs. Plymouth Argyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A game much like Hull last week where City dominated despite going a goal behind but this time they won.Mark Sykes had one of his best games in a City shirt as he scored the equaliser with an exquisite left foot shot before setting up Sam Bell for the winner and what will be a major boost to his confidence after a stuttering start to the season.DaveP is joined by Ian, Mark & Lez in reviewing the match action which included stand out performances by Joe Williams and Duracell Bunny [for all his running], Jason Knight. Discussion also moves to the hot topic of the week on all social media platforms which is the unexplained tightening of the purse strings by the owner and how Nige is being left on his own in facing the media with zero communication coming from elsewhere within the club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveFevs makes a welcome return to FBC and talks with Ian & DaveP about the Carabao Cup exit against David Wagner's Canaries plus the reality, expressed in blunt terms by Nigel, that there will be no further activity in what remains of the transfer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City put last week’s poor performance behind them with arguably their best 90 minutes of league action so far this season when drawing 1-1 against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Friday night.Trailing to a first half goal and having a Wells effort disallowed for a marginal offside in stoppage time they bounced back early in the 2nd half as the Bermudian made no mistake tucking the ball in from a Sykes cross for his first goal in open play for over 20 games.There were good performances in all departments but the main issue for City is clinical finishing in front of goal and with Weimann breaking down within a couple of minutes after coming on as a 75th minute sub there will be growing calls from the fanbase to relax the purse strings to sign another forward in the remaining days of the transfer window.DaveP, Ian, Mark & Neil analyse the match action, look forward to Tuesday’s Carabao cup tie and speculate on transfers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You never want to lose a game but you can lose well sometimes. This was not so on Matchday 3 against Birmingham City as City put in as dire a performance, probably their worst since WBA on Boxing Day.DaveP hosts Ian, Neil & Mark in an analysis of the match action and then talk about how the next 12 days could shape City's season if at the end of it they are out of the cup, pointless from trips to Hull City & Swansea and haven't made additions to the squad that are essential.Note: recorded live and viewable when we do on Twitter [@ForeverBristol1] and You Tube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few could have predicted a thoroughly convincing win at the always difficult to play at New Den after last Saturday's disappointing season opener vs. PNE, but win City did thanks to Matty James 94th minute strike which sent the fans travelling army into raptures.Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss the match action where Vyner & Dickie were imposing at the back, the midfield trio played as a highly effective unit and Harry Cornick showed there is perhaps a bit more to his game than being a long throw specialist.The trio discuss how the Scott money should be spent, that Vyner needs a much improved offer NOW and what should we make of Steve Lansdown's comments in his interview with the Guernsey Post Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No sooner had the dust settled on City’s emphatic win over Oxford than there was news coming through which the fans had been dreading for weeks that being the departure of Alex Scott to Premier league Bournemouth. Ian, Neil & DaveP discuss the game which banished the negative thoughts in the wake of the disappointing season opener vs. Preston. Knight playing in a more advanced role looked a very different player to the one presenting a stuttering performance on Saturday. Mehmeti showed some nice touches and control in his game. Wells showed his striking prowess which will be needed in Conway’s absence. On top of this we witnessed a sparkling debut from Roberts who will push Pring hard in the months ahead for a place in the starting line-up. And what of Scott’s departure. It is galling that it’s to little Bournemouth, but one has to use that terms when you look at how far down the pyramid they were a little over 10 years ago. He’ll link up with Kelly & Semenyo where success will be simply managing to stay in the division. We talk about what if any of the money will be spent in the next 21 days. Might Nigel move away from his rigid stance towards the loan market? Someone this episode will make it 150k downloads since we started in June 2020 – thanks to you all for your support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After all the pre-season euphoria for most City fans who’ve been supporting the club for many years it was no surprise that when cometh the hour as a team the lads certainly didn’t cometh the man.DaveP hosts a review of the game with Chief GrInch Ian Gay and the more balanced [?] opinions Neil Sutton.& Mark Tovey.We began by talking about the positives that could be drawn from matchday 1.What lessons were learnt, what line up will Nigel start against Oxford on Wednesday and with 3 of the next 4 away before the international break will City muster enough points to say it’s a decent start to the season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Gary Owers & Neil Sutton in a lively discussion which sees the trio talk about the pre-season campaign, what is the best X1 and that two wins from the first five games going into the first international break is the minimum requirement if we're not going to already have to chase a ppg target that gets us in the Top 6. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave P is joined by Paul & Ian in a discussion about what we've learned from the pre-season results, the ongoing Scott transfer saga and a likely starting X1 against Preston on August 5th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP was joined by Neil Sutton & Ian Gay on Thursday morning as the 9.00 AM fixture release deadline approached and either side of that talked about summer transfer activity so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP interviews the talented midfielder who was a virtual ever present in the 1989/90 promotion team.Shelts talks about his earlier career with Walsall, Villa and Sheffield Wednesday plus life at City & beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP is joined by Gary & Ian reviewing last season and then assessing, in their own view, what City need to do to emulate the likes of Luton & Coventry plus much speculation on what this summer's transfer activity might look like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP reviews last season with former player & local media pundit Chris Honor plus regular podcast contributor and analytical guru Dave Fevs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A first win since 2015 on the final day of the season sent everyone into the summer break in a positive frame of mind. Goals either side of half time from Sykes & Bell were enough against a disappointing QPR who came into the game looking to extend an unbeaten run to 4.Ian, Mark & DaveP review the match action but mainly talk about what the side might look like next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss a 2-1 defeat against Championship Champions Burnley with a consensus view that we were worthy of a point.It was an inglorious final [probably] appearance for Alex Scott who trotted off the pitch to muted appreciation, his glaring error presenting the visitors with the opportunity some minutes earlier to retake the lead after Conway's cool finish had brought the sides level.For what it's worth if £20M + is offered for Scott we should take it and run as his form of late is doing nothing to justify a fee of this magnitude. We also agree that talk of Joe Bryan making a return is no bad thing and offer reaction to Steve Lansdown's interview yesterday on Radio Bristol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Undefeated at home in 2023, improved on last season's points tally with two games remaining, Andi Weimann's 50th goal for the club. All positives from the weekend's 2-1 victory over perennial strugglers Rotherham.DaveP is joined by Ian plus, and its good to have him back after a long absence, Dave Fevs as they discuss the match and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early dominance but no end product – just like Watford all over again but with fewer goal chances.City silenced the home crowd with a spirited first half performance but the Blades upped the pace in the second period and scored the winner through a Man City loanee valued at £20M.Should City have had a penalty in the first half when Bell was flattened? Who was Nigel referring to when assessing the performance of his subs who failed to make the impact he was hoping for and added the comment “I don’t care who they are”? Ian, Mark and DaveP discuss the game and more.[Apologies for some sound issues!!] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hornets were winless in 4 going into this game but City contrived to give Chris Wilder’s side the 3 points with two sloppy goals and not so much missed chances but those which on another day would have gone in were it not for the woodwork and decent goalkeeping.Great to see Alex Scott back on the grass but for me he has to be showing in the remaining games more than fleeting glimpses of a player who is allegedly going to attract bids over £20M in the summer.Ian, Mark & DaveP analyse the match action and make the bold assessment that anything less than emulating the efforts of Luton, Coventry and Millwall who all look likely to make the play offs should be considered failure in 23/24 season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If every game was as entertaining as Easter Monday’s vs Boro few would have any complaints and that’s said despite the fact that City let slip a 2-goal lead to only draw against their play-off bound opponents.Harry Cornick did a lot to silence his detractors with a goal and an assist and there is plenty to suggest that with 5 points from the last 3 games a City team without Alex Scott can do OK at this level.Ian, Mark & DaveP analyse the match action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Easter joy for City in Staffordshire as they confounded expectations with a well deserved 2-1 win against in form Stoke.We were battered for 20 minutes before having two chances to take an unexpected lead. It would be true to say it was against the run of play when the home side took the lead with half time approaching but City dominated after the break and won it with a first of the season for Zak Vyner and a first for the club from Anis Mehmeti.Ian, Mark & DaveP discuss the game and look forward to the Bank Holiday Monday game vs. high flying Middlesborough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not so many weeks ago we were harbouring play off hopes then a top half finish and now, with a tough quartet of games to come even an improvement on last season is in the balance.Ian, Mark, Tom & Neil with DaveP hosting discuss a match City should have won but didn't due to poor play in the final third.We also talk about the Ashton Gate pitch, the club's high sustainability ranking, the Easter games and when will Kane Wilson get a few minutes on the pitch perhaps positionally in front of not instead of the fast improving Tanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Mark & Neil join DaveP in assessing another fruitless trip across the bridge as City went down 2-0 to their Welsh rivals.Overall it was a marginal improvement on the Luton game, indeed, Omar Taylor-Clarke who'd come on as a sub in that one made the starting line up and didn't look out of place.Not our normal intro as I couldn't resist including our pre-live chat regarding Liam Fontaine's recording career which I didn't know anything about before today!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DaveP & Ian discuss the match action which saw City lose 1-0 at rain lashed Kenilworth Road.If the boys had gone in 4-0 down at the interval that would not have been an unfair reflection of the Hatters dominance. As it was at 1-0 you're always in the game and in fairness City improved as the game went on.The squad is ravaged by injuries by why Nigel chose to have just 6 subs which included the "sick" & "unfit" Wilson remains a mystery but Omar Taylor-Clarke showed in the 30 minutes he was on that he could be another to make the step up from the academy.We also discuss THAT kit & badge, season tickets, summer transfer speculation and look forward to Sunday's game at Swansea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only one defeat in the past 12 league games, 4 clean sheets in the past 7 games, and a first goal scored from outside the box this season, what wasn’t there to like about City’s well deserved win against Mick McCarthy's Blackpool who, like that other old stalwart manager Neil Warnock’s Huddersfield, look destined to be playing in League One next season.City dominated the opening half and deserved to be in front at the break but then a stunner from Weimann and an assured finish by Scott which capped a fine performance saw them run out easy winners.Ian, Mark & Neil are led in discussing the action by Dave P as well as looking forward to Wednesday's tough game at Luton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Huddersfield are a very poor side and even though they're already displaying the traits of a Neil Warnock inspired team their fans will be watching League 1 football next season.The fact is though we didn't beat them, indeed, were it not for missed chances we should have been out of sight by half time and there's no denying we have a lack of goals crisis developing with only one from open play in the past 6 games.Ian & debut boy Tom H join DaveP in reviewing the match action and looking forward to Saturday's game vs. Blackpool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Losing to our Severnside rivals always hurts but more so today as our unbeaten league run came to an end, we didn't look great and there appears to be potentially season ending injuries for Williams & Kalas.DaveP is joined by Chris Honor, Mark and Ian in a review of the match action and looking forward to Tuesday's game against Neil Warnock's Huddersfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the unbeaten run had to come to an end it was a measure of how well we've done since the turn of the year in that it came against one of the best sides in Europe.Despite being massive underdogs City were well and truly in this game and one could argue that the final scoreline flattered the illustrious visitors.Pring, Kalas & Scott were individual stand out performers in a great team effort and if we play like this for what's left of the season it augers well for 23/24.DaveP hosts Ian, Mark & Tom in discussing the match action and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No penalties for 469 days then two in a week both despatched with aplomb by Nahki Wells and maintaining City's unbeaten start to 2023.DaveP is joined by Tom, Ian & Mark in reviewing Saturday's match action as well as memories of Dickie Davies, Motty and former club CEO Colin Sexstone who all sadly passed away this week. We also talk about the new kit and, of course, look forward to the "big one" on Tuesday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unbeaten run is extended to 11 games as City get a point at the SOL but, more importantly, after a wait of 469 days we got a penalty and Nahki tucked it away in the 93rd minute. DaveP discusses the game with Chris Honor, Mark & Ian with the latter giving a short debrief on what Steve Lansdown said in his address to the Senior Reds on Thursday.Listen out for Chris explaining what it's like to take a penalty under pressure as he recalls his strike from the spot against Joe Jordan's Hearts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 points from two home games would have satisfied everyone but having done the difficult bit against the Canaries at the weekend many expected victory against lowly Wigan but it wasn't to be.Ian, Mark & DaveP review the game and look forward to Saturday's testing fixture at Sunderland.Hear DaveP speak on What the Falk, a Sunderland podcast, with his thoughts on the upcoming game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was not to like about City impressive win against the Canaries which extended the unbeaten run to 9 games?If you're an optimist you'll be looking up the table and questioning whether the play offs are in reach. The simple fact is we need 10 wins from 16 which is as many as we've achieved in 30 - a big ask?The back 4 were the difference in City's favour as they put their bodies on the line with tackles and blocks to the extent that Max O'Leary was rarely called into action.Sykes maintained his good scoring run and their was also a chance to see Mehmeti and Cornick the latter squandering a late opportunity to make the game safe. DaveP hosts a discussion with father & son duo Neil & Tom plus Mark & Ian . There's even time to talk about the music of Burt Bacharach whose innings came to a close this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Mark & Neil join DaveP in assessing a win that stretches City's unbeaten start in 2023 to 8 matches. Clinical finishing and resolute defending, particularly in the 2nd half got its just reward.We reflect on the transfer window activity, Man City ticket pricing and assess at what point do we dare to dream about the unthinkable! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.