Bristol City fan's view: I don't know all the details, but I think City will miss Noble

So, as expected David Noble has played his last game for Bristol City. What a shame.

There is no doubt that fans are divided when it comes to David Noble. Many will point at a perceived lack of fitness and at the fact that he would drift out of games. But for me Noble was a proper footballer and I am disappointed at him leaving.

David Noble has given us many a special moment over the last few seasons, his wonder strike against Crystal Palace last season, the two goals against Rotherham United back in May 2007, which sealed our return to the Championship and his opening strike against Middlesborough in the FA Cup the same season to name a few.

I appreciate that I am not in and around the club day in and day out and so do not see the players training, their interaction with team mates and management and what goes on behind the scenes but for me Nobe's is a player who has not been afforded the same opportunities as other members of the team and I'm not referring to the Managers son, who as anyone who reads this column knows I am a big fan of.

David Noble is an entertainer but unfortunately for him his work rate and injury record is not what Gary Johnson demands. It's a great shame and I can see Lee Trundle going the same way unless he makes some changes. I hope that Gary Johnson can find a place for players of Noble's and Trundles ilk as for me football is also about entertaining and given fans that special moment. Who in the side do we have that can do that now?

In terms of balance, I should add that there have been a number of popular players in the last few season who Gary Johnson has released who have not gone on to prove him wrong at Championship level or above. To name a few Steve Phillips at Bristol Rovers, Marcus Stewart at Exeter City, Phil Jevons on loan at Bury from Huddersfield, Nick Carle at Crystal Palace and Richard Keogh at Carlisle.

The International break saw a couple of City youngsters playing for their country. Young City defender James Wilson won his first cap for Wales Under-21s versus Luxembourg and helped his teammates keep a clean sheet as Wales drew 0-0. Whilst, City keeper Stephen Henderson won his fourth cap for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s in a 2-1 win over their Spain.

Young midfielder Frankie Artus scored his second goal in two games of his loan spell with a fine 30-yard shot, which gave his side Cheltenham the lead against Walsall. Artus is talked of as a future prospect but has yet to feature for the first team. If, as looks likely City's play off chances fail, I would like to see Artus, Wilson, Henderson and Akinde given a couple of first team starts. How will you know if they are good enough unless you give them a chance?

Another loanee doing well is Chris Weale, who kept a second successive clean sheet for Yeovil Town and with chances limited and with I believe his contract up at the end of the season, I would expect Weales frustration at the lack of first opportunities to see him move on.

Next up is Preston North End live in front of the TV cameras again and with little doubt that it is a must win game if we are to cling on to a hope of a play off place. We also have to ensure that are record of not having had the double done over us since our return to the Championship is maintained.