Football Season Guide

Bristol City are another side who had two completely contrasting halves of the previous season but, unlike Bradford, they started off poorly and gradually improved as the season approached its conclusion. Steve Cotterill did well to get the most out of a squad that badly underperformed under his predecessor Sean O'Driscoll, and was successful in his goal to steer the Robins to safety. However, the bar has been lifted significantly going into the new campaign, as the Robins managed to keep hold of all of their key players and made some quality signings, meaning that they will be expected to fight for promotion. All of the players that departed, apart from Brendan Moloney, had their opportunities in the first team limited last season, while the list of arrivals is impressive and includes talented Stevenage winger Luke Freeman, former Oldham skipper Korey Smith, midfielder Wade Elliott, who impressed while on loan with the club last season, as well as two proven LEague One defenders in Luke Ayling and Mark Little. Moreover, Aaron Wilbraham is a proven scorer at League One level and will give Cotterill, who already has Sam Baldock and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas at his disposal, another superb option in attack. All in all, the Robins look very strong in all areas of the pitch and, if their new signings manage to gel quickly enough, they will be expected to push for at least a place in the top six.