Johnson: Players and fans gave up on Bristol City

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson believes some of his players and supporters may have conceded defeat in their play-off bid prematurely.

City's chances of making the top six were all but ended with a disappointing home draw against Ipswich on Easter Monday leaving them nine points off the play-offs with just three games to play.

Johnson, however, insists that some people – both 'on and off the pitch' – had already conceded defeat in their play-off ambitions after his side had lost at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

He said: "One of the things that disappointed me on Monday was that I didn't think that both on and off the field we felt it (was possible).

"When you look at the how the results went, we were still in with a chance. On and off the field I didn't think there was the same mentality of me and Milly (Keith Millen) because we thought we still had a chance (of making the play-offs).

When asked whether he felt the Bristol City fans had given up too early, Johnson replied: "I thought they did. A lot of them went home quite early and we needed them to get behind the lads right at the death.

"All the way down that side (Dolman Stand) was empty with 15 or 20 minutes to go. They (the fans) have been fantastic for most of the season and we are very proud of most of them. Unfortunately, a lot of people misread the situation. I think player-wise and supporter-wise it was a quiet day. We don't have many of those and I love them (players and supporters) to death.

"Sometimes, though, for whatever reason – whether it was what is happening on the pitch or vice-versa – they were quiet and we need them to realise where we are and how important that extra bit of help is sometimes."

Johnson takes his side to play-off chasing Swansea City tomorrow and insists that while there is still a mathematical chance – regardless of how slim – he will continue to believe a top-six finish is possible.

"It is a big game for me and I am trying to pass that on to everybody," Johnson added. "We will see how people react to it because I didn't feel like people thought it was a massive game on Monday.

"Let's see where we are after Saturday. If results go our way perhaps people will start looking at things differently. While there is still a small glimmer of hope you have to keep working hard and that is what I am going to be doing."

Jamie McAllister (suspension) and Liam Fontaine (concussion) both return to the squad, but Johnson is still undecided over the fitness of goalkeeper Adriano Basso.

The Brazilian was substituted in the ninth minute with an ankle injury against Ipswich and will undergo a fitness test today.

Johnson will recall Bristol City keeper Chris Weale from his loan at Yeovil Town if Basso fails to recover in time..