We can emulate Reading and make the Premier League, says Cisse
KALIFA Cisse sees no reason why Bristol City should not, one day, follow in the footsteps of Reading and enjoy Premier League status.
A member of the Royals side that ran away with the Championship title in 2007 and spent two seasons in the top-flight under Steve Coppell, the Mali international believes the two clubs have a lot in common.
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Bristol City's Kalifa Cisse, right, battles for the ball with Noel Hunt during last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Reading Picture: Joe Meredith
And he believes City, backed by multi-millionaire businessman Steve Lansdown and with plans for a new stadium in the pipeline, can achieve something similar in the future.
Cisse said: "Reading already have a fantastic new stadium, but other than that, there are a lot of similarities. Both clubs are well run on strict financial lines, both have a good support base and both have ambitious owners, who are not afraid to invest their money. People said a club of Reading's size could not make it to the Premier League and stay there, but we had two fantastic seasons up there.
"We finished in the top half in the first season without spending a fortune and showed what could be achieved with a good manager and hard-working players.
"I look at Bristol City and I see a club that can do the same thing. Why not? There is a good infrastructure here and we have a young and ambitious manager who wants to prove himself and make a name for himself in England.
"This season is difficult, because we are fighting relegation, but I see better times ahead. There could be big changes this summer and we could be challenging in the next year or two."
One of 14 senior players out of contract at the end of the season, Cisse is hoping to be a part of that brighter future as City build under McInnes.
Left out in the cold by previous boss Keith Millen, Cisse has enjoyed a long-overdue upturn in fortunes under the new manager, making 11 starts in the last 16 games and playing a big part in City's move up the table.
In line for another start against Leeds United today, the 28-year-old midfielder is now hell-bent on earning a new contract.
He said: "I would like to stay, but I need to stay in the side and keep playing games between now and the end of the season.
"It looked as though I would have to leave when I was not playing earlier in the season, but everything has changed with the new manager coming in. My contract ends in the summer, but there is now a chance for me. I have to keep working hard to get into the team and, when I do, make sure I play well and make the most of every opportunity. I can see Bristol City going places under Derek McInnes."
5 Comments
by manchestergas
Sunday, February 05 2012, 6:23PM
“well said. I think that goes for every footy team in the land, including mine. I don;t get why players can't always be in tip-top shape, and with a desire to win, EVERY day.”
by marmeliser
Sunday, February 05 2012, 5:42PM
“having read some oif the interviews with players who's time is ''up'' i'd wish they'd just concentrate on playing (better). each time they open their mouths we LOSE
most of the layers who's contracts are up should be released. the acrid stench of failure and apathy has hung over AG for too long. it's been p**s poor for the past 3 seasons mostly. the results have shown that, as have the league postions each season. the last 2 seasons we've been bottom after 10 or so games.
the root and branch clear-out needs to continue. i dont want to see any more has-beens or never-weres from north of the border. there is loads of talent thats out there from other sources. i trurst messrs docherty and mcinnes are on to them.
i want to see some cold-eyed WINNERS here”
by Red_Emerson
Saturday, February 04 2012, 11:36AM
“Would like him to stay, he has plenty to offer.
However, others whose contracts are up, need to go.
Bye bye, Carey, JCR, Nyatanga, Clarkson, Woolford and Taylor.
Great to see the back of Johnson and Hunt this week.”
by rocketbob
Saturday, February 04 2012, 8:33AM
“providing you can do ninety minutes.”
by RedNemesis
Saturday, February 04 2012, 7:24AM
“You're saying all the right things Mr Cisse to warrant a new deal. Just what the fans and manager want to hear. Two year extension now on the table.”