vs Sunderland AFC 2022/23 OFFICIAL DIGITAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
Bristol City vs Sunderland AFC Saturday, August 6th 2022 3pm Sky Bet Championship
MATCH SPONSOR
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Editor
FROM THE Ashton Gate Stadium, Ashton Road, Bristol BS3 2EJ Website www.bcfc.co.uk Phone 0117 963 0600 E-mail reception@bcfc.co.uk @BristolCity bristolcityfc BristolCityFC bristolcityfc BCFCOfficial
WHO’S WHO BRISTOL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Owner Stephen Lansdown CBE Chairman Jon Lansdown Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould Club President Marina Dolman MBE DL DStJ JP Vice-Presidents Betty Bennett, Doug Harman Honorary Vice-President Marcus Trescothick MBE Club Secretary Sophie Dyer Manager Nigel Pearson Assistant Manager Curtis Fleming First Team Coach Jason Euell Goalkeeping Coach Pat Mountain Head of Medical Performance Dave Rennie Kit Manager Scott Murray Team Operations Manager Matt Parsons Robins High Performance Centre Operations Manager Isobel Mitchell Head of Communications Dave Barton Supporter Liaison Officer Jerry Tocknell Disabled Supporter Liaison Officer Gareth Torpy Club Chaplain Derek Cleave Club Historian David Woods Academy Director Brian Tinnion Academy Manager Gary Davenport Head of Coaching Alex Ball Head of Recruitment Damian Butt Professional Development Phase Coaches Trevor Challis, Ali Hines, Neil Swift Head of Sports Science Stephen Taylor Head of Medical David Walker Head of Education Jodie Baker Academy Secretary Paul Metheringham BRISTOL SPORT Chairman Jon Lansdown Group Head of Commercial & Hospitality Sales Justine Kebby Group Director of Communications Lisa Knights Group Chief Financial Officer Gavin Marshall Head of Data and CRM Charlie Lincoln ASHTON GATE STADIUM Chairman Martin Griffiths Managing Director Mark Kelly Director of Communications Lisa Knights Stadium General Manager Ross Wormald Head of Safety David Storr Head of Grounds Dan Sparks THE ROBINS Editor: James Crawley Contributors: Mike Adams, Scott Davidson,Tom Kent, Sharon Mizzi, Neil Palmer, Steve Smith, Brian Tinnion, Jerry Tocknell, David Woods. Design brandal.co.uk / Fever Pitch Photography Fever Pitch / JMPUK
T
he smell of hope, optimism and burgers…it must be matchday at Ashton Gate! We welcome Sunderland AFC and its fans here for our first home game of the season and many congratulations on the Black Cats’ return to the Championship.
It’s the start of a second full season in BS3 for Nigel Pearson, who has introduced four new signings over the summer; those being goalkeeper Stefan Bajic, defenders Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson as well as midfielder Mark Sykes. There’s plenty of anticipation to see them all in competitive action, donning the all-new Bristol City 2022/23 kit. With the rest of the squad returning for the 2022/23 campaign, so too does this online and completely free programme but in a bigger and better format than before. Features over the course of the season will include Away Day memories from Supporter Liaison Officer Jerry Tocknell, first-hand accounts from inside the Academy thanks
to Academy Director Brian Tinnion and Former Players’ Association news from Neil Palmer. History writers Dave Woods, Mike Adams and Steve Smith return, while we go deeper in the club archives than ever before thanks to Scott Davidson. You can enjoy a bumper collection of stats as the season progresses, and as always we take a close look at the opposition each matchday, enjoy exclusive interviews with the players, get the thoughts of Nigel Pearson and much more. Happy reading and enjoy the season! James Crawley
CLUB HONOURS LEAGUE Division One Runners-Up 1906/07 Division Two Champions 1905/06, Runners-Up 1975/76 Championship Play-Off Finalists 2007/08 Division Three (South) Champions 1922/23, 1926/27,1954/55 League One Champions 2014/15 Division Three Runners-Up 1964/65, 1989/90 League Two Runners-Up 1997/98, 2006/07 Division Four Promotion (fourth) 1983/84 Southern League Runners-up 1897/98, 1898/99, 1900/01 Western League Champions 1897/98
CUP FA Cup Finalists 1908/09, Semi-Finalists 1919/20 Football League Cup Semi-Finalists 1970/71, 1988/89, 2017/18 Welsh Cup winners 1933/34 Associate Members Cup Winners 1985/86, 2002/03, 2014/15 Finalists 1986/87, 1999/2000 South Section Finalists 1937/38 Anglo-Scottish Cup Winners 1977/78, Finalists 1979/80
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>3
Pearson NIGEL
>4 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
G
ood afternoon and welcome back for our first home game of the season against Sunderland. I’d like to welcome Alex Neil, his staff and players and to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to get Ashton Gate ready for the campaign.
A huge thank-you to more than 800 supporters who made the trip to Hull. It was a game we should have won. We created good chances and defended well but we were undone by a really poor penalty decision and a deflected goal.
especially considering their rich history. Alex is very experienced at this level and he will set high standards after their play-off success last year. Finally, I hope you all enjoy reading the Robins Matchday programme in which the Former
WE WERE ANNOYED WE DIDN’T COME AWAY WITH THE THREE POINTS. NOW IT’S ABOUT HOW WE RESPOND WITH A POSITIVE MINDSET TO GET THREE POINTS AT HOME. There were aspects of our game which we need to look at, but overall it was the manner of the result which hurt. I thought the new signings looked excellent on their debuts and everyone gave their all so they, like all of us, were annoyed we didn’t come away with the three points. Now it’s about how we respond with a positive mindset to get three points at home. Sunderland return to the Championship after a few seasons in League One and they’ll be hungry to work their way back up the pyramid,
Players Association, which launched last year, will regularly feature. It’s incredibly important for a club to have an FPA, not only for the players but for the club to acknowledge the history made by these great players. In my time here I have been privileged to meet and spend time in the company of some of City’s greats and I hope the FPA goes from strength to strength. Please enjoy your day. Cheers, Nige
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>5
y b r e D M 21 12P T S U AUG
E D I S N R E SEV SUND
AY
BCF
K / TIC C .C O . U
KETS
Gould W
RICHARD elcome back to Ashton Gate after a long, hot summer. It seems ages since we were here for the final game of last season and we are delighted so many of you have turned out for the new campaign. We have sold more than 13,500 season tickets so far which is absolutely fantastic. In these financially difficult times, we know that supporting City can be an expensive commitment both in terms of time and money, so we hope we can provide you with some exciting times and some great football. We do not take your support for granted.
really appreciated your support for what was a good performance, but we were all disappointed with the result and some of the decisions that led to that outcome. It was excellent to see debutantes Kal Naismith, Mark Sykes and Kane Wilson perform so well. I see them daily at the High Performance Centre and they have settled into the club seamlessly, already having made a major impact.
We are also expecting a bumper crowd of over 24,000 for today’s clash and this bodes well for the season ahead. Ashton Gate can create an amazing atmosphere when the
Ashton Gate has not lain dormant during the summer and many of you will have been in the crowds for the
IN THESE FINANCIALLY DIFFICULT TIMES, WE HOPE WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME EXCITING TIMES AND SOME GREAT FOOTBALL team is performing at its best and we hope we will be able to give everybody something to cheer about today. We are pleased to welcome Sunderland and their travelling supporters. Many of us will have become very familiar with the Sunderland story through the amazing Netflix documentary from a few years ago and we can all relate to the feelings of despair, elation and hope that supporting your club can bring. I’m delighted that such an important club is now progressing upwards, and we wish Sunderland the best of luck whilst also acknowledging that we don’t want that luck to start today. Thank you to the 800-plus fans that made the long journey to Hull on Saturday. Nigel and the players
successful series of concerts, the UWE graduation ceremonies, the Robins Foundation events, the open training session, or the stadium tours that have been so enthusiastically led by Jerry Tocknell. This has been a very busy summer for the Ashton Gate staff and we are very grateful for all their excellent work in keeping the stadium in such great condition. Finally, special congratulations to the Lionesses for their victory on Sunday. As a club we have always been at the very forefront of promoting and developing the women’s game and I hope I see as many of you as possible supporting Lauren Smith and her team this season at Ashton Gate or at the High Performance Centre. Enjoy the game and the campaign ahead. THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>7
E R E H IS T R E T T E B A O T Y A W R U O Y BUY ? R A C T NE X O O Z A C YEAH!
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Shot
F
BRISTOL CITY CAPTAIN AIMEE PALMER
OPENING
resh from the Lionesses’ Euro triumph, all eyes now turn to the domestic season and for City Women, the all-new Barclays Women’s Championship.
It all kicks off later this month with Lauren Smith’s side away to Coventry United on the opening day of the campaign (Sunday, August 21st, 2.30pm). The Robins High Performance Centre then hosts the first home game of the 2022/23 season when Blackburn Rovers visit the West Country a week later (Saturday, August 28th, 3pm). And all eyes are on a special September fixture when the team welcome Southampton to Ashton Gate. Tickets are now on sale for the the match which is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Sunday, September 25th. Visit bcfc.co.uk/fixtures-results to navigate the City Women’s 2022/23 fixture list. Tickets are available now
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>9
INTERVIEW
Mark Sykes >10
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
I
n the week he turned 25, Mark Sykes finds himself geared up for a potential home debut in front of a bumper crowd at Ashton Gate. After an hour under his belt in the curtain raiser against Hull City last week, the midfielder is keen to show more of what he’s about when the Robins host Sunderland in BS3 on matchday two.
Oxford United back in May, Sykes said he planned to “hit the ground running” so how does he intend to do that? He explained: “I want to give myself the best possible chance of being a part of the team. I didn’t want to come in and disrupt the plans as such but everyone comes in at square one and needs to prove themselves. For me, I give myself the best chance by sheer hard work so I got
I JUST WANT TO MAKE MY MARK AT ASHTON GATE, ANNOUNCE MYSELF TO THE FANS AND SHOW WHAT I’M ABOUT Saturday’s fixture might be his first proper run out at Ashton Gate, but he has already got a taste for the pitch and his surroundings after Tuesday’s open training session in BS3. “It was a great feeling to train there in the week and to get out there in front of the crowd against Sunderland on Saturday is something I can’t wait to do. Now I just want to make my mark at Ashton Gate, announce myself to the fans and show what I’m about,” he said. When signing for the club from
everything completed early so I can focus on myself and focus on the pitch.” His hard work in pre-season no doubt helped him earn a first start against Hull City, albeit it was an unfortunate result on the day. That was Skyes’ first Championship fixture in his career but, as he explains, he has long been preparing for the challenge at this level. It was his former manager at Glenavon FC, Gary Hamilton, who was quoted explaining Sykes’ experiences back in his home 4 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>11
Quick Fire
Favourite meal Chicken, mash potato, pepper sauce Favourite film Shutter Island
Best thing about Bristol Life balance being in the country but a short drive into the centre First car VW T Roc Best music taste in the squad Andi played last time in the changing room so I’ll say him Sharpest dresser Zak Vyner One thing can’t live without Family Playstation or Xbox? Playstation Last book you read High Performance, by Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes.
>12
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
SYKES IN ACTION ON HIS CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT AT HULL; SIGNING THE IRISH FLAG FOR HIS NEW FANS
4country as a developing player have helped shape him into the footballer he is today. Sykes said: “You don’t get away with being soft. Everyone has to be toughened up and when I played back home it was close to 150 games between the ages of 17-21. “I got a lot of games and that was invaluable, it benefitted me massively and helped me prepare for the experience of higher levels, be that League Two, League One or the Championship. “I’m 25 now, I’m not a young lad, so certainly those past experiences helped me and have put me in good stead of playing Championship football.”
To play at Ashton Gate, to be part of the club project and train day in, day out at the Robins High Performance Centre are positives enough, but Sykes also had some encouraging words ahead of his move from Oxfordshire to the West Country. Not least from former Robins striker Matty Taylor, who made his return to the Us in 2020. “Matty is a great guy, he’s so outgoing, lively and such a character in the changing room,” Sykes explained, a statement which can almost certainly be confirmed by members of the club who worked with him!
2022/23 STATS
1
GOALS
APPEARANCES
17
SQUAD NUMBER
Date of birth: August 4th 1997 Birthplace: Belfast Position: Wing-back/midfield Joined: May 2022
7.5
AVERAGE 2021/22 OPTA RATING
v HULL CITY
7.2
CLEARANCES
1
PASS SUCCESS
CAREER PATH
GLENAVON 2014-2019 Youth
BEST OPTA RATING
60 4
0
0
TOTAL MINUTES PLAYED
TACKLES
CLEAN SHEETS
87.5%
TACKLE SUCCESS
60%
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
OXFORD UNITED 2019-2022 Transfer
“He had only good words to say about the club, he spoke highly of everyone, how the club is run and of his time here. “It was nice to have those conversations and when I joined I spoke to Rob Atkinson as well. “He’s come into the team after leaving Oxford last year and he’s in a good position where he’s playing
BRISTOL CITY 2022-present Transfer
U19 DEBUT MARCH 2016 U21 DEBUT SEP 2016
NOW REGISTERED TO PLAY FOR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
week in, week out and it’s nice to have a familiar face.” And finally, Sykes will have his two-year-old daughter Remy in the crowd to watch her daddy don the red-and-white for the first time, as will his parents, making City versus Sunderland a Sykes family day out! “Hopefully I can send them back with a nice win!” he said.
MATTY [TAYLOR] HAD ONLY GOOD WORDS TO SAY ABOUT THE CLUB, HE SPOKE HIGHLY OF EVERYONE, HOW THE CLUB IS RUN AND OF HIS TIME HERE THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>13
HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W
OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)
ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS
THAT’S BETTING BETTER.
Squad
2022/23
2
1
KANE WILSON
JAY DASILVA
Born: Basildon DOB: 13.07.1993
Born: Birmingham DOB: 11.04.2000
Born: Luton DOB: 22.04.1998
2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB
1
CLEAN SHEETS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
129 0
APPS FULL+SUB
0
1
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
TOTAL
414 0
BRISTOL CITY
1 0
0
1 0
0
43 4
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
159 5
BRISTOL CITY
107 2
TOTAL
163 2
6
Born: Bacup DOB: 22.07.1991
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
368 50
BRISTOL CITY
36 2
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
129 5
BRISTOL CITY
34 1
8
TOTAL
241 13
9
ALEX SCOTT
JOE WILLIAMS
CHRIS MARTIN
Born: Guernsey DOB: 21.08.2003
Born: Liverpool DOB: 08.12.1996
Born: Beccles DOB: 04.11.88
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
0
Born: Chesterfield DOB: 13.07.1998
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
Born: Glasgow DOB: 18.02.1992
2022/23 STATS 1
0
5
7
APPS FULL+SUB
1
MATTY JAMES
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
0
ROB ATKINSON
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
APPS FULL+SUB
KAL NAISMITH 2022/23 STATS 1
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
4
APPS FULL+SUB
3
DANIEL BENTLEY
TOTAL
43 4
>16 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
26 0
TOTAL
135 2
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
TOTAL
77 16 575 161
GOALKEEPER MIDFIELDER
11
10 0
0
ANTOINE SEMENYO
MAX O’LEARY
Born: Barnstaple DOB: 29.10.1988
Born: Chelsea DOB: 07.01.2000
Born: Bath DOB: 10.10.1996
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
15 1
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
TOTAL
429 65
BRISTOL CITY
98 13
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
140 22
BRISTOL CITY
TOTAL
36 0
14
99 0
15
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
1
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
BRISTOL CITY
0 0
APPS FULL+SUB
0
1
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
149 44 411 86
BRISTOL CITY
TOTAL
12 1
12 1
16
17 MARK SYKES
AYMAN BENAROUS
Born: Cheltenham DOB: 22.01.1998
Born: Belfast DOB: 04.08.1997
Born: Bristol DOB: 27.07.2003
CAMERON PRING 2022/23 STATS GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0 TOTAL
93 1
18
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
34 0
0
Born: Taunton DOB: 06.08.2002
0
BRISTOL CITY
CLEAN SHEETS
Born: Vienna DOB: 05.08.1991
CLEAN SHEETS
0
0
Born: Bath DOB: 27.05.2002
0 0
0
0
TOMMY CONWAY
BRISTOL CITY
0
0
ANDREAS WEIMANN
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
APPS FULL+SUB
0
APPS FULL+SUB
HARVEY WILES-RICHARDS 2022/23 STATS 0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
13
APPS FULL+SUB
12
ANDY KING
2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB
DEFENDER FORWARD
0
APPS FULL+SUB
1
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
1 0
TOTAL
154 27
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
12 0
TOTAL
12 0
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>17
Squad
2022/23 19
20
21
Born: Blackpool DOB: 16.11.1999
Born: Bristol DOB: 23.05.2002
Born: Hamilton, Bermuda DOB: 01.06.1990
SAM BELL
GEORGE TANNER 2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
90 4
BRISTOL CITY
0
146 1
0
93 2
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
15 1
TOTAL
101 19 454 145
Born: Frankfurt, Ger. DOB: 09.05.1988
0
0
TIMM KLOSE
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
340 4
BRISTOL CITY
0
1
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
5 0
APPS FULL+SUB
BRISTOL CITY
19 0
TOTAL
19 1
341 26
ZAK VYNER
HAN-NOAH MASSENGO
30
31
Born: Southwark DOB: 14.05.1997
Born: Villepinte, France DOB: 07.07.2001
Born: Saint-Étienne, Fr. DOB: 23.12.2001
1
DISCIPLINE
0
STEFAN BAJIC
2022/23 STATS 0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
0
Born: Bristol DOB: 02.06.2002
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
Born: Olomouc, Czech DOB: 15.05.1993
2022/23 STATS 1
GOALS / ASSISTS
RYLEY TOWLER
26 APPS FULL+SUB
0
25
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
0
23
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
APPS FULL+SUB
22 2022/23 STATS 0
0 TOTAL
10 0
TOMAS KALAS
APPS FULL+SUB
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)
TOTAL
13 1
NAHKI WELLS
TOTAL
179 4
>18 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
GOALS / ASSISTS
0
0
2022/23 STATS
DISCIPLINE
0
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
98 0
TOTAL
104 0
APPS FULL+SUB
0
0
CLEAN SHEETS
0
DISCIPLINE
0
CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY
0 0
TOTAL
53 0
0
Stats
2021/22
LEAGUE
CUP
TOTAL
APP+SUB
GOALS
APP+SUB
GOALS
APP+SUB
GOALS
ROB ATKINSON
29+5
2
1
-
30+5
2
NATHAN BAKER
13+2
1
-
-
13+2
1
TYREEQ BAKINSON
10+3
1
0+1
-
10+4
1
SAM BELL
3+2
-
1
-
4+2
-
AYMAN BENAROUS
7+4
-
1
-
8+4
-
DANIEL BENTLEY
37+1
-
-
-
37+1
-
TOMMY CONWAY
0+4
-
0+2
-
0+6
-
ROBBIE CUNDY
10+4
-
-
-
10+4
-
JAY DASILVA
28+8
1
0+1
-
28+9
1
DUNCAN IDEHEN
0+2
-
-
-
0+2
-
MATTY JAMES
31+2
1
-
-
31+2
1
SAIKOU JANNEH
0+1
-
1
2
1+1
2
TOMÁŠ KALAS ANDY KING
34+1 10+4
1
2 1
-
36+1 11+4
1
TIMM KLOSE
18
1
-
-
18
1
CHRIS MARTIN
43+2
12
1
-
44+2
12
HAN-NOAH MASSENGO
26+11
-
2
-
28+11
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
16+4
1
1 1
-
1 17+4
1
TAYLOR MOORE ÁDÁM NAGY CALLUM O'DOWDA MAX O'LEARY
9
-
2
-
11
-
KASEY PALMER
1+5
1
0+2
-
1+7
1
CAMERON PRING
23+9
-
2
-
25+9
-
ALEX SCOTT
35+3
4
1
-
36+3
4
ANTOINE SEMENYO
24+7
8
0+1
-
24+8
8
DANNY SIMPSON
2+1
-
1
-
3+1
-
GEORGE TANNER
11+2
1
-
-
11+2
1
1
-
-
-
1
-
RYLEY TOWLER ZAK VYNER
19+3
-
-
-
19+3
-
46
22
0+1
-
46+1
22
NAHKI WELLS
7+25
3
2
-
9+25
3
JOE WILLIAMS
13+9
-
1
-
14+9
-
ANDREAS WEIMANN
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>19
Head-to-Head CITY 17 SUNDERLAND 15 DRAWN 14
46 GAMES
BEST VICTORY
WORST DEFEAT
CITY 4-1 SUNDERLAND DIVISION ONE / SEP 4TH 1976
CITY 1-6 SUNDERLAND LEAGUE CUP ROUND TWO, SECOND LEG
CITY 4-1 SUNDERLAND DIVISION TWO / OCT 25TH 1958
OCT 9TH 1990
2021/22 IN NUMBERS POSITION
GOALS
R1
R3
FOR 64 AGAINST 80
89
YELLOW CARDS
1
MOST ASSISTS ANTOINE SEMENYO
TOP SCORER ANDI WEIMANN
7.03
POSSESSION
44.5%
BEST AVERAGE RATING (OPTA) ROB ATKINSON
PASSING PERCENTAGE
70.5% TACKLE SUCCESS
GOALS
QF
FOR 96 AGAINST 66
RED CARDS
12
22
5
TH POSITION PROMOTED VIA PLAY-OFFS
17TH
113
R1
YELLOW CARDS
3
RED CARDS
12
26
MOST ASSISTS ALEX PRITCHARD
TOP SCORER ROSS STEWART
7.42
POSSESSION
56%
BEST AVERAGE RATING (OPTA) ROSS STEWART
PASSING PERCENTAGE
75.1% TACKLE SUCCESS
66.6%
73.1%
AVG. AERIAL DUELS WON
AVG. AERIAL DUELS WON
24
20.6
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>19
2022/23 – LAST FIVE GAMES HULL CITY
JUL 30
A
L
AFC BOURNEMOUTH EXETER CITY
JUL 23
A
JUL 19
H
FOREST GREEN ROVERS JUL 19
H
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
A
JUL 16
1-2
COVENTRY CITY
JUL 31
H
D
W
1-0
HARTLEPOOL UNITED
JUL 25
A
D
1-1
D
2-2
ACCRINGTON
JUL 23
A
L
1-2
W
3-1
BRADFORD CITY
JUL 19
A
L
0-2
W
1-0
DUNDEE UNITED
JUL 16
A
W
2-0
1-1
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>21
CLUB FACTS
Sunderland
J
ENDING FOUR YEARS OF HURT – SUNDERLAND CELEBRATE WINNING LAST SEASON’S LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF FINAL
CLUB FACTS Founded: 1879 Nickname: Black Cats Ground: Stadium of Light Head coach: Alex Neil Finish last season: Fifth, League One promoted via the play-offs
HONOURS Football League champions 1891/92, 1892/93, 1894,95, 1901/02, 1912/13, 1935/36 FA Cup winners 1936/37, 1972/73 League Cup runners-up 1984/85, 2013/14 Second tier winners 1975/76, 1995/96, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2006/07 Third tier winners 1987/88 EFL Trophy winners 2020/21 FA Charity Shield winners 1936
ust two defeats from the opening 12 matches (including one draw) set the Black Cats on their way to a triumphant 2021/22 campaign, with a strong 13-game unbeaten final stretch of the season landing them a play-off finish.
Then top scorer Ross Stewart struck in the 1-0 semi-final first leg win over Sheffield Wednesday, while an injury-time equaliser from Patrick Roberts at Hillsborough would send Sunderland to Wembley in dramatic fashion. Sunderland had enjoyed somewhat of a play-off final hoodoo, having not won in their previous seven attempts in 35 years. However, the stage was set for the club’s first return to the Championship since 2018 and end their third tier run after four-consecutive seasons. In fact, the side from the North East had only played at that level for five seasons in their history – the previous sole campaign was in 1987/88. Wycombe Wanderers were the opponents back in May but goals in either half courtesy of Elliot Embleton, who was drafted into the starting XI as the only change for Alex Neil’s side, and Stewart meant no return to the second tier for Gareth Ainsworth’s men. Sunderland were on course for the perfect return in last weekend’s opening day fixture at home to Coventry City. Summer signing Jack Clarke (on loan last season from Tottenham) had headed the hosts in front in what was a promising start, but Viktor Gykores grabbed a second-half equaliser by picking out the bottom corner from distance, meaning the Black Cats kicked things off with a 1-1 draw.
>22 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
<< ‘THE WEMBLEY OF THE NORTH’ CAPACITY: 49,000
The Stadium of Light is a 49,000 seater stadium, home of Sunderland since 1997. Today it is the ninth largest football stadium in England, labelled the ‘Wembley of the north’ by locals.
ALex Neil THE BOSS
LAST TIME WE MET
BORN | BELLSHILL, JUN 9TH 1981 APPOINTED | FEB 11TH 2002 (SUCCEEDING LEE JOHNSON)
Flint 5 Diédhiou 31, 37
The former Norwich City and Preston North End boss took charge at the Stadium of Light in February 2022, following the departure of Lee Johnson. He was appointed on a 12-month rolling contract, with Sunderland his fourth managerial post. His first task was steering his side back to the Championship, which he did via the play-offs, earning his second promotion as manager.
3-3
Brownhill 70 OG McGeady 81 Pack 92 OG
ASHTON GATE | FEB 10TH 2018 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP ATTENDANCE: 22,580
Formerly a midfielder with Barnsley and Hamilton Academical, he became Hamilton boss at the age of 31 (2013-2015) before taking Norwich City into the Premier League via the play-offs in 2015 and subsequently taking charge of Preston North End (2017-2021). LAST LINE-UP v COVENTRY CITY | SUN JUL 31ST | 1-1 SCORER: CLARKE | ASSIST: GOOCH
1
A Famara Diédhiou brace in a rampant first-half City display proved not to be enough as Sunderland fought back in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ashton Gate.
PATTERSON
5
6
BALLARD
11
BATTH
4
GOOCH
3
CIRKIN
24
20
CLARKE
NEIL
EVANS
8 21
EMBLETON (O’NIEN )
PRITCHARD
14
STEWART (ROBERTS)
Aden Flint (pictured above) reacted quickest as City raced into a fifth-minute lead, before Diédhiou pounced twice in six minutes to give City a 3-0 advantage. They pressed for a fourth but the Black Cats cut the deficit through an unfortunate Josh Brownhill own goal. Aiden McGeady struck ten minutes from time, with the visitors’ stoppage-time equaliser deflecting into the net via Marlon Pack.
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>23
EXCELLENCE IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
BRISTOL CITY PROGRAMME FULL PAGE ADVERT
KIMERAFM.CO.UK
Sunderland ONES TO WATCH
14
ROSS STEWART
2021/22 STATS LEAGUE ONE
7
6.98
HEAD
Stewart scored on his League One debut in March 2021 after signing from Ross County.
OPTA RATING
However, it was the 2021/22 season where the 26-year-old Irvine-born forward made a name for himself in front of the Sunderland faithful as he went on to score 26 goals across the campaign, helping fire the Black Cats to promotion, earning him the club’s Player of the Year accolade in the process. That included a hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday last December and his domestic form led to him being awarded his first Scottish cap in June. His contract expires next summer and, amid reported interest from Rangers, Sunderland do have an option to extend the contract automatically for a further year.
26
53
APPEARANCES
4,581
MINUTES
3
ASSISTS
69.9%
PASSES COMPLETED
287 (49.4%) AERIAL DUELS WON
2.8
SHOTS PER GAME
14 RIGHT FOOT
BAILEY WRIGHT
The Australian defender is set to be back on Ashton Gate soil for the first time since November 2019. He made 83 appearances for the Robins before his switch to the Black Cats in January 2020.
5
LEFT FOOT
24
26 GOALS
DANIEL NEIL
Last season’s Young Player of the Year is a 20-year-old midfielder who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, having previously played in the Black Cats’ successful EFL Trophy run in 2020/21.
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>25
U23 2021/22 Results DATE
KO
OPPOSITION
H/A
H-T
SCORE
Tue Aug 17
2.00 pm
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
H
0-0
2-0
RES
W
ATT
Buse
Taylor
Soady (C)
Towler
Mon Aug 23
1.00 pm
Wigan Athletic
A
0-2
0-3
W
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Moore (C)
Towler
Wed Sep 1
1.00 pm
HULL CITY
H
3-1
6-2
W
O’Leary
Allen
Soady (C) N.Williams
Fri Sep 10
1.00 pm
Sheffield United
A
1-2
2-4
W
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Soady (C)4
Kadji
Tue Sep 21
1.00 pm
PETERBOROUGH UNITED
H
0-2
1-4
L
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Soady (C)4
Kadji
Mon Sep 27
1.00 pm
Ipswich Town
A
0-1
1-2
W
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Williams
Wood
Tue Oct 12
7.45 pm
Cinderford Town (R1)
A
1-4
1-4
W
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Soady (c)
Kadji
Mon Oct 18
1.00 pm
Watford
A
1-1
1-4
W
Buse
Taylor
Knight-Lebel Williams4
Tue Oct 26
1.00 pm
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
H
0-0
0-2
L
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Soady (C)
Allen4
Mon Nov 1
1.00 pm
Charlton Athletic
A
0-1
0-3
W Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Knight-Lebel 1
Wood
Tue Nov 30
1.30 pm
Millwall
A
0-0
1-1
D
Wiles-Richards
Taylor
Wood 1
Soady
Tue Jan 4
7.45 pm
Cirencester Town (QF)
A
2-1
3-2
L
Wiles-Richards Knight-Lebel
Tue Jan 11
1.00 pm
Queens Park Rangers
A
0-2
3-4
W
Wiles-Richards
Mon Jan 17
1.00 pm
Swansea City
A
0-1
2-2
D
Wiles-Richards Pearson
Tue Jan 25
2.00 pm
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
H
0-1
1-2
L
132
Tue Feb 1
1.00 pm
CARDIFF CITY
H
2-0
3-3
D
100
Tue Feb 22
1.00 pm
MILLWALL
H
2-0
4-0
W
135
Tue Mar 1
1.00 pm
Cardiff City
A
0-1
1-3
W
Wiles-Richards Wood4
Tue Mar 8
1.00 pm
SWANSEA CITY
H
0-0
1-0
W
Wiles-Richards Knight-Lebel Taylor-Clarke Owers (C) 1
Tue Mar 15
1.00 pm
COLCHESTER UNITED
H
1-1
3-1
W
Boyd 4
Z.Bell
Knight-Lebel
Idehen
Mon Mar 21
1.00 pm
Crewe Alexandra
A
0-2
0-4
W
Wiles-Richards
Z.Bell
Knight-Lebel
Idehen
Tue Apr 5
1.00 pm
WATFORD
H
0-0
1-1
D
269
Casa-Grande Tanner4
Idehen
Wood
Tue Apr 12
12.00 pm IPSWICH TOWN
H
0-1
0-1
L
234
O’Leary (C) Tanner4
Idehen
Wood
Tue Apr 19
11.00 am
Colchester United
A
0-0
0-3
W
Casa-Grande
Z.Bell
Soady
Owers (C)4
Mon Apr 25
1.00 pm
Barnsley
A
0-0
1-1
D
Casa-Grande
Z.Bell
Wood
Idehen
Tue May 3
1.00 pm
COVENTRY CITY
H
2-0
4-2
W
Buse
Z.Bell4
Wood
Owers (C)
Mon May 9
3.00 pm
Sheffield United (Play-off Semi-Final)
A
0-0
0-1
W
Buse
Z.Bell
Wood
Owers
Tue May 17
7.00 pm
COVENTRY CITY (Play-Off Final)
H
1-2
2-3
L
Buse
Z.Bell
Taylor
Owers
140
STARTING XI
Buse
Taylor
Taylor
Soady (c) Taylor-Clarke4 Soady
Owers4
Owers
Kadji
Henry
Williams
Wiles-Richards Simpson (C) N.Williams4 Morton4 Boyd
130
2,337
KEY All Matches Professional Development League 2 unless GFA Cup | Goalscorer Bold | Penalty P | Yellow card
>26 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Taylor
| Red card
N.Williams
Owers4
Towler4
IIdehen
| Substituted 44444
SUBSTITUTES
N.Williams
Morton
Pearson 2
Owers
Britton4
Semenyo4
S.Bell4
Conway4
Boyd
Benarous4
Allen
Kadji4
Pearson4
Owers4
Morton
Janneh
Benarous
Conway4
S.Bell 2
Porton4
Britton 14
Soady4
Boyd
Kadji
Bakinson
Towler
Janneh 1
J.Williams
Wells 4
S.Bell 1
Palmer
Britton
Wiles-Richards
Owers
Araoye
Rose
Knight-Lebel
Allen
Janneh 1
Pearson4
Britton 2
S.Bell 1
Benarous
Backwell
Walker
Rose4
Richards
Araoye4
Knight-Lebel
Williams
Janneh
S.Bell4
Pearson4
Benarous 1
Palmer
Allen4
Britton4
Boyd
Z Bell
Franciois4
Soady
Owers
Janneh4
Benarous
S.Bell 1
Britton 14
Franciois4
Boyd4
Henry
Swaby
Pearson4
Rose4
Knight-Lebel
Sage
Thomas
Benarous
Palmer-Houlden 2
Francois 2
Swaby
Owusu-Ansi
Walker
South-Tomas Taylor-Clarke
Pearson 14
Kadji
Owers4
Soady
Benarous 3
Francois
Britton
Casa-Grande
Allen4
South-Tomas4 Swaby4
Kadji
Knight-Lebel
Williams
South-Thomas4 Taylor-Clarke4
Britton
Francois
Boyd
McAllister4
Swaby4
Yeboah4
Pearson 1
Kadji
Owers4
Soady (c )4
Janneh
Francois4
Britton 1
Boyd
Salmon
Backwell4
Allen4
Pearson
Backwell
Sage
Salmon
Janneh
Conway (C)
Britton
Casa-Grande
Brown
Richards
Allen
Cundy4
Pearson
Kadji
Henry4
Palmer-Houlden 1
Backwell 1
Hutton4
Boyd
Williams
Cundy 14
Pearson 1
Taylor-Clarke
Britton 1
Backwell 1
Henry4
Boyd
Owusu-Antwi Palmer-Houlden4 Knight-Lebel4 Hutton4
Conway 1
Triallist4
Boyd
Thomas4 Knight-Lebel4
Taylor
N.Williams4 Backwell
Knight-Lebel Cundy (C)
Taylor-Clarke S.Bell (C) 1
Backwell
Acey4
Yeboah4 Palmer-Holden 1 Taylor-Clarke
Brown
Richards
Henry
Kadji4
Taylor4
S.Bell
Owers
Wells 2
Benarous
Conway 1
Boyd
Idehen 1
Morton (C)
S.Bell
Kadji4
Henry 3
Palmer-Houlden
Soady
Casa-Grande
Taylor
Kadji
Taylor-Clarke
Owers
Soady
Wells (C) 2
Conway 1
Bell4
Thomas4
Wood
Idehen
Bell
Kadji
Henry
Palmer-Houlden4
Soady4
Boyd
Brown
Wood
Taylor-Clarke 1
Kadji4
Owers (C)
Thomas
Palmer-Houlden 2
Henry4
Casa-Grande4 Richards
Wood
Taylor-Clarke
Kadji
Owers (C) Benarous 14 Conway 34
S.Bell4
Casa-Grande
Soady
Morton (C)
Kadji
Z. Bell
Kadji
Owers
Wood
Idehen
Soady
Owers (c)
Backwell
Towler
Idehen
Towler Towler
Taylor-Clarke Thomas4
Awusu-Antwi4 N.Williams4
Walker
Idehen
Henry
Owusu-Ansi
Thomas4
Hutton4
Knight-Lebel4 Backwell4
Thomas4 Taylor-Clarke4 Richards
Soady
Richards Brown
Thomas4
Knight-Lebel
Hutton4
Hutton4 Owusu-Antwi4
Palmer-Houlden4
Henry4
Thomas4
Henry4
Rose4
Z. Bell4
Janneh 1
Vine4
Benarous4
Conway
S.Bell
Casa-Grande
Backwell
Henry4 Taylor-Clarke4
Conway 2
S.Bell 1
Kadji
Manning
Thomas
Rose4
Kadji
Henry4
Conway4
S.Bell 1
Smith
Taylor
Janneh 1 4
Kadji4
S.Bell 1
Benarous
Conway 2
Casa-Grande
Henry
Taylor4
Backwell4
Rose 4
Idehen
Edwards 1
Kadji
S.Bell
Conway
Jenneh
Casa-Grande
Backwell
Rose
Henry
Taylor
Wood4
Rose4
Kadji4
S.Bell
Conway 2
Soady4
Backwell4 Benarous4
Mannings Palmer-Houlden
Taylor-Clarke4
Prince4
Taylor-Clarke Palmer-Houlden4
Rose4 Taylor-Clarke4
Rose 4
Edwards 1 Case-Grande Backwell4 Palmer-Houlden4 Knight-Lebel Thomas4
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>27
POSTER A3
2022/23 SEASON TICKETS ADULTS FROM £380 U12S FROM £55 BCFC.CO.UK/SEASONTICKETS
Academy PROVEN PATH
C
ity’s Under-21s campaign kicks off away to their Barnsley counterparts on Tuesday (August 9th, 2pm KO) as the young Robins look for another positive outing in the Professional Development League. The Under-23s made it all the way to the final last season, after finishing runners up in their southern division, ending up just one point behind table toppers Ipswich Town. That meant they faced Sheffield United in the semi-final, where Owura Edwards scored the only goal to see the youngsters advance into the final against Coventry City.
ACADEMY
The Sky Blues youth set-up raced into an early twogoal lead and while Edwards and Tommy Conway (pictured)
forced a way back into the game, Coventry pounced again, this time without reply to claim a 3-2 victory. Academy Director Brian Tinnion is sure the Under-21s squad will learn from the experience. He said: “I always say, the game’s not black and white, there’s ups and downs and you’ve got to deal with them.” The path from the Academy to the first team is well-trodden, with the senior team averaging six academy graduates in the matchday squad across the 2021/22 campaign, which certainly bodes well for the upcoming campaign.
NEWS
“I’m proud of that relationship we’ve built now to make that High Performance Centre ‘one’ building,” said Tinnion. “It’s not an Academy or first team building, we’re altogether and we’ve got that strong bond with Nige and his staff.”
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SOUTH GROUP 2021/22 TABLE Ipswich CITY Cardiff Charlton Millwall Colchester Watford Swansea QPR
P 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
W 16 15 15 10 9 8 6 5 7
D 3 5 2 6 3 5 7 9 3
L 5 4 7 8 12 11 11 10 14
GD 31 29 14 9 -11 -8 -15 -7 -19
Pts 51 50 47 36 30 29 25 24 24
UNDER-23S 2021/22 APPEARANCES
PLAY-OFFS Semi-Finals Sheff Utd 0-1 Bristol City Coventry 5-4 Ipswich Final Bristol City 2-3 Coventry
D. Kadji D. Lewis J. Owers B. Soady J. Taylor S. Bell H. Wiles-Richards O. Taylor-Clarke J. Knight-Lebel C. Wood T. Conway Z. Bell A. Benarous D. Idehen N. Williams T. Backwell P. Henry S. Pearson L. Britton S. Janneh S. Palmer-Houlden M. Rose O. Thomas K. Allen E. Morrison R. Towler W. Buse M. Francois C. Hutton J. Morton J. Casa-Grande H. Leeson F. Owusu-Antwi M. Boyd R. Cundy J. South-Thomas T. Swaby R. Araoye O. Edwards K. Palmer I. Richards W. Sage G. Tanner E. Yeboah B. Acey T. Bakinson T. Moore J. Porton C. Salmon A. Semenyo J. Williams
Apps 22 21 20 20 17 15 15 15 14 14 13 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 7 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Goals 0 7 1 0 0 10 0 1 0 1 11 0 5 1 0 2 3 4 6 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
>29
Time
A MOMENT IN
>30
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Taking in the view of Ashton Gate from the dugout during pre-season training in July 1954, City legends Jimmy Rogers (L) and Ernie Ginger Peacock (C) are joined by the three new summer signings; Tony Nelson (R) a forward from Newport, Eric Baker and sat between Jimmy and Ernie is Norman Jackson, a full-back signed from Sheffield Wednesday. Only Jackson went on to make a debut for City making nine appearances over two seasons at Ashton Gate. Credit: The Jimmy Rogers Collection
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>31
MA TC HD AY CHELTENHAM TOWN: GOALCORER GEORGE TANNER BRAVES THE HEAT; FORMER CITY PROMOTION HERO WADE ELLIOT IN THE AWAY DUGOUT; KANE WILSON ON DEBUT. PORTSMOUTH: EX-CITY MIDFIELDER MARLON PACK LINES UP AGAINST DEFENSIVE TRIO: ROB ATKINSON, TIMM KLOSE AND KAL NAISMITH; ACADEMY PRODUCT JAMES TAYLOR GETS IN A CROSS. PLYMOUTH ARGYLE: NEW SIGNING MARK SYKES; MATCHWINNER NAHKI WELLS CELEBRATES WITH THE FANS; ZAK VYNER HOLDS OFF PILGRIMS SKIPPER, AND CITY ACADEMY PRODUCT, JOE EDWARDS.
>32 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
2-0 Tanner, Conway Robins High Performance Centre | July 6th 2022 Three new signings in Kal Naismith, Mark Sykes and Kane Wilson all featured against former Robin Wade Elliot’s Cheltenham Town. Although Chris Martin missed a second-half penalty, George Tanner and Nahki Wells struck to give City a win in their opening pre-season fixture. Bentley (C), Klose (Towler 60), Atkinson (Tanner 60), Naismith (Vyner 60), Wilson (Idehen 60), James (Massengo 60), Williams (King 60), Dasilva (Pring 60), Sykes (Bell 60), Wells (Conway 60), Martin (Weimann 60).
0-0 Robins High Performance Centre | July 12th 2022 Despite a dominant performance with several chances, the Robins were forced to a goalless draw over 120 minutes of action. Bentley (C) (O’Leary, 60), Wilson (Tanner 69), Kal Naismith, 69), Atkinson (Idehen 69), James (Massengo 90), Williams (King 90), Weimann (Conway 69), Taylor (Dasilva 69), Sykes (Palmer-Houlden 90), Wells (Bell 90), Klose (Towler 69).
0-1 Wells Home Park | July 16th 2022 | Attendance: 5,718 City left it late but had Wells to thank for a winning goal in their third pre-season runout. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Sykes won the ball on the edge of the box before Bell fed Wells who cut the ball onto his left foot and slid it under the keeper to break the deadlock. Bentley (C) (O’Leary 60), Vyner, Klose (Towler 60), Atkinson (Idehen 60), Dasilva (Wilson 60), 30 Massengo, 10 King, 19 Tanner (Sykes 60), Weimann (Bell 60), 15 Conway (Wells 60), 9 Martin. Subs not used: Wiles-Richards, Clark, Taylor, Taylor-Clarke.
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>33
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Time
DONNIE GILLIES SCORES CITY’S FOURTH WITH THIS SOLO EFFORT
A MATCH IN
TOP START MIKE ADAMS LOOKS BACK AT CITY'S FIRST WIN BACK IN THE TOP FLIGHT IN 1976
>36
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
4-1
Mann 30, Tainton 34, Ritchie 42, Gillies 56
Robson 41
SEPTEMBER 4TH 1976 | ASHTON GATE DIVISION ONE | ATTENDANCE: 20,865
T
his match was a triumph for the Robins, back in the top flight after 60 years – but it was the circumstances surrounding the match that gave it that added spice.
TOM RITCHIE HEADS HOME CITY’S THIRD OF THE GAME
During the previous season City had rivalled Sunderland for the Second Division title. When the two sides met in March, the Robins led through Gerry Sweeney’s goal at Roker Park only for Mel Holden to equalise on 85 minutes. Despite this setback Alan Dicks’ men held on to top spot for the whole of March going into April. Promotion was achieved in the penultimate game at home to Portsmouth in a nail-biting match following Clive Whitehead’s thirdminute goal. But a 1-2 defeat at Notts County on the final day, and Sunderland’s home victory against Pompey, allowed the Black Cats to push City into second place. Fast forward a few months and the Robins had enjoyed a dream start to Division One football – beating Arsenal at Highbury thanks to Paul Cheesley’s magnificent header on the opening day. Cheesley was injured in the subsequent 1-1 draw with Stoke City in the first home match before Alan Dicks’ men played out a 0-0 draw at Newcastle.
The 4-1 win at Ashton Gate was seen as a settling of scores. The Robins controlled the game and deservedly went ahead when Trevor Tainton rolled a free-kick for Jimmy Mann to slam the ball past the wall. Four minutes later Sweeney’s long throw-in was half-volleyed into the roof of the net by Tainton at the near post. The visitors took advantage when Gary Collier mis-controlled the ball on the edge of his area allowing Bryan ‘Pop’ Robson to score, but less than a minute later Tom Ritchie restored the two-goal advantage with a far post header following a corner. After the break Donnie Gillies sealed the win with a solo effort – winning the ball before firing low into the net from 20 yards. In a further twist, the Robins would go on to survive the drop on the final day following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Coventry City, a result which condemned Sunderland to relegation. City: 1 Cashley, 2 Sweeney, 3 Drysdale, 4 Gow, 5 Collier, 6 Merrick, 7 Tainton, 8 Ritchie (12 Fear), 9 Mann, 10 Gillies, 11 Whitehead
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>37
Association FORMER PLAYERS
CONTACT NEIL.PALMER@BCFCFORMERPLAYERS.CO.UK
O
ur aim here at the Former Players Association is to bring past players from different eras together and to reconnect the supporters with those legends, whilst adding to the heritage and history of this great club. After all, a club’s history is the very foundation on which the future should be built.
from different eras in the 2021/22 season, as well as holding popular events such as the Ashton Gate Eight 40th Anniversary and the Spirit of the 60s.
Today sees the launch of our Ambassadors, former players hosting guests and interacting with the fans at home games. It will also see the launch of our Legends Lounge which will be on the mezzanine above the Sports Bar. The Everyone at Bristol Ambassadors for today’s IT’S A FANTASTIC FEELING City Football Club have game will be Geoff welcomed us and Merrick, Trevor Tainton, TO MEET UP WITH OLD FRIENDS supported us since our Dave Rodgers, Jantzen AND SHARE STORIES WITH PLAYERS launch in September 2021. Derrick Paul Cheesley FROM DIFFERENT ERAS WHILST The FPA has gone from and Gary Owers. We ALSO FEELING PART OF THE strength to strength and will also be hosting a BRISTOL CITY FAMILY AGAIN proved ever so popular. group of former players GEOFF MERRICK such as Ray Cashley, As club legend of the Bobby Williams, Tony 1960s/70s and former Thorpe, Tony Ford, Bryan promotion captain Geoff Merrick explained: “To be invited Drysdale, Tom Ritchie Mike Gibson, Gerry Sweeney and back to the club where I played all those years ago, and Rob Edwards. Look out for them walking on to the pitch the club that I love with all my heart, is very special. It’s before kick off. a fantastic feeling to meet up with old friends and share stories with players from different eras whilst also feeling In the coming weeks we look forward to bringing back part of the Bristol City family again. It’s given me a new many more former players to Ashton Gate, as well as the lease of life and I know all the players feel the same. families of great players who have passed away. We hope We are all part of the history of the club and to have it with your support and appreciation we can acknowledge acknowledged like this is truly humbling.” these players from our rich history and welcome them back into the Bristol City family. With the support of our club, we were able to get involved in various charity events. We welcomed 40 former players Neil Palmer
>38
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Donnie Gillies HALL OF FAME
HOW ‘THE DON’ SCORED A FOOTBALLING FIRST
D
onnie Gillies joined Bristol City from Greenock Morton in March 1973.
It was a move that brought many vital goals, including the 1-0 winner at Leeds United in the 1973/74 FA Cup fifth round and, arguably more important, his equaliser at Coventry City in May 1977 which ensured City were saved from relegation in their first season back in Division One. The winner at Leeds – then unbeaten leaders of the old First Division – provided City with their greatest FA Cup victory. Such was the impact that Gillies was pictured on the front page of The Times the next day. GIllies scored with a left footed drive that squeezed round Norman Hunter and under keeper David Harvey’s diving body. Quoted in The Sun, the ex-Merchant Navy deckhand and papermill worker admitted: “Donnie Gillies? I feel more like Donnie Osmond the way people are treating me at the moment!” Gillies was a feisty and versatile competitor on the pitch, ever
DONNIE GILLIES SCORES HIS LEGENDARY GOAL AT LEEDS IN FEBRUARY 1974
ready to charge into battle. Soon it became apparent he was as adept at defending as attacking and, as City began their 1975/76 promotion race, Gillies was used increasingly in that role. In 1976/77 three teams – Coventry, Sunderland or Bristol City – went into the final day knowing one of them would join Tottenham and Stoke City in Division Two. The irony was City were away to Coventry on the final day. Tommy Hutchinson put Coventry ahead and then made it 2-0 after 52
minutes. City looked doomed but hope was renewed just 90 seconds later when Gerry Gow netted from a knockdown by Gillies. Eleven minutes from time City fans went wild as Gillies equalised from 10 yards. Gillies enjoyed seven rollercoaster years at Ashton Gate. When the Robins encountered a cash crisis he caused a stir by moving to Terry Cooper’s Bristol Rovers for £50,000 in June 1980. Mike Adams
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>39
BECOME A ROBINS LOTTO MEMBER!
T
he Foundation would like to thank all Robins Lotto members for their continued support. Last season Robins Lotto members raised over £50,000. This money has helped run a number of different programmes within the community.
Robins Lotto is the official lottery scheme of Bristol City FC and provides fans with a unique opportunity to be in with a chance of winning a share of over £45,000 and City memorabilia over the course of the season, whilst simultaneously supporting the award-winning work of the club’s official charity – Bristol City Robins Foundation.
ACADEMY NEWS
From our Pan Disability Sessions to Walking Football the money ensures that these sessions can be run by passionate coaches to provide everyone in the community the opportunity to play the sport they love. Members have also helped fans change their lives and get fit through Slim2Win sessions. Participants see impressive weight loss through playing football and living healthier lifestyles supported by their coaches. The Foundation would like to thank all Robins Lotto members as without this support the Foundation would not be able to run the several different programmes throughout South Bristol.
All proceeds generated by the Robins Lotto will go directly to Bristol City Robins Foundation and help them continue to change lives in the local community.
JACKPOT WINNER 4 Denise Fricker won the Robins Lotto end of season draw. Denise has been a Robins Lotto member for 15 years, attending her first game back in 1966. Her whole family are massive City fans and never miss a game.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO ROBINS LOTTO THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>41
NAHKI WELLS PICTURED DURING CITY’S PRE-SEASON GAME VERSUS PORTSMOUTH
PLAYER
Profile
>42 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
NAHKI Wells
32 AGE
SQUAD NUMBER
POSITION
STRIKER
21
SIGNED
JAN 2020 FROM
BURNLEY PREVIOUS CLUBS FULL APPEARANCES + SUB | GOALS
0+3 | 0
76+36 | 53
128+25 | 49
0+10 | 0
56+16 | 24
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
21 15 CAPS
GOALS
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>43
3-1 Martin, Sykes, Weimann
Marsh
Robins High Performance Centre | July 19th 2022 City secured another pre-season win as they put three goals past Forest Green Rovers. Goals from Chris Martin, Mark Sykes and Andi Weimann put the Robins on the road to victory before Josh Marsh pulled a goal back. City were, for the most part, solid in defence with Dan Bentley making several excellent saves to deny the visitors. Bentley, Vyner, Naismith, Atkinson, Dasilva, James, Williams, Tanner, Sykes, Weimann, Martin. Subs not used: Boyd, Henry, Taylor-Clarke, Araoye.
2-2 Conway 2
Coley 2
Robins High Performance Centre | July 19th 2022 A Tommy Conway double kept City’s unbeaten pre-season run going with a 2-2 draw against Exeter City. The young marksman struck in the 77th and 86th minutes to level the scores after a Josh Coley double for the Grecians. O’Leary , Wilson, King, Conway, James Taylor (Scott 46), Bell, Wells, Towler, Idehen (Araoye 20), Klose, Massengo (Taylor-Clarke 33). Subs not used: Casa-Grande, Henry.
0-1 Martin (P) Vitality Stadium | July 23rd 2022 City wrapped up their pre-season with victory thanks to Chris Martin’s 49th-minute penalty, after Andi Weimann was bundled over. In another positive outing, Nigel Pearson’s side matched their Premier League opponents for attacking intent and earned a clean-sheet to boot. Bentley, Vyner (Klose 45), Naismith (Towler 60), Atkinson (Araoye 60), Dasilva, James (Bell 60), Williams (Massengo 45), Scott (Kadji 70), Sykes (Tanner 60), Weimann (Wells 60), Martin (Conway 60). Subs not used: O’Leary, Wiles-Richards, Wood.
>44 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
MA TC HD AY FOREST GREEN ROVERS: MARK SYKES ROUNDS THE KEEPER TO PUT CITY 2-0 UP; GOALSCORER CHRIS MARTIN GOES FOR GOAL. EXETER CITY: YOUNG DEFENDER RAPHAEL ARAOYE IN ACTION; TIMM KLOSE TAKES ON THE GRECIANS; TOMMY CONWAY PULLS A GOAL BACK FOR THE HOME SIDE . AFC BOURNEMOUTH: MATTY JAMES HOLDS OFF ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL DOMINIC SOLANKE; MARTIN SCORES THE WINNER FROM THE SPOT. THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>45
ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.
‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’ A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk. This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials. We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. #LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame
22/23 HOME KIT ON SALE NOW
BCFC.CO.UK/SHOP
Obituary
MARTIN HENNEBERRY
E
veryone at Bristol City was saddened to learn that Martin “Tinners” Henneberry, passed away recently after a short illness, aged 71.
Martin’s first match at Ashton Gate was an FA Cup Third Round tie versus Charlton Athletic on January 9th 1960. Despite losing 2-3, John Atyeo and Tommy Cavanagh scoring that day, the game started his longstanding affection for City. Martin was ever-present at home and away games season after season, travelling from London where he moved to from Bristol in the late-1960s to study at university. His undying support meant no fixture was too far and midweek home games often meant getting home after 2am. Living in Wimbledon gave Martin the opportunity to be actively involved with the London Branch of the Bristol City Supporters Club. He was a tenacious full-back for the Sunday team and served as Chairman for a number of years. He was also City’s representative for The Association of Provincial Football Supporters Clubs in London (APFSCIL), which was formed in the mid-1970s. Known affectionally in these groups as “The Voice of
>48 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Experience”, his knowledge of City was encyclopaedic – there didn’t seem to be a match, player, or goal scorer he couldn’t remember. Outside of football, he talked eloquently on many subjects, including society, history, religion, and politics. “Tinners” was a great ambassador for Bristol City. Travelling on trains and buses or in the pub before and after games, he would strike up conversations with home and away supporters. He didn’t just promote and talk about City, but always showed a genuine interest in other fans’ opinions and thoughts on the game that we all love. He was a quiet, modest, mild-mannered person who had respect and affection for everyone that he met. His funeral was held in South London in June. A good contingent of City fans were in attendance to pay their respects and reminisce, some of whom had travelled from Canada and Colombia. One of the songs played during the service was “The Red Red Robin” which older City fans will remember was always played before each home game at the Gate in the 1960s and early 1970s. Martin will be missed by so many, especially those fans who regularly travelled home and away with him following our beloved City.
SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOT STORIES TO SHARE ... IT’S INCREDIBLE THAT HE’S MANAGED TO TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE’S LIVES.
STONEY GARNETT
B
ristol City was saddened to hear about the passing of much-loved supporter ‘Mr Bristol City’, Stoney Garnett. He was an instantly recognisable character at Ashton Gate, not least for wearing his red fedora. He made everyone smile and laugh, wherever he met them. Stoney was born in Knowle West before living in Whitchurch, and after leaving Connaught Road School, he worked at British Rail before becoming a postman for 24 years. He was also an entertainer, a comedian and actor who featured in the likes of Robin of Sherwood and Only Fools and Horses. He also ran for mayor of Bristol on two occasions in 2012 and 2016. But no matter where his travels took him, Stoney had a clear love for City and quoted Jackie Dziekanowski as “the best player I have ever seen grace the Ashton
Gate turf.” In one anecdote he was even once mistaken for a City player in a restaurant, to which then-manager Alan Dicks told the waiter ‘well tell him to come and see me and not to forget his boots.’ CEO Richard Gould led the tributes to ‘Mr Bristol City’ and, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, said: “Ashton Gate won’t be the same. It’s been incredible to see everyone’s memories being shared on social media. “The fact that so many people have got stories to share on Stoney about when they’ve met him or seen him at Ashton Gate, it’s incredible that he’s managed to touch so many people’s lives. “I first met him about 20-odd years ago and he was so distinctive, very funny and a charming guy. When he had an opinion he would let us know about it which was a good thing as well. Everybody that came across him had a positive memory
which is a great thing, and I feel for his family and friends but I hope they can take some comfort from the fact that he was loved by so many people. “Our first league home game against Sunderland will have a really big crowd so it will be the ideal opportunity to remember and thank Stoney so we’ll look at all the suggestions coming through and make sure we can do something which will be really appropriate and something we can be proud of. “With his red fedora and his extremely smart dress sense he was instantly recognisable, iconic and somebody who everyone was proud of, football club included. We’re so grateful for his support and what he did over the years and it’s now our opportunity to provide support back to his family and friends.” The club’s thoughts are with Stoney’s family and friends.
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>49
THANK YOU TO OUR
PARTNERS PRINCIPAL
ELITE
SUPPORTING
*Effective *Effective against against enveloped enveloped viruses viruses **vs **vs representative representative Gram-negative Gram-negative bacterium. bacterium. Always Always practise practise good good hand hand hygiene. hygiene. Use Use biocides biocides safely. safely. Always Always read read the the label label and and product product information information before before use. use. 99.9% 99.9% OF OF BACTERIA BACTERIA
POSTER A3 2022/23
MEMBERSHIPS £5 OFF HOME LEAGUE MATCHES | TICKET PRIORITY TWO FREE TICKETS FOR U19S & U12S
£25
Cartoons CITY IN
CLUB HISTORIAN DAVID WOODS CONTINUES HIS CARTOON SERIES FROM LAST SEASON
Sykes 80
1-2
Tindill 68 Atyeo 77
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST 1958 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO A respectful silence in memory of Rovers full-back Harry Bamford, who had died the previous day following a scooter accident during the week, is the prelude to a far from clean derby.
W
e start the 2022/23 campaign with two offerings from ‘Speed‘ (Jim Neal) in the ‘Bristol Evening World’, who in contrast to Bob Bennett in the ‘Bristol Evening Post’, frequently covered the local amateur soccer scene, as well as other sports. As can be seen from these two examples from the 1958/59 season he put an equal amount of care into his work for both the professional and the amateur game. ’Speed’s’ impressions of the St Silas v Hambrook game played on January 17th 1959 appeared in the following week’s Bristol Evening World Pink’Un.
Referee Mervyn Griffiths had to be at his best to maintain control as City took their chances to win despite Rovers having the territorial advantage; a victory that saw City fourth in the table and Rovers sixth. Rovers: Radford; Doyle, Watling; Sykes, Pyle, Sampson; McIlvenny, Biggs, Bradford, Ward, Hooper. City: Cook; Hopkinson, Thresher; McCall, Alan Williams, Burden; Virgin, Tindill, Atyeo, Etheridge, Watkins. Referee: BM Griffiths (Newport, Monmouthshire) Attendance: 32,129
Frustratingly, the local newspaper reports of this game present the researcher with a problem, as City’s line-up in both the Pink ‘Un and the Western Daily Press show George Walker at outside-left, whilst their match reports make mention of Johnny Watkins.
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>53
COLLECTING WORLD CUP MEMENTOES HAS TURNED FROM A PASSION TO A QUEST FOR CITY SUPPORTER STEVE SMITH. NOW, AS THE GREATEST FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT COMES AROUND FOR QATAR 2022, IT’S TIME TO REKINDLE SOME MEMORIES AS HE CLIMBS UP INTO THE ATTIC AND LOOKS AT HIS COLLECTION...
WHAT DID YOU COLLECT FOR THE WORLD CUP
Grandad?
S
o, how about this 1966 World Cup squad shirt for starters? It belonged to Norman Hunter, a Bristol City legend from the late-1970s, but at a time when he was playing for Leeds United. This is his red England shirt he was given for the World Cup finals held in England in 1966 and has his squad number, 18, machine-stitched on the reverse. Made by Umbro, who have been making football kits since 1924, this cotton-made shirt is a one-off, being made to be worn for one match only. It was given to Norman, who had only played four times for England before the tournament began, should his services be required.
He was an established central defender at the age of just 22 with Leeds United and was considered the next best alternative to captain Bobby Moore, should the West Ham United defender get injured. However, 24-year-old Bobby never did get injured and played every minute of England’s
>54 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
six matches and was handed the Jules Rimet trophy from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from the Royal Box at the old Wembley Stadium on July 30th.
This now iconic red shirt, simple in its appearance like so many at the time, was only worn for the final against West Germany, whose kit supplier was also Umbro. For all of England’s previous five matches, they wore the standard white long-sleeve shirt, blue shorts and white socks. So Norman only had this one red shirt as understudy to the England captain. The closest Norman got to seeing action was watching the final against West Germany, for which England won 4-2 after extratime, from the touchline, along with all the other squad members that day – dressed in normal clothes as no substitutes were allowed back then. His only appearance in a World Cup finals came in the 1970 Mexico competition when he came on for Martin Peters with ten minutes to go when England, the defending World Champions, were leading West
NORMAN HUNTER SIGNS HIS 1966 WORLD CUP SHIRT FOR ME IN AUGUST 2004 AT A BOOK SIGNING OF HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY, BITING TALK, IN BRISTOL.
NORMAN’S LEEDS UNITED TEAM-MATE, JACKIE CHARLTON, DECKED OUT IN ENGLAND’S SECONDCHOICE KIT AS THEY LINE UP AHEAD OF THE 1966 FINAL.
NORMAN HUNTER MAKING HIS FIRST APPEARANCE FOR CITY AT DERBY COUNTY ON OCTOBER 30TH 1976, THE DAY AFTER HE TURNED 33 YEARS OLD.
Germany 2-1, only to go down 3-2 in extra-time. And just as in 1966, his squad number was 18. Old “Bites Yer Legs” went on to win 28 caps by October 1974 and two years later signed for us from Leeds United bringing his vast experience of top-flight and international defending to a City side who just needed some advice at the back to remain in Division One. He soon became a firm favourite to the Ashton Gate faithful and went on to play 122 matches for the
Robins by the time he left in the summer of 1979 for Barnsley. He notched up five goals along the way, with his first net-buster coming against his old club. The cheers nearly took the roof off all three stands. Norman, who was born in Eighton Banks, Gateshead in 1943, was a no-nonsense defender whose tough tackling reputation went before him. Sadly, the only opponent to get the better of him was Covid-19 – he passed away on April 17th 2020 after a week in hospital. THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
>55
2021/22Fixtures& Results DATE
KO
OPPOSITION
H/A
Sat Aug 7
3.00 pm
BLACKPOOL
H
SCORE RES
Tue Aug 10
7.45 pm
Forest Green Rovers
A
Sat Aug 14
3.00 pm
Middlesbrough
A
1-2
L
22,004
Bentley
Vyner4
Tue Aug 17
8.00 pm
Reading
A
3-2
W
14,207
Bentley
Simpson
Fri Aug 20
7.45 pm
SWANSEA CITY
H
0-1
L
20,139
Bentley
Sat Aug 28
12.30 pm
Cardiff City
A
2-1
W
20,891
Bentley
Sat Sept 11
3.00 pm
1-1
D
2-2(5-6P) L
ATT
STARTING XI
18,739
Bentley
Vyner
2,554
O'Leary
Simpson
Baker
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Moore
Pring
Massengo
Baker
Dasilva
Atkinson
Kalas
Dasilva
Simpson 4
Kalas
Dasilva
Vyner
Kalas
Baker
Atkinson
James
Kalas
Atkinson Atkinson
James James James
PRESTON NORTH END
H
0-0
D
17,967
Bentley
Vyner4
Kalas
Baker
Atkinson
James
Wed Sept 15 7.45pm
LUTON TOWN
H
1-1
D
16,878
Bentley
Vyner4
Kalas
Baker 1
Atkinson
James
Sat Sept 18
3.00 pm
Queens Park Rangers
A
2-1
W
14,922
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Baker4
Atkinson
James
Sat Sept 25
3.00 pm
FULHAM
H
1-1
D
19,346
Bentley
Tanner4
Kalas
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Wed Sept 29 7.45 pm
Millwall
A
0-1
L
11,389
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Baker4
Sat Oct 2
3.00 pm
Peterborough United
A
3-2
W
8,960
Bentley
Tanner 1
Kalas
Pring
Sat Oct 16
3.00 pm
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
H
0-2
L
20,828
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Baker
Pring4
James
Sat Oct 19
7.45 pm
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
H
1-2
L
18,325
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Baker
Atkinson
James
Sat Oct 23
3.00 pm
West Bromwich Albion
A
0-3
L
23,845
Bentley
Tanner4
Kalas
Baker4
Atkinson
James
Sat Oct 30
3.00 pm
BARNSLEY
H
2-1
W
18,347
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Bakinson4
Atkinson
James
Tue Nov 2
7.45 pm
Birmingham City
A
0-3
L
16,143
Bentley
Tanner
Kalas
Vyner
Atkinson
James4
Sat Nov 6
3.00 pm
Coventry City
A
2-3
L
19,855
Bentley
Tanner
Pring4
Massengo
Sat Nov 20
3.00 pm
BLACKBURN ROVERS
H
1-1
D
18,347
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Baker
Kalas
Atkinson Atkinson
Vyner
James James
Benarous4 Williams
Wed Nov 24
7.45 pm
STOKE CITY
H
1-0
W
16,949
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Baker4
Sun Nov 28
12.30 pm
Sheffield United
A
0-2
L
25,615
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Baker4
Benarous
Williams4
Benarous4 Massengo
Sat Dec 4
3.00 pm
DERBY COUNTY
H
1-0
W
18,732
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Bakinson 4 Atkinson
Sat Dec 11
3.00 pm
Hull City
A
2-2
D
10,446
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Massengo
Sat Dec 18
3.00 pm
HUDDERSFIELD
H
2-3
L
18,169
Bentley
Vyner
Kalas
Thu Dec 30
7.45 pm
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
H
1-2
L
19,543
O’Leary
Tanner4
Kalas
Vyner
Pring
James
Sun Jan 2
1.00 pm
MILLWALL
H
3-2
W
18,033
O’Leary
Vyner
Kalas
Towler 4
Pring
James
Sat Jan 8
12.30 pm FULHAM
H
0-1
L
7,304
O’Leary
Benarous4
Kalas
Pring
Atkinson
Sat Jan 15
3.00 pm
Fulham
A
2-6
L
17,810
O’Leary
Vyner
Kalas
Dasilva4
Sat Jan 22
3.00 pm
CARDIFF CITY
H
3-2
W
21,435
O’Leary
King4
Kalas
Tue Jan 25
7.30 pm
Luton Town
A
1-2
L
9,202
O’Leary
Vyner
Kalas
Dasilva4
Sat Jan 29
3.00 pm
Preston North End
A
2-2
D
11,936
O’Leary
Klose
Kalas
Dasilva4
Sat Feb 5
3.00 pm
Blackpool
A
1-3
L
11,026
O’Leary
Klose
Wed Feb 9
7.45 pm
READING
H
2-1
W
17,798
O’Leary
Klose
Sun Feb 13
1.00 pm
Swansea City
A
1-3
L
19,162
O’Leary4
Sat Feb 19
3.00 pm
MIDDLESROUGH
H
2-1
W
20,148
Bentley
Tue Feb 22
7.45 pm
COVENTRY CITY
H
1-2
L
19,192
Bentley
Sat Feb 26
3.00 pm
Nottingham Forest
A
0-2
L
28,506
Bentley
Sat Mar 5
3.00 pm
BIRMINGHAM CITY
H
1-2
L
21,942
Bentley
Klose 4
Kalas
Dasilva
Bell4
James4
Sat Mar 12
3.00 pm
Blackburn Rovers
A
1-0
W
13,567
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Tue Mar 15
7.45 pm
Barnsley
A
0-2
L
11,322
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Sat Mar 19
3.00 pm
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
H
2-2
D
20,586
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Sat Apr 2
3.00 pm
AFC Bournemouth
A
2-3
L
9,937
Bentley
Klose
Cundy 4
Dasilva
Atkinson 1
James
Sat Apr 9
3.00 pm
PETERBOROUGH UNITED
H
1-1
D
19,052
Bentley
Klose
Cundy4
Dasilva
Atkinson 1
James
Fri Apr 15
7.45 pm
Stoke City
A
1-0
W
20,298
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva 1
Atkinson
James
Mon Apr 18
3.00 pm
SHEFFIELD UNITED
H
1-1
D
18,934
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva4
Sat Apr 23
3.00 pm
Derby County
A
3-1
W
22,753
Bentley
Klose 1
Cundy
Sat Apr 30
3.00 pm
HULL CITY
H
5-0
W
21,799
Bentley
Klose
Cundy
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Sat May 7
12.30 pm
Huddersfield Town
A
0-2
L
17,797
Bentley
Klose4
Cundy4
Dasilva
Atkinson
James
Klose Klose Klose Klose
Massengo4 Atkinson4
Pring
Kalas
Dasilva
Kalas
Pring
Massengo James 1 James
Massengo Massengo4
Atkinson4 Massengo
Dasilva
Kalas
Dasilva
Pring Pring
Massengo Massengo
Pring
Massengo
Pring4
Massengo4
Pring4
Massengo4
Kalas
Dasilva
Williams 4 Massengo
Kalas
Dasilva
Benarous4 Massengo
Kalas
KEY All Matches Sky Bet Championship unless Carabao Cup or FA Cup | Goalscorer Bold | Penalty P | Yellow card
>56 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND
Atkinson4
Dasilva
Pring 4 Massengo4
Atkinson
James
Benarous 4 Atkinson
James
| Red card
| Substituted 44444
King
Weimann
O’Dowda4
Scott4
Martin 1
Nagy4
Janneh 2
Williams4
Bell 4
Wells
King 1
Weimann
Palmer4
Scott4
Martin
King 4 Massengo
SUBSTITUTES
O’Leary
Williams4
Simpson
Wells
Kalas
Bell 4
Baker
Vyner
Scott
Conway 4
Palmer4
Simpson
Bakinson
Wells4
Kalas 4
Massengo
Janneh4
Vyner
Bakinson
Wiles-Richards Bakinson4 O’Leary
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Semenyo 14 Weimann 24 Semenyo
Weimann
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Scott
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Wells
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Bell44
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Martin 2
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King
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Bell
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THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >57
IN PI CT UR ES CITY WARMED UP FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON WITH A TRAINING CAMP IN ANDI WEIMANN’S AUSTRIA. NEW FIRST TEAM COACH JASON EUELL (TOP RIGHT) JOINED UP WITH THE SQUAD FOR THE FIVE-DAY STAY IN BAD RADKERSBURG, WHILE NIGEL PEARSON COULDN’T RESIST THE LOCAL FASHION!
>58 THE THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND ROBINS SUNDERLAND
THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >59 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >59
Squads
MATCHDAY
TODAY'S FIXTURES
SAT AUG 6TH | 3PM | ASHTON GATE | SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
VS
Norwich v Wigan City v Sunderland Burnley v Luton Preston v Hull QPR v Middlesbrough Reading v Cardiff Sheff Utd v Millwall Stoke v Blackpool Swansea v Blackburn Played yesterday Birmingham v Huddersfield Playing tomorrow
BRISTOL CITY MANAGER NIGEL PEARSON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 30 31
HEAD COACH ALEX NEIL
HOME KIT
DAN BENTLEY KANE WILSON JAY DASILVA KAL NAISMITH ROB ATKINSON MATTY JAMES ALEX SCOTT JOE WILLIAMS CHRIS MARTIN ANDY KING ANTOINE SEMENYO MAX O’LEARY HARVEY WILES-RICHARDS ANDREAS WEIMANN TOMMY CONWAY CAMERON PRING MARK SYKES AYMAN BENAROUS GEORGE TANNER SAM BELL NAHKI WELLS TOMAS KALAS RYLEY TOWLER TIMM KLOSE ZAK VYNER HAN-NOAH MASSENGO STEFAN BAJIC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 24 26 27 32 42
Playing Monday West Brom v Watford
2021/22 FINAL TABLE
AWAY KIT
ANTHONY PATTERSON NIALL HUGGINS DENNIS CIRKIN CORRY EVANS DANIEL BALLARD DANNY BATTH LEON DAJAKU ELLIOT EMBLETON ELLIS SIMMS PATRICK ROBERTS LYNDEN GOOCH ALEX BASS LUKE O’NIEN ROSS STEWART CARL WINCHESTER JACK CLARKE ALEX PRITCHARD DAN NEIL BAILEY WRIGHT JACK MATETE TRAI HUME AJI ALESE
3
P Fulham (P) 46 Bmouth. (P) 46 Huddersfield 46 N Forest (P) 46 Sheff Utd 46 Luton 46 Middlesbro 46 Blackburn 46 Millwall 46 West Brom 46 QPR 46 Coventry 46 Preston 46 Stoke 46 Swansea 46 Blackpool 46 CITY 46 Cardiff 46 Hull 46 Birmingham 46 * Reading 46 Peterboro (R) 46 ** Derby (R) 46 Barnsley (R) 46
GD +63 +35 +17 +33 +18 +8 +9 +9 +8 +7 +1 +1 −4 +5 −10 −4 −15 −18 −13 −25 −33 −44 −8 −40
Pts 90 88 82 80 75 75 70 69 69 67 66 64 64 62 61 60 55 53 51 47 41 37 34 30
*deducted six points **deducted 21 points
NEXT AT ASHTON GATE
MATCH OFFICIALS MATCH REFEREE
ASSISTANT REFEREE
ASSISTANT REFEREE
FOURTH OFFICIAL
KEITH STROUD
GRAHAM KANE
GEORGE BYRNE
GAVIN WARD
GOALKEEPER
Coventry v Rotherham
SUNDERLAND
DEFENDER
MIDFIELDER
FORWARD
Ashton Gate Tuesday August 16th, 7.45pm kick-off Sky Bet Championship
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