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Bristol City's Championship survival a 'total relief' for boss Derek McInnes

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Monday, April 23, 2012
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The Bristol Post

DEREK McInnes spoke of his "total relief" after guiding Bristol City to Championship safety.

City secured their second-tier status by beating Barnsley 2-0 at Ashton Gate on Saturday, a result that sentenced Portsmouth and Coventry to relegation alongside Doncater Rovers.

  1. Bristol City beat Barnsley 2-0 to secure Championship survival

    Bristol City beat Barnsley 2-0 to secure Championship survival

But, despite completing the job he came in to do when appointed manager in October, the Scot admitted he felt a degree of satisfaction, but no real joy, in having kept the club up.

And having staved off the threat of relegation with one game of the campaign remaining, McInnes is determined not to experience a repeat scenario next season.

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"It's a feeling of total relief. You see what the club means to so many people and you feel satisfaction that you have managed to get the job done for them," said McInnes, who joined his players on a lap of Ashton Gate after the final whistle to thank the fans for their support.

"But while there is satisfaction, there is no real joy and we have to make sure we do not get involved in this situation again. It has not been enjoyable, it has been tough and it has been challenging. I cannot pretend otherwise."

Despite waging a season-long fight against relegation, McInnes insisted his players deserve credit for digging themselves out of a difficult situation.

He said: "I think the players deserve huge credit for the way they have galvanised themselves and worked hard to get an outcome that looked unlikely a few weeks ago.

"They felt a responsibility and took that responsibility on to themselves. Players, staff and supporters have all pulled together to get us over the line and we have done it by ourselves, without any help from others, which is important.

"We have taken care of our own business and it is sweeter that way.

"Let's face it, we have been facing a relegation battle since the first kick of the ball and it has been a tough season.

"It has been a strain on the players, the supporters and on the management since we came in.

"But I know what this club is capable of and I do not want to be involved in a relegation battle again. Hopefully, the next time we do a lap of honour around the pitch it will be because we have had a successful season and not just avoided relegation."

City complete their campaign against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

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  • Profile image for piledriver

    by piledriver

    Wednesday, April 25 2012, 7:07PM

    “by DaveinSA:

    You can listen on the Internet to both Radio Bristol & BCFC Player.”

  • Profile image for piledriver

    by piledriver

    Wednesday, April 25 2012, 6:59PM

    “by milsjersey

    The problem is the man that put Sexstone, Price & Jon Lannsdown in place-Remind me, who was that?

    Someone with b*lls need not apply, yes men only.”

  • Profile image for DawnNorth

    by DawnNorth

    Tuesday, April 24 2012, 12:21AM

    “I can tell you in confidence that Shaun has been in the background giving advice to Derek over the past three weeks. He is too big a man to take any of the credit for himself but I thought you ought to know.

    I wish Mr Higgs would properly appreciate Shaun's talents but he's so preoccupied with his big projection and weight watchers doesn't seem to be helping.”

  • Profile image for AussieGeorge

    by AussieGeorge

    Monday, April 23 2012, 11:52PM

    “DaveinSA - At last someone who has the same feelings as myself, being a fan since I was a young schoolboy (I'm now 64) I have always watched city with interest and seen the odd game on visiting the UK.
    The last game I saw was the shocker against Swindon, I then had real fears for Citys future in the Championship.
    Since then DM & Co have shown how to manage the pressure and survive with the players he had at his disposal.
    The relief I felt when they were safe can't be put into words, thankyou DM, staff & players for showing the fight that should make this club a great club.”

  • Profile image for Burwallian

    by Burwallian

    Monday, April 23 2012, 9:12PM

    “Thanks Derek and squad. Well done in those last series of games. Eveeyone's life would have been far easier had the same grit and application been evident earleir in the season too. Let's keep the momentum going into the start of next season.

    Also nice to see so many posts thanking Derek as so many had not been supportive at the time of his appointment. Hope they are now chastened!”

  • Profile image for milsjersey

    by milsjersey

    Monday, April 23 2012, 8:48PM

    “Spot on THEIRONS real problem is Sexstone,why the Gould boy wasn't promoted i can't understand,and he's going upwards fast.Sexy relaxes in cosy w-o-t with his hang on mate.
    If Lansdown has to stay out of it then sonnyboy ain't doing nothing and Price is a yesman.We need someone with b - - lls !
    On the playing side i'm sure DM has got it,question is only - will he be allowed to do it ?”

  • Profile image for DaveinSA

    by DaveinSA

    Monday, April 23 2012, 8:20PM

    “@harry reg and @ THEIRONS...

    thanks guys...

    ...with a bit of poking around on the interweb managed to load HOTSPOT shield on my mac and have managed to get iPlayer streaming. Ironically THEIRONS, Leicester are playing WHUFC...I know you are a red man but the irony is there for all to see!”

  • Profile image for THEIRONS

    by THEIRONS

    Monday, April 23 2012, 4:59PM

    “DaveinSA -I am presuming you live in South Africa,so try a site called shoutcast,. you should find streaming radio station such as five live.

    BinRelegated- Seeing your so good at predictions,any chance you could e-mail the winning euro lottery numbers before the draw is made.

    Along with everyone else delighted that relegation was avoided.Some big decisions now for the owner,if City are to be mid-table downwards club,or is his ambitions to make the club a major force in the championship,if it is the latter then he will have to get the cheque book out again,and major money needs to be spent.Just my opinion but the most important singing Mr Lansdown needs is a man to run the club,with the knowledge to make the right decisions.So far he has shelled out at least £30 million, but City are finding there selves near the foot of the table,so the bad decision making has to be stopped, so the right man has to be employed, so to ensure the millions spent in the future is spent correctly.Because with one of the richest owners, it is the play offs and automatic promotion,that the fans should be invading the pitch to celebrate.”

  • Profile image for topekared

    by topekared

    Monday, April 23 2012, 4:42PM

    “Well done Derek I have been a critic of him for some time but from somewhere the team started to play with passion and committment and no little ability. Whatever caused that we need to have plenty of it next season. I now hope that we swiftly get after the players we need for next season. With Amougou top of my list and Pearson as well. Also it seems that since we got that bloke in as first team coach then we improved .I think he's called McIntyre so let's try and keep him.”

  • Profile image for westywardy

    by westywardy

    Monday, April 23 2012, 3:18PM

    “is Manchestergas in hiding today?”

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