Championship is so unpredictable, says City boss

GARY Johnson has hailed the complete and utter unpredictability of the Coca-Cola Championship, writes Andy Stockhausen.

Bristol City's manager believes English football's second tier has more to offer its supporters in terms of excitement than the cash-rich Barclays Premier League.

During a week in which Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley relinquished their jobs at Newcastle and West Ham respectively, and Brazilian superstar Robinho moved to Manchester City for a British club record fee, the Premiership has understandably dominated the media headlines.

But Johnson argues the Championship offers better value for money for the fans.

He insisted: "It's all too predictable in the Premier League. We could all write down our predictions for the rest of the season on a piece of paper and none of us would be too far off.

"Because some teams are so much more powerful than the rest and because others cannot compete financially, it nearly always pans out as we expect it to.

"That simply isn't the case in the Championship.

"You can ask people who they think will win it, which teams will be in the play-offs and which will go down, and they genuinely won't have a clue.

"It's that unpredictability which makes it so exciting.

"Of course, the Premiership is where everyone wants to be, but we are really enjoying our time in the Championship at the moment."

City's players yesterday reported back for duty after being allowed a rare weekend off.

And now Johnson and his charges can focus on back-to-back games against Cardiff City and Birmingham City.

"We're already looking forward to playing those two and there will be a real intensity to our work this week," said Johnson, who believes consistency is key if City are to again challenge for promotion.

"We're striving for that," said Johnson. "We're unbeaten so far, we're fourth in the League and I think our supporters are happy with what they've seen so far."

The international break has permitted some of City's injured players time to recover and, with the notable exception of Jamie McCombe (cheekbone), the manager should have a full-strength squad from which to select ahead of Saturday's Severnside derby in the Welsh capital.

Midfielder Marvin Elliott (knee) will play in tonight's reserve team fixture against Bournemouth at Ashton Gate (7pm), while Andy Webster (calf) and Jamie McAllister (ankle) should be available for the trip to Ninian Park.