With the countdown on for the start of the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship, we're getting to know our opponents for the season ahead. Next up, we take a look at Bristol City…
Bristol City
Stadium: Ashton Gate
Capacity: 27,000
Year Formed: 1894
Nickname: The Robins
Most League Appearances: John Atyeo, 597, 1951-66.
Most League Goals: John Atyeo, 314, 1951 - 66.
Record League win: 9-0 v Aldershot, 28th December 1946.
Record defeat: 0-9 v Coventry City, 28th April 1934 – Division 1.
Last Five Years
2019/20: 12th in Championship – 63 points
2018/19: 8thth in Championship – 70 points
2017/18: 11th in League One – 67 points
2016/17: 17th in Championship – 54 points
2015/16: 18th in Championship – 52 points
Manager – Dean Holden:
The 10th of August, just two days ago, that was when the managerial career of Dean Holden began at Bristol City.
Dean had been at Ashton Gate for almost four years, having taken over as Assistant Manager back in November 2016, following a short stint as First Team Coach at Walsall.
Holden’s only other manager job of any kind came when he took charge of Oldham Athletic on an interim basis back in 2015.
Before his transformation to a coach, Holden enjoyed a playing career which saw him make over 400 appearances, scoring 23 goals from defence.
The 40-year-old played for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Oldham, Peterborough, and Shrewsbury.
Squad:
Dean Holden will inherit a squad where there will be players with a point to prove as they look to stake a claim for a spot in the starting eleven.
In their ranks, Bristol possess former Premier League talent with former Aston Villa duo, Nathan Baker and Andreas Weimann.
Jamie Paterson has become a key man in the Robins side, establishing himself as a regular under Lee Johnson.
Elsewhere, Bristol will welcome the returns of Liam Walsh and Joe Morrell, who spent last season on loan in League One.
Bristol City have yet to make any new additions to their squad.
Familiar Face – Liam Walsh:
The Sky Blues Player’s Player and Young Player of the Season for the 2019/20 campaign, is a name every City supporter will be aware of.
Liam Walsh joined the Sky Blues on Deadline Day back in September 2019 on loan from Bristol City and would feature in all but one league game upon his arrival.
The midfielder cemented himself as main stay in the centre of midfield, scoring four goals, including the Sky Blues Goal of the Season for his solo effort against Rochdale.
Walsh made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues before returning to his parent club following the end of his loan spell.
Connections:
With the obvious Liam Walsh still in the Bristol camp despite his loan at the Sky Blues last season, the likes of Bobby Gould, Clarrie Bourton and Michael McIndoe.
CCFC v Bristol City Head-to-Head:
Won – 22, Drew – 22, Lost – 22
Last Time We Met – Bristol City 0-0 Coventry City, 18th April 2015, League Cup.
The Sky Blues were forced to settle for a draw against the eventual League One champions at Ashton Gate. The draw did secure the title for the Robins on the day however.
Team: Lee Burge, Red Johnson, Matthew Pennington, Jordan Willis (Aaron Phillips 66’), Chris Stokes, Adam Barton, John Fleck, Jim O’Brien (James Maddison 82’), Grant Ward, Frank Nouble (Sanmi Odelusi 86’), Nick Proschwitz.
Fact:
There have been 66 meetings between the Sky Blues and Bristol City over the last 100 years and yet the two sides are at a stalemate.
Both thee Sky Blues and Bristol are currently tied on 22 wins against one another, whilst there has also been 22 draws.