FORMER European champions Ajax will visit Ashton Gate to play Bristol City for a pre-season friendly in July.

The Dutch giants - now managed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Hamburger SV boss Martin Jol - have agreed to play Bristol City on Wednesday, July 15 as part of a UK tour.

City boss Gary Johnson says the game proves the club are now a respected force in the game.

"It shows just how far we have come as a club that a team like Ajax are happy to come to Ashton Gate as part of their preparations for the new season.

"It will be a great test for us and form part of our own pre-season campaign. I am sure our fans will turn out in force for the game."

The Amsterdam club won the European Cup in consecutive seasons between 1971-73 and in 1995, as well as finishing runners-up in 1996. They also lifted the UEFA Cup in 1992, and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1987.

Ticket details for the fixture, and the friendlies against Wolves (July 25th) and Wycombe (August 1st), will be announced in due course.