Pre-season preview - Bristol City

Last updated : 22 July 2004 By The Chairman
We asked the following same questions to each team and today must thank Paul Willems for his thoughts on Bristol City:

1) How did you fare last season? Best moment, worst moment etc.

Finished: Losing Play-off Finalists having finished third.
Best moment: Play-off semi final win against Hartlepool. 1-0 down with 6 minutes left. Won through to final in 4th minute of injury time. Ashton Gate bouncing like never before.
Worst Moment: Losing a dull final to Brighton. We did not perform.

2) How do you think you'll do this season? Hopes, final position.

Champions! Brian Tinnion new player-manager. A young squad with loads of attacking options. New 3-5-2 attacking system.

3) What's your squad like, new signings, etc?

Paul Heffernan from Notts County - scored within 10 mins of debut on Saturday. Steven Gillespie free from Liverpool - scored 2 on debut one 5 mins after coming on. The next Andy Cole for us? Scored 7 in 3 games for the reserves on trial at the end of last season.
Bradley Orr from Newcastle - Likely to be a sensation in midfield.
Ryan Harley, Sekani Simpson, Clayton Fortune, Joe Anyinsah, Craig Loxton, all promoted to first team squad from successful Youth Academy (the only one in the West) Alun Armstrong on trial.
Out Lee Peacock and Louis Carey and Aaron Brown - a shame to see them go but we move on.

4) Which youngster will make the biggest impression in your team this season?

Steven Gillespie - a definite goal mine, watch also for Ryan Harley and Bradley Orr in midfield

5) What's your manager like and will he still be there at the end of the season?

Brian Tinnion - 500+ games for the club, always in touch with fans and youth system. Fully FA coaching qualified. A big hit and will definitely be there at the end of the season unless snapped up by a Premiership side.

6) Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

Ecstatic!!

7) Which team do you want to beat the most and why?

Swindon - hate 'em.

8) Predict your champions and runner up, the 4 Play-Off teams.

Bristol City, Tranmere.
Sheff Wednesday, Swindon, Walsall, Stockport County (yes, really)

Bristol City Mad


Join us tomorrow for a preview by local rivals Stockport County. I wonder which team they will want to beat next season!