BRISTOL CITY F.C.

(Redirected from Bristol City)

'Bristol City Football Club' is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England, (the other being rivals Bristol Rovers). They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-western portion of the City. Gary Johnson has been the team's manager since 23 September 2005, succeeding Brian Tinnion. They were promoted to the Championship in the 2006-2007 season after finishing second in League One.
Bristol City reached the 1909 F.A Cup final where they lost to Manchester United, but they did win the Welsh Cup - despite being an English team - in 1934. In 1907 they finished runners-up in the league, which is their highest-ever final position.
In 1982, Bristol City became the first English team to suffer three successive relegations and just before falling into the Fourth Division they almost went out of business. But a takeover deal saved them from going under, and by 1990 they were back in the Second Division. Another relegation followed in 1995, when City finished second from bottom in the new Division Two, and a return to that division three years later lasted just one season. Most of their seasons between 1999 and 2006 were spent challenging for promotion in the upper half of the division.
The club's nickname is "the Robins", and a robin featured on the club's badge from 1976 to 1994. Official club merchandise, including replica kits, still has a label showing a robin. A recent attempt by the club to alter the club's badge was abandoned after the club was criticized fiercely by fans.
Bristol City currently play at Ashton Gate stadium in the Ashton area of the city of Bristol, which has an all-seater capacity of more than 20,000. There have been plans, if the need arises, for expansion work to be carried out at their current ground. There have also been proposals to build a new stadium, the first option being a 36,000-seat stadium at Hengrove Park. In 2002, the local council was looking at possible sites for a new 40,000-seat stadium which would house both City and Rovers, but these plans were scrapped and it is widely accepted that this would not have been welcomed by the majority of supporters from both clubs. Ashton Gate's current capacity is larger than most other League One grounds, and it is still to be seen if the attendance figures in the Championship would require further expansion to the ground.

Contents
Honours
History
Early years and early successes (1897-1911)
The yo-yo era (1912-1965)
Back among the elite (1966-1979)
Decline and financial ruin (1980-1982)
Revival (1982-1990)
Back in the second tier (1990-1995)
Promotion and relegation (1995-2000)
The Danny Wilson Era (2000-2004)
Disappointment under Brian Tinnion (2004-2005)
Revival under Gary Johnson (Since 2005)
First season in the Championship
Kits
2007/2008 Season
Squad
Out on loan
2007-08 Transfers
In:
Out:
Notable Former Players
Former Youth Products Currently in the Premiership
Managerial history
Stadium
Famous fans
Records
Trivia
References
External links

Honours


The team played in the FA Cup final, losing 1 - 0 to Manchester United at Crystal Palace, London, on April 26 1909, and won the Welsh Cup in 1934, defeating Tranmere Rovers 3 - 0.
Their highest finishing position in the League was in the 1906-07 season when the team were runners-up to Newcastle in Division 1.
Minor honours include: Second Division champions 1905-06; Third Division South champions three times; Associate Members' Cup winners 1985-86 (as Freight Rover Trophy); Football League Trophy ; Winners 2002-3 (as LDV Vans Trophy); Anglo-Scottish Cup winners 1977-78.

History


Early years and early successes (1897-1911)

The club was founded in 1897, when Bristol South End F.C. turned professional and changed its name to Bristol City. In 1900 the club merged with local rivals Bedminster F.C., who had been founded as Southville in 1887. The side joined the Football League in 1901. They first entered Division 1 in 1906 as Second Division champions, and as newcomers became known as the "Bristol Babes", a nickname that would last into the thirties. They were runners-up in their first season in the top flight, and in 1909 reached the FA Cup final, where they were beaten by Manchester United at the Crystal Palace in London. But these achievements were not consistent, and in 1911 City were relegated back to the Second Division. They have not repeated the heights of the 1906-1909 era since, and did not even return to the top flight for 65 years.
The yo-yo era (1912-1965)

The 1920s were a rocky time as City bounced between the Second Division and the Southern Section of the Third Division. By the 1930s they had slumped into the lower division, and stayed that way until the Second World War. Harry Dolman became chairman in 1949, a post he would hold for over 30 years. An engineer who had bought out the firm he worked for, he designed the first set of floodlights installed at Ashton Gate in the early 1950s. The late 1950s were a better time for City, with a five year stay in the Second Division, a league they returned to for a further spell in 1965.
Back among the elite (1966-1979)

In 1967 Alan Dicks was appointed manager, and things gradually began to improve. Promotion to the First Division was finally achieved in 1976, ending a 65-year exile from the top flight.
City's second stint in the top flight was less successful and memorable than the club's first, with 13th position in 1979 being their highest finish during this era.
Decline and financial ruin (1980-1982)

City were relegated back to the Second Division in 1980, but this was only the beginning of their problems. Debts mounted and losses increased, with two successive relegations following. In 1982, City fell into the Fourth Division and went bankrupt. Luckily, a new company - BCFC (1982) plc - was set up to allow the club to continue playing. Their survival was confirmed when eight highly-paid senior players (the "Ashton Gate Eight") accepted redundancy.
Revival (1982-1990)

City spent two seasons in the Fourth Division before winning promotion under Terry Cooper in 1984. They consolidated themselves in the Third Division during the later part of the 1980s, and in 1990 Cooper's successor Joe Jordan achieved promotion as Third Division runners-up. This was easily the most successful footballing year ever for the city of Bristol, as neighbours Bristol Rovers were also promoted to the Second Division as champions.
Back in the second tier (1990-1995)

Jordan moved to Heart of Midlothian in September 1990, and his successor Jimmy Lumsden remained in charge for 18 months before making way for Denis Smith. Smith's first signing was the 20-year-old Arsenal striker Andy Cole, who was an instant hit with fans and quickly established himself as one of the finest goalscoring talents ever to wear a Bristol City shirt. But he was sold to Newcastle United in February 1993 and later established himself as a world class goalscorer, most prominently with Manchester United, where he collected five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the European Cup.
Meanwhile, City remained in the new Division One (no longer the Second Division after the creation of the Premier League in 1992) and Smith moved to Oxford United in November 1993. His successor Russell Osman was sacked within a year, being a very unpopular figure with fans. One of Osman's few successful moments with City came in January 1994 when he led them to a shock victory over Liverpool in an FA Cup tie.
Joe Jordan was brought back to Ashton Gate in September 1994, but was unable to prevent relegation to Division Two.
Promotion and relegation (1995-2000)

Jordan remained at the helm for two seasons after City's relegation, but left in June 1997 after failing to get them back into Division One. Former Bristol Rovers manager John Ward took over, and achieved promotion in 1998 as Division Two runners-up. But City struggled back in Division One, and Ward stepped down in October 1998 to be succeeded by Benny Lennartsson. City were relegated in bottom place and Lennartsson was dismissed in favour of Gillingham's Tony Pulis, who lasted six months before being dismissed as manager of perhaps the worst City side since the one that completed a hat-trick of successive relegations almost 20 years earlier. Coach Tony Fawthrop took over until the end of the season, when Danny Wilson was appointed. Wilson was arguably the most prominent manager to take charge of a City side since Denis Smith, as he had guided Barnsley to promotion to the Premier League in 1997 and Sheffield Wednesday to a 12th place finish in 1999.
The Danny Wilson Era (2000-2004)

City were regular Division Two playoff contestants during Wilson's spell as manager, and in his final year - 2004 - they reached the final, but lost to Brighton and Hove Albion. He was sacked within days and replaced by veteran player Brian Tinnion.
Disappointment under Brian Tinnion (2004-2005)

City failed to make the playoffs in Tinnion's first season as manager, and he stepped down in September 2005 after a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea City. This rounded off a dismal start to the season in which City's form had slumped even further despite the addition of high profile players including Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges. Yeovil manager Gary Johnson was recruited as his successor.
Revival under Gary Johnson (Since 2005)

Gary Johnson
Johnson arrived in September of 2005. His first game in charge (only hours after meeting the squad) saw City win away at Brentford 2-3. After a short spell of decent results, City were plunged into the relegation mire, enduring a club record of nine successive defeats, leaving them at the foot of League One. The run was brought to an end with a 2-0 victory at home to Huddersfield on 10 December. City then lost just three of their next 16 games, and this fine run of form was capped with a 6-0 win over Gillingham, in which defender Louis Carey scored a brace. This was City's largest league win since late 1969, and was an encouraging sign of things to come, although they didn't quite make playoffs in 2006.
The players celebrate with the fans after Scott Murray's equaliser against Middlesbrough
Despite a slow start to the following season, which saw a vocal minority of fans calling for Johnson to be sacked (their anger no doubted fuelled by the sale of David Cotterill to Wigan), City were in the top six of League One by November and at the end of the month began an 11-match unbeaten run which drove them to the top of the division. They also hit the headlines with an impressive FA Cup run, being knocked out in the 4th round on penalties after a replay in which they held Premiership side Middlesbrough to a 2-2 draw in both ties. They knocked out Championship side Coventry City in the 3rd round. They also reached the Southern Area Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but were knocked out over two legs by local rivals Bristol Rovers.
Pitch invasion at Ashton Gate after securing promotion
Promotion to the Championship was confirmed on the final day of the season with a 3-1 win over doomed Rotherham. David Noble scored two goals and Alex Russell scored once, securing runners-up place in the division and resulting in automatic promotion and joyous scenes of celebration in the city and even more so on the pitch at the full time whistle. 2007-08 will be the first season in almost a decade that has seen Bristol City playing at this level of English football.
First season in the Championship

In the summer between City's promotion and the start of the Championship season, a number of signings were made. This included the capture of Swansea City's star player, Lee Trundle for a reported fee of £1 million. In addition, pacy winger Ivan Sproule was bought from Hibs, Marvin Elliott signed on a Bosman Ruling after leaving Millwall, Darren Byfield signed, also from Millwall and Stephen Henderson arrived from Aston Villa. Michael McIndoe was also bought from Wolves, reuniting him with his former boss at Yeovil, Gary Johnson.
City had a good start to the season, briefly topping the table after their 4th game (a 0-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday). They were narrowly beaten by Sven Goran Eriksson's resurgent Manchester City in the League Cup.
On 6th September 2007 Gary Johnson and assistant Keith Millen both signed 2 and a half year contract extensions keeping them at the club until 2010.

Kits


2007/2008 Season

The 2007/2008 season's kit, made by Puma (in the 2nd of a 4 year deal) has matching home and away strips. The away shirt this season is quite similar to last year's very popular black third kit. The shirts retain the same sponsors as last year's (Bristol Trade Centre and Blackthorn). The socks on the home kits have changed from white to red, with white trim. There is no third kit this year.

Squad


As of 2 August 2007.
(captain)
Out on loan








★ ''(on loan to York City)''
2007-08 Transfers

In:


Ivan Sproule - Hibernian

Michael McIndoe - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Stephen Henderson - Aston Villa

Lee Trundle - Swansea City

Marvin Elliott - Millwall

Tamás Vaskó - on loan from Újpest FC

Darren Byfield - Millwall
Out:


David Partridge - Released

Craig Woodman - Wycombe Wanderers

Andy Smith - Released

★ Dean Grubb - Weston-super-Mare

★ Shaun Lamb - Released

Elliott Benyon - Torquay United

Danny Wring - Torquay United

★ Aaron Ledgister - Cheltenham Town

Notable Former Players


Name
Ade Akinbiyi
John Atyeo
Jim Brennan
Gus Caesar
Andy Cole
Dariusz 'Jacki' Dziekanowski
Shaun Goater
Gerry Gow
Norman Hunter
Steve McClaren
David Moyes
Joe Royle
Brian Tinnion
Billy Wedlock
Luke Wilkshire

Former Youth Products Currently in the Premiership

NameClubSold For
David CotterillWigan Athletic F.C.£2,000,000
Scott GolbourneReading F.C.Undisclosed
Leroy LitaReading F.C.£1,000,000
Liam RoseniorReading F.C.Tribunal

Managerial history


NamePeriod
Sam Hollis1897-1899
Bob Campbell1899-1901
Sam Hollis1901-1905
Harry Thickett1905-1910
Sam Hollis1911-1913
George Hedley1913-1917
Jack Hamilton1917-1919
Joe Palmer1919-1921
Alex Raisbeck1921-1929
Joe Bradshaw1929-1932
Bob Hewison1932-1949
Bob Wright1949-1950
Pat Beasley1950-1958
Peter Doherty1958-1960
Fred Ford1960-1967
Alan Dicks1967-1980
Bobby Houghton1980-1982
Roy Hodgson1982-1982
Terry Cooper1982-1988
Joe Jordan1988-1990
Jimmy Lumsden1990-1992
Denis Smith1992-1993
Russell Osman1993-1994
Joe Jordan1994-1997
John Ward1997-1998
Benny Lennartsson1998-1999
Tony Pulis1999-1999
Tony Fawthrop2000-2000
Danny Wilson2000-2004
Brian Tinnion2004-2005
Gary Johnson2005-present

Stadium


Main articles: Ashton Gate

Bristol City play at Ashton Gate in the south-west of Bristol, just south of the River Avon. The ground has an all-seated capacity of about 21,500, with an effective capacity (depending on how many away tickets are allocated, and how they are segregated) of around 19,100. It was the home of Bedminster F.C. until the 1900 merger, and the merged team played some games there the following season, but it did not become the permanent home of Bristol City until 1904.
The 'East End' at the south-east end of the ground is the traditional home fans' end. However since 1994 it has controversially housed visiting fans. During the late 1990s, it was named the 'Database Computers stand' and then 'Blackthorn Wedlock stand'. It has since acquired a new name, the 'Micra Wedlock Stand.'
The 'Williams Stand',. on the south-west side, which includes the directors' box and press box, was built in 1958. The Williams stand also contains the premier seating.
The 'Dolman Stand', which lies opposite The Williams Stand, was built in 1970. The stand previously contained a lot of wooden seats which were removed at the start of the 2007/08 season and replaced with more modern plastic seating.
The most recent addition to the stadium is the ' Blackthorn Atyeo Stand' at the north-west end, which was built in 1994 to replace an open terrace, and contains new dressing rooms and a large gymnasium. The Atyeo has in recent years become a stand which seems to cater for a more family orientated supporter.
Ashton Gate has also played host to many big music concerts in recent years. They have had such stars as Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Elton John, Neil Diamond, The Who, Ronan Keating and Meat Loaf.

Famous fans


Famous fans of Bristol City include:

Jenson Button - F1 driver.

John Cleese - Comedian who has starred in Monty Python and Fawlty Towers.

Justin Lee Collins - Comedian.

★ Scott Davidson - ex-Chairman of Bristol City and ex-keyboard player with Bros and Pet Shop Boys.

Tony Robinson - Actor who has starred in Blackadder and presenter of Time Team.

Mark Dudbridge - Professional darts player.

★ Ian King - Financial Journalist for The Sun Newspaper

Dominic Mohan - Associate Editor The Sun Newspaper

★ 3D (AKA Robert Del Naja) - Member of Bristolian band Massive Attack.

Jonathan Pearce - Football Commentator.

Richard Scudamore - Chief Executive of the F.A. Premier League

Marcus Trescothick - Somerset and England cricketer.

The Wurzels - Somerset-based band.

Gareth Chilcott - Former Bath and England Rugby Union player.

Records



★ 'Record League victory' — 9-0 ''v.'' Aldershot F.C. (December 28, 1946)

★ 'Record FA Cup victory' — 11-0 ''v.'' Chichester City (November 5, 1960)

★ 'Record League defeat' — 0-9 ''v.'' Coventry City F.C. (April 28, 1934)

★ 'Highest attendance' — 43,335 ''v.'' Preston North End (February 16, 1935)

★ 'Most League appearances' — 597, John Atyeo 1951-66

★ 'Most League goals scored' — 314, John Atyeo 1951-66

★ 'Most goals scored in a season' — 36, Don Clark 1946-47

★ 'Record transfer fee paid' — £1.2 million to Gillingham F.C. for Ade Akinbiyi, May 1998

★ 'Record transfer fee received' — £3.5 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers for Ade Akinbiyi, July 1999 (plus subsequent revenue from a sell-on clause realised by his move from Wolves to Leicester)

★ 'Record sequence of League wins' — 14; September 9, 1905 - December 2, 1905 - This is a joint league record.

Trivia



★ The BBC comedy show Only Fools and Horses features a block of flats called 'Nelson Mandela House'. These are intended to be in Peckham, London, but the flats used for filming are in fact right next to Ashton Gate, Bristol City's ground.[1]

★ The Clubs mascot is Scrumpy the Robin who has been the club's mascot since 2005.

References


1. http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/guide-book/filmed-in-bristol

The Bristol Babe: The First 100 Years of Bristol City F.C., , David M., Woods, Yore Publications, , ISBN 187442795X

External links



Official website (requires registration)

Fans' forum

Bristol City Supporters Trust

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