Since winning away at Tranmere Rovers two weeks ago live on Sky TV, Bristol City will again be in front of the Sky cameras tonight as they face Chesterfield at Ashton Gate. After that brilliant victory at Tranmere, City's form has dropped and the Reds have picked up just one solitary point in their two games since.
Last Saturday the City team flew up to Hartlepool, but came back empty handed. It wasn't much of a surprise given City's lack of inspiration on the pitch this season- particularly in midfield - and 'pools outstanding home record, however the performance left a lot to be desired. Indeed, it was startling to think that a club who don't even get half of City's league home attendance can be so dominant on the pitch. Then there's the £375,000 that City boss Brian Tinnion has been allowed to spend on players this season in comparison with his opposite number on Saturday, Neale Cooper who has spent next to nothing.
Nevertheless, everyone at Ashton Gate appreciates the struggle that lies ahead in getting City out of League One. Chairman, Steve Lansdown seems to be getting increasingly agitated with the whole situation. In particular many supporters who have expressed their concern in Tinnion's management abilities since day one, have somewhat been proved correct as City currently lie outside a play-off position with promotion looking like a tough challenge - at best.
But Lansdown hasn't given up hope that his appointment won't come good yet, insisting that City's faithful should be more patient with the player-manager. Time is however running out for City. 17 games to go and AT LEAST 30 points needed to be in with any hope of reaching the play-offs.
Then consider City's terribly inconsistent home record and a horrific set of away fixtures which sees City travel to Hull City, Luton Town, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, and Swindon Town. Not to mention two testing fixtures at two teams with ex-City coaches in charge - Danny Wilson at MK Dons and Leroy Rosenior at Torquay United. Suddenly, that two point average per game that needs to be kept up by City from now until the end of the season looks like a stretch too far. No-one at the club - supporters included - will be giving up yet, but City need to put a run of victories together very soon.
Starting tonight, with a win against Chesterfield.
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