With the Reds

Last Friday night City supporters were left in despair after the Reds turned in yet another dismal performance at Ashton Gate that looks to have all but ended City's promotion aspirations.

While things aren't going right on the pitch, it appears that off-field activities are reaching near turmoil. Player-manager Brian Tinnion revealed at the beginning of the week that he was to quit Bristol City in his playing capacity at the end of this season. The decision comes after many supporters felt Tinnion couldn't fully concentrate on managing the team whilst still playing. Chairman Steve Lansdown had announced at the start of the season that he hoped Tinnion would play less of a playing role.

However, Tinnion's lack of faith in his playing squad (many of whom are players that he has signed) has led to the veteran playing in many more games than he had hoped. Indeed, it has been a decisive factor in this seasons imminent failure that Tinnion has used 28 different players and yet also announced this week that he is still on the look out for loan players to bring in ahead of Saturday's fixture at Colchester United.

There is also continuing speculation regarding the futures of two of City's strongest first team players - Northern Ireland international Tommy Doherty and defender Danny Coles. Both players have been deemed by Tinnion to be out of form and surplus to requirements. Thus far Plymouth and QPR have made moves to sign Tommy Doherty on loan with view to a permanent deal, while Danny Coles has received interest from as yet two unnamed Championship clubs.

Tomorrow (3pm) City travel to Colchester where they haven't recorded a victory in five years. Colchester's danger man is ex-City loanee Craig Fagan who has netted 14 times this season in the league and on Wednesday was subject to transfer interest from Hull City. The Reds start as under-dogs for the match despite Colchester's indifferent home record.