Queens Park Rangers v Bristol City

HOOPS
The Gaffer
FIRSTLY, MAY I EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO NIGEL
PEARSON, HIS STAFF, PLAYERS, AND ALL ASSOCIATED
WITH BRISTOL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB.
T
here’s no doubt that Nigel’s
vast experience and quality
will ensure his side arrive
here today well organised and with a
nice blend of youth and experience.
They possess a real attacking threat,
which is complemented by the
solidity of a good formation, and we’ll
need to ensure we meet what will be
a very tough test if we’re to emerge
with the sought-after points. We’re
looking forward to a good challenge
and to sharing a post-game drink
with Nigel and his staff.
I’m writing these notes the morning
after our frustrating defeat to AFC
Bournemouth.
Having started the game very well
and looking in control, we gave away
a poor first goal that clearly impacted
us as a team and energised our
opponent. We were then very much
on the back foot for the remainder
of the half and conceded an easily
avoidable second goal that really
damaged us going into the break.
We needed a reaction after half-time,
and the players again deserve a lot of
credit for the manner in which they
responded. We got the early goal and
then, in truth, attacked fluently and
consistently and created a number
of chances that I believe merited at
least a point. Unfortunately, their
goalkeeper was in inspired form,
and we failed to apply the finishing
touches to some excellent forward
play. Right to the final whistle, the
players pushed forward, and we were
literally an agonising few inches away
from equalising with the last kick of
the fixture.
A first defeat of the season was
a bitter pill to swallow, but these
are the moments when teams gel
together and players learn both
individually and collectively.
Let me talk about the first
Bournemouth goal. Our defenders
are tasked with being brave and
moving into positions to accept the
football and make good decisions.
Rob Dickie, along with all our
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