Bristol City get clean bill of health
BRISTOL City manager Gary Johnson is close to being able to to pick from a full-strength and fully-fit squad on Saturday, writes Andy Stockhausen.
The Robins have been beset by injuries since before the Championship campaign kicked off in August and the absence of key players has contributed significantly to a record of one win in eight games, which has seen last season's play-off finalists drop to 13th in the table.
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Keith Millen
But those problems are now receding and assistant manager Keith Millen believes the squad is already benefiting from the two-week break for international matches.
Marvin Elliott, Jamie McCombe and Cole Skuse have now recovered from injury, while Lee Trundle, David Noble and Gavin Williams are ready to play a full part after featuring only infrequently.
And a much-improved bill of health means Johnson will almost certainly be in a position to field his starting line-up of choice when Norwich come calling at Ashton Gate this weekend.
"This break has come at exactly the right time for us," reflected Millen. "When you're going well, you want to keep playing and winning, but we've had a few problems and we needed time in which to assess our situation. What that has done is given those players with injuries time to recover and to work on their fitness, while also allowing those lads on the fringes of the first team to get themselves match fit."
City staged a behind-closed-doors friendly at Swindon Town last week and are expected to field a strong reserve side in today's Totesport.com Combination fixture against Salisbury at Ashton Gate (2pm).
And Millen is confident that, injured striker Steve Brooker (Achilles) apart, City will be at full strength and ready to fire on all cylinders when they face the Canaries. He revealed: "It's something we haven't had so far this season. We've usually had players missing or lads playing with knocks and not fully fit.
"You simply can't afford to carry even one or two players in the Championship. It's such a strong league, you get found out.
"But that situation is looking a lot better now and just about everyone will be available for the Norwich game.
"One of the reasons we did so well last season was because we avoided injuries and we're getting back to that same state of affairs now."
City's players returned to training yesterday after being given a weekend off and Millen insisted hard work was the only remedy for recent poor results.
He said: "It's at times like this that we go back to the things that have stood us in such good stead in the past. There really is no substitute for hard work."
5 Comments
by David, Bristol
Wednesday, October 15 2008, 1:07PM
“Now that we nearly have a full squad to choose from i feel that we should revert to the "first choice" back four Orr/McCombe/Carey/McCallister with Noble/Elliot/McIndoe in midfield and Maynard/Akinde[ or Brooker when fit]/Trundle as this will give us the relevant nous around the opposition penalty area since Adebola hasn't played badly but brute force alone won't get you anywhere in this division”
by Joe, Yate
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 7:57PM
“Ive missed only 3 games this season and been to every home game and from what i have seen, Lee Johnson does not deserve to be in the side he does nothing except keep giving the ball away. Hes to small, got no pace, not strong enough, doesnt shoot when has the chances, never gets a free kick on target and his corners are never accurate.If this was anyone else they would of been droped. I think someone else should be given a chance, but as long as Gary Johnson is in charge he'l always be number one on the team sheet. We do miss McCombe in the air but he is very dodgy on his feet and slow. I feel Fontaine hasn't done anything wrong. I also feel for maynard, as i dont think they're are playing to his game. He's a goalscorer and likes to run on to balls and this long ball to Adebola is not his game and isn't working. For me Mcindoe needs to stay out wide and stop wondering in the centre of the pitch and this is when we see the best of him. For me i'd like to see Weale in goal, Orr, Carey, Fontaine, Mcallister, Mcindoe on the left, Elliot and Noble in centre, Wilson on the right and Trundle and Maynard up font. Adebola hasnt done anything wrong as he is so strong but a change is needed. I think with Trundles brains and feet skill Maynard will become the player he should be. If your going to spend £1 and £2 million on strikers surley you have to play them to there best abilities as when they do they will perform just like they did for Swansea and Crewe. I rate Gary Johnson as manager but i think its time he made a few changes and one is droping his boy to try somthing new.”
by Alex G, Yatton
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 4:58PM
“Johnson knows his best team, and that includes Lee Johnson alongside Elliott. They are our two best central midfielders, and players should ALWAYS play in their correct positions. Trundle on the left over McIndoe? I don't think so! What is more pressing is sorting out the right wing. Over the last season we have had Wilson, Noble, Skuse, Sproule, Murray, and Williams playing out there. Its getting like our 4 years playing with no left winger!”
by steve, clevedon
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 3:49PM
“Only want your good cast offs thanks,can't be many clubs that need the fans to select the "best" team. Oh dear,oh dear!!”
by Steve, Clutton
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 1:15PM
“Great now lets see what our best side is.
For me McCombe must come back. Elliot and Noble centre midfield with Trundle left midfield (remember Plymouth) as he at least can cross with left foot. With the game won take off the knackered Noble and Trundle and shut up shop with Skuse and Wilson. Maynard on the bench and Johnson in reserves or better still on loan to the gas.”