Bristol City fan Matt Withers: Stadium approval is great news for the future

Bristol City fan's view by Matt Withers: So Bristol City councillors have agreed that Bristol City FC can build a new stadium at Ashton Vale.

It was reassuring to know that I wasn't the only one watching the events unfold on the council webcast.

I was one of over 5,600 people who logged on and watched the various presentations and arguments for and against a new home for the Robins. I have to confess that I really enjoyed it.

There is still a long, long way to go. The Council refused to approve building of new homes on the green belt site called Southlands. Traffic and pedestrian access has to be improved and it is important to note that the decision on Wednesday night was not binding.

Following the meeting Ashton Vale residents applied for the chosen site to be awarded town green status and there is still the small matter of Sainsbury's being awarded planning permission for building on the current Ashton Gate site.

Obviously, I can understand the arguments from local residents not wanting a new stadium, however, this City deserves a modern arena, which can host large sporting and entertainment events and there just isn't anywhere else within the City boundaries where one can be built, the club having examined 23 possible sites.

The drama of Wednesday followed on from Tuesday's news that the club had record losses of £6.56 million for the previous year. I'm concerned that with these losses and an expensive stadium in the future that it could be a risk to the clubs future, like many I remember the dark days of 1982 and the Ashton Gate Eight.

Thankfully, in Steven Lansdown we have a sound businessman who I am sure will only do something that is in the best interests of our club.

Saturday's game away at Nottingham Forest was a hard-earned point and increased City's unbeaten run to seven games. After 16 games we sit in seventh place, one point behind each of the four teams who occupy the play off positions above us.

Gary made a couple of changes and started with a more balanced line up in a 4-3-3 formation. However, the game lacked quality and there were only a couple of stand out moments, not least of which was a superb last ditch tackle from Cole Skuse on Paul Anderson. Skuse is really blossoming this season and is now a very important member of the first team.

Paul Hartley and Louis Carey were excellent.