Now we're stepping things up, says Bristol City boss
Bristol City's players will embark upon the serious business of competing for first-team places when they take part in friendly fixtures at Weymouth and Dorchester.
The Robins take on the Terras at the Wessex Stadium tonight (7pm) before meeting Dorchester tomorrow (7.45pm) in a final dress rehearsal before Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Ashton Gate on Saturday.
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Bristol City boss Gary Johnson enjoys a laugh during pre-season
And City manager Gary Johnson intends giving his senior players their first full outings since they reported back for pre-season training on July 1.
He has named a separate team for each game and will make his selection for the weekend based upon what he sees in Dorset.
"We're stepping things up now and the lads who play in these two games will get 90 minutes," revealed Johnson.
"The friendly matches we have played previously have been an extension of our training and, because the players have been working so hard, no-one has been ready to play a full game.
"But that changes at Weymouth and Dorchester. Those who are furthest advanced in terms of fitness will play against Weymouth and the others will be given an extra day of rest.
"With the exception of Marvin Elliott and Dean Gerken, those involved at Dorchester have either just joined us or are coming back from injury.
"People should not read anything into the teams. Things will become clearer on Saturday when we play Wolves. That's when I'll pick what I consider to be my strongest side."
Goalkeeper Gerken has recovered from a slight groin strain and will play in both games. Former Swindon stopper Peter Brezovan, who featured in games against Ajax and Cheltenham as cover for the injured Adriano Basso and Stephen Henderson, has been told he is not required.
Bristol City v Weymouth: Gerken, Carey, J Wilson, Fontaine, Orr, Skuse, Johnson, McAllister, Clarkson, Sproule, Maynard.
Bristol City v Dorchester: Gerken, Nyatanga, McCombe, Ribeiro, Plummer, Hartley, Elliott, McIndoe, Williams, Akinde, Haynes.
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by m, Downend
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 3:42PM
“I suggest Marc, Wilts applies for a job as a football manager, as he clearly thinks he is better than anyone else.
I personally have never considered going to a pre season friendly before, in the same manner that I dont go and watch the training ground. but I broke that to go to the Ajax match, and I would gladly go to that again. How great it would be to see football of that quality regularly.”
by Marcus, Wilts
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 3:41PM
“T just for once try and use your brain and reply to the points I made rather than the school ground name calling.
Every point I make is valid and balanced- shame you don't have the sense or ability to counter back politely.
The only person full of bile on here is you, you constantly insult people and get involved in personal name calling which is nothing to do with the subject under discussion.
Grow up or get back to OTIB where your sort seem to live.
Do you sit in the EE?”
by CityT, Bristol
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 3:11PM
“Here is that buffon again spouting more bile, or is it another one of his "clever" WUMS??? In any event i maybe wrong but i assume the 6 players we have brought in are to improve the squad not simply add to it and the aim will be not to let any player rest on his laurels! Competition for places is healthy and at this level we havent really had that. In any event with all your knowledge im sure you knew that anyway LOL yer right!”
by Marc, Wilts.
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 12:24PM
“Deary me you patronising 'people'!
Ive watched football for 25 years so I think I understand the principles behind a friendly!!
Im saying Johnson should of taken the match more seriously and put out a stronger formation and team. We've got many other matches where he can tinker and try different things, this was our 'big' home friendly and one that deserved better from the manager.
Of course they were always going to be better than us, Im not arguing about that, Im saying we should of given them and the supporters that turned up a better match.
As a Cit yfan I expected us to 'have a go' not just chase shadows all night and get mullered!!
Some of you people need to raise your expectations and stop letting Gary get away with it all the time. Remember we only won 1 in the last 12 matches of last season and pre-season hasn't been that great so I feel it's important to build some momentum and get the player use to winning matches again, regardless if they are friendlys or not.
What do you people think is going to happen at Preston? they're just going to turn up and on a switch and hey presto we will look like a winning team again? It doesn' twork like that.
Winning football matches is a good habbit to get into and one we lost last season, Im surprised more Gary fans aren't interested in City winning matches to build some confidence and get in to the habbit again.”
by Mike, Staple Hill, Bristol
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 11:33AM
“Marc, Wiltshire,
Firstly, you are a complete muppet
Secondly, What did Gary Johnson say before he was so say "humiliated"?
What he actually said was win lose or draw he wanted to see his players trying to impose themselves on a team that does not give the ball away easily. THE RESULT WAS NOT IMPORTANT!!
He was right, they hardly gave the ball away at all. From what I saw a lot of premiership clubs would struggle against Ajax too.
City were not really in the game at all but your being ridiculous. £12 was a bargain to see City host Ajax who were a joy to watch.
Do try and accept that friendlies mean very little. I remember Tottenham had a great pre-season last year under Juande Ramos...that didnt make a difference once the season started and Mr Ramos lost his job shortly after.”