Bristol City’s season had its ups and downs – a blistering start has been followed by injury issues and an inconsistent run of results. The Robins sit midtable at the half-way stage, so we ask the question: are City ready for the next step?
Investing in Success
Investing a lot of money in to their academy has given them a competitive crop of homegrown talent, and allowed the club to profit on some of its best, which is then re-invested back into the club. Funds are being used for the right players, staff, and the infrastructure of the club too.
Bristol City will attract players with their outstanding new training ground which looks set for use this Spring. Check this time-lapse video to view the progress.
The Fans Have Their Say
On the Bristol City supporters Facebook page, Bristol Live asked fans about the January transfer window. This response is an example of a generally positive feeling about the direction of the club:
“Very happy with our progression… …New manager, new coaching stuff and loads of academy kids coming through. It will take time to find the perfect formation. Rather be a decent championship team full of our own than a struggling Prem team full of mercenaries.”
Sitting Pretty on the ‘Ultimate League Table’
In 2015, Sky Sports analyst Adam Smith created a league of all the teams that featured in the top 4 tiers of English football. Fans can take some pleasure in that they sit above their average position in the Ultimate League table.
Bristol City were expected to be in 37th place which is exactly where they finished in 2016/17. They have since improved on that position.
There is an argument therefore that the Robins trajectory is positive, but this is football and nowadays fans expect quicker returns.
Unfortunately, City’s recent run of form has seen them drop points to sides in and around them during the busy Christmas period. Dean Holden stressed the importance of those fixtures before the Blackburn game.
Injury Concerns
The club has been hit hard with injuries; such as midfielder Joe Williams who is out for the season.
Alfie Mawson’s return is good news, the side looked much better defensively in their 2-1 defeat over Portsmouth. Kasey Palmer’s recall from Swansea was dampened after returning a positive coronavirus test.
Fans may look at recent form and think a pattern is emerging, it is only a matter of time for the Robins. Bristol City are looking to reach the Premier League and stay there.
They still sit in 10th position, only 4 points off the playoff spot and everything is still all to play for.
Are Bristol City Ready for the Big League?
As we all know, this is Bristol City and anything is possible. But to answer the initial question “Are Bristol City ready for the Premier League”, I think there’s an appropriate video for that.
Let’s take a look back in time to Bristol’s epic cup run where they beat Manchester United in the quarter finals to face rivals City in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Watch the Manchester United highlights here, to remind yourself that The Robins can more than hold their own against the big boys of the Premier League.
At time of writing we have Bristol City at a generous 33/1 to get promoted this season, but of course we all know the difference a couple of wins can make to a promotion push. Let’s see if The Robins will be flying high come May.