Bristol City boss Steve Coppell wants reinforcements from transfer market
STEVE Coppell is looking to the transfer market to solve Bristol City's mounting manpower crisis.
No fewer than five players are currently sidelined through injury, including star strikers Danny Haynes and Nicky Maynard.
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Bristol City's David Clarkson is congratulated by his team-mates last night
Captain Louis Carey and fellow defenders Christian Ribeiro and James Wilson are yet to play any part in City's pre-season campaign, while several other senior professionals are still recovering from old injuries.
And with time fast running out before the opening game of the npower Championship campaign against Millwall at Ashton Gate on August 7, the manager admitted he may have to bring in new faces to bolster his depleted squad.
Speaking in the wake of last night's 2-1 friendly defeat at Torquay United, Coppell said: "The squad is a lot sparser than I envisaged it being at this stage.
"It's frustrating, because I want to share the workload between the players, but we simply do not have enough available at the moment.
"I can seek to improve things by working with those players who are also here, but the other way is to use the transfer market.
"There are a lot of phone calls
going on at the moment but no real substance to them. The way things are shaping up, I can see there being an avalanche of business during the last week or two of the window."
David Clarkson registered his third goal of pre-season in Devon last night, but City are missing the pace and power of Haynes and Maynard.
Coppell added: "It's annoying having 30 goals sat in the treatment room when we could do with those two on the pitch.
"We're missing their pace and energy and it is still too soon to say when they will be back.
"That creates an opportunity for others, but not too many are putting their hands up."
Those who remain fit are coming under increasing pressure, a fact highlighted by last night's defeat against League Two opposition at Plainmoor.
Coppell said: "We have a lot of work to do to be where we want to be. I thought Torquay looked the sharper side and created the better chances.
"We played some good football in spells but not often enough for my liking.
"I don't want to make excuses, but the players have had a heavy workload and they are tired after the tour of Sweden.
"Because of the injuries, we maybe have more games than we would like at the moment."
City continue their preparations against League Two Aldershot on Saturday and Coppell added: "Those players who were not involved against Torquay will all be given an opportunity at the weekend."
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by Simon, Briz
Thursday, July 22 2010, 3:41PM
“I'm sorry...I must have misread the official statement on the website. They've not ruled out appealing against the decision - I mean the Championship team in Bristol. They have definitely not discounted going ahead with the plans...I am agast at the stupidity of some people! Stadium not going ahead...hmmm let me think...yes I stand by my comments. Lmao!”
by ben, bristol
Thursday, July 22 2010, 3:10PM
“calm down people, the ground will still go ahead.”
by Steve Lansdown, Guernsey, in a foul mood
Thursday, July 22 2010, 1:28PM
“Well I¿ve just about had enough of this nonsense.
First, those nasty democratically-elected councillors turn down my masterplan for the domination of Ashton Vale, then my expensively assembled pet football team fails to beat the mighty Torquay.
And now that upstart of a manager has the cheek to ask for more players. How many does he bloody well need?
This is rapidly turning into a nightmare. I¿m leaving the country (aide whispers in ear) ¿ oh, apparently I already have. Right, I¿m moving further away ¿ what¿s the Falklands like at this time of year?
Hargreaves! I want to borrow some more money ¿ apparently there¿s a rugby club in Bristol¿.I want it.
Screw football!”
by Laughing Boy, Bristol Council
Thursday, July 22 2010, 1:07PM
“Nag, Nag, Nag, Want, Want, Want - Its all I hear!!
Did Steve Coppell forget he's joined a bottom half team whose attendances match!!!
Silly little club”
by Simon, Briz
Thursday, July 22 2010, 1:04PM
“Steve I can take what's levelled at me...I am pragmatic enough to know that Torquay were better than us on the night...
As for the rest of it, I treat it with the contempt it deserves and move on. At least John Tw'tyeo is responding to something that really happened and is not as delusional as some of the others. You really did look a prize numpty though yesterday rising to the lazy journalism of BEP...long may that continue I say. The red side of town find your words of wisdom inspiring fella...we are just looking forward to your fall!”
by Thomas, Bristol
Thursday, July 22 2010, 12:43PM
“Oh Nobby I am not worried about any stick! Its water off a ducks back to me! All part of the banter! I have no illusions as to our size and stature however compared to that lot it is easy to get carried away!
I just find it amusing how a friendly loss can spark such excitement from the Rovers lot.
As for John......If losing to Torquay in a friendly and and a small glitch in our stadium plans is the start of us going down the pan then god help us. Otherwise I shall look forward to the new season with great excitement. Hope you enjoy your season down there my one eyed, parrot loving friend.
Also well done on your "Twateyo" name! I would love to use a "play on words" on one of your legends but stuggling to think of one! No Holloway doesn't coun't!”
by rob csf, Ashton
Thursday, July 22 2010, 12:42PM
“Nothing to gloat at if your rovers your sooooooo jealous,worry about your joke of a team/support/stadium etc etc etc”
by Bluebluemoon, # 83
Thursday, July 22 2010, 12:16PM
“Top fishing by Bristol City Council, their keepnet runneth over..”
by Factoid, Fact-finding.
Thursday, July 22 2010, 12:13PM
“But the gas can only dream about this luxury:
Coppell added: "It's annoying having 30 goals sat in the treatment room"”
by Nobby, 3 Lions
Thursday, July 22 2010, 12:10PM
“Problem is "Thomas, Bristol " when we all (and I am a City fan), give out the stick, Massive club, World Cup matches, Premier League any minute now, non-stop top quality signings (albeit from Barnet!), richest chairman in the world (signings from Barnet!), we're getting a great ground, you play in a dump. We are one division above you (as we should be) etc. etc.
Then every now and again you will get some stick back!
Get over it!”