Bristol City v Fulham

ROB NS
2021/22 OFFICIAL BRISTOL CITY DIGITAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
JOSH BROWNHILL
& KOREY SMITH
31.10.2017
FULHAM 0
BRISTOL CITY 2
v FULHAM
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ASHTON GATE | SAT SEP 25 | 3PM
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
MATCH SPONSOR

ROBINS IN
FOCUS
5
ROB
ATKINSON
AGE: 23
POSITION: Centre-back
JOINED: July 2021
DID YOU
KNOW?
City's summer signing has played every
minute of Championship football in his
debut season in the second tier.
His first game was City’s campaign
opener against Blackpool,
coincidentally the team Atkinson faced
twice in last season’s League One
play-off semi-final with his previous
club Oxford United, prior to his summer
switch from the U's.
After playing youth football with AS
Cannes, he was on the books of today's
visitors Fulham for two years between
2017-19 but did not make a senior
appearance.
LOOK OUT FOR THE RED BUTTON
Click on the red button when it appears in this programme for additional video content from the Robins' YouTube channel

THE
GAFFER
A
warm
welcome to you all
as we get set for our latest
Sky Bet Championship
fixture against Fulham on
Saturday afternoon.
It’s been a strong week at the Robins High
Performance Centre, off the back of a fantastic win
against Queens Park Rangers last weekend.
We had opportunities,
scored two really good
goals and showed
spirit and commitment
throughout the 90 minutes
to get the win in West
London.
We’ve had frustrating
games already this season
where we should have won
but haven’t. You have to
accept that on some days
things will come together,
other times they won’t…but
last weekend it did!
That is football and lastgasp
moments like that are what makes this sport
so exciting. I hope you went home as happy as we
did and now we focus on the next match against
Fulham.
We will have to be at our best as that gives you
the greatest chance of winning. I think we have
a really good group ethic now, which is driven by
the players, who know they have a chance in every
game if their preparation is right.
On Saturday we face a Fulham side who have
started the season well, but whether we’re playing
WE HAVE A
REALLY GOOD
GROUP ETHIC
NOW, WHICH IS
DRIVEN BY THE
PLAYERS.
a team at the top or bottom of the Championship, I
don’t approach it any differently. We offer the same
preparation, the same level of detail and respect to
every team but it’s about what we do ourselves, so I
look forward to our performance.
Curtis Fleming was appointed Assistant Manager
this week as we realigned the coaching roles.
We’ve already got some really good coaches at
this club with a wealth
of experience. As with
Curtis, Keith Downing and
Simmo (Paul Simpson)
bring a good blend and
they allow me to focus on
managing.
Curtis has brought
another dimension to
the club, he’s settled in
really well and he can play
such an important part in
helping us have a really
successful season.
I’m very pleased with
the personnel we have.
The staff are here to
get the best out of everyone, whether that’s the
performance and medical team, or the analysts;
we’re all here to maximise the players’ potential, so
it’s important to have the right people in the right
places who will challenge everybody.
I hope you enjoy the game today and give the
players your all as we look to pick up where we left
off.
Cheers,
Nige
4 | THE ROB NS Fulham

NIGEL
PEARSON
THE ROB NS Fulham | 5

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.

FULHAM
CLUB FACTS
GROUND
CRAVEN
COTTAGE
FORMED
1879
THE LONDON CLUB HAVE
BEEN GOING THROUGH THE
YO-YO YEARS IN RECENT
SEASONS. SINCE PROMOTION
TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
IN 2017/18, FULHAM HAVE
BEEN RELEGATED TWICE AND
WON PROMOTION ONCE, AND
CURRENTLY FIND THEMSELVES
BACK IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
ONCE MORE...
HEAD COACH
MARCO SILVA
NICKNAMES
THE COTTAGERS,
THE WHITES
HONOURS
Best league finish
7th, Premier League 2007/08
(under Roy Hodgson, pictured)
UEFA Europa League runners-up
2009/10
FA Cup runners-up
1974/75
League Cup best finish
Quarter-finalists x 5
Second tier winners
1948/49, 2000/01
Third tier winners
1931/32, 1998/99
Clockwise from top: Head Coach Marco Silva; Tosin Adarabioyo;
Joe Bryan; Welsh international Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid
8 | THE ROB NS Fulham

V
City have only lost once in the last
eight meetings with the Cottagers,
including a 2-1 Carabao Cup win in
West London in September 2016.
Our last meeting with Fulham
proved to be the final game before
lockdown in March 2020, when
Nahki Wells scored in a 1-1 draw
on the day the club celebrated its
125th anniversary.
HEAD TO HEAD
63
MATCHES PLAYED
Best victory: 6-0, March 1969
Worst defeat: 0-5, March 1928
Last match: 1-1, March 2020
2021/22 IN NUMBERS
W
22
CITY v FULHAM
35 %
WIN RATE
D
16
L
25
12
GOALS
SCORED
11
GOALS
CONCEDED
LEAGUE
POSITION *
JAN
2022
9 TH
YELLOW
14 0
CARDS
R1
RED
CARDS
21
GOALS
SCORED
7
GOALS
CONCEDED
POSITION *
JAN
2022
YELLOW
18 1
CARDS
2 ND
R3
RED
CARDS
4TOP SCORER
ANDI WEIMANN
2
MOST ASSISTS
CHRIS MARTIN,
ANDI WEIMANN
6TOP SCORER
ALEKSANDAR
MITROVIC
3
MOST ASSISTS
MITROVIC,
DECORDOVA-REID
POSSESSION
45.5 %
PASSING PERCENTAGE
67.9 %
7.14
BEST AVERAGE
RATING (OPTA)
CHRIS
MARTIN
7.60
BEST AVERAGE
RATING (OPTA)
ALEKSANDAR
MITROVIC
POSSESSION
58.4 %
PASSING PERCENTAGE
82.9 %
TACKLE SUCCESS
TACKLE SUCCESS
LEAGUE ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
69.7 %
AVERAGE AERIAL
DUELS WON
29.6
62.5 %
AVERAGE AERIAL
DUELS WON
17.1
* not including fixtures played on Friday, September 24th
THE ROB NS Fulham | 9

FULHAM
KEY PLAYER
9ALEKSANDAR
MITROVIC
The striker has been ever-present
in the league this season, finding
the back of the net six times.
In fact, Fulham have not lost a
match in which he has scored in the
current campaign.
The Serbian international is a strong,
physical presence, who can finish
and link up the play well. He has
three assists to his name, as does
former Robin Bobby Decordova-Reid.
The 27-year-old forward joined
initially joined Fulham on loan from
Newcastle United in February 2018
before making the move permanent.
10 | THE ROB NS Fulham

DID YOU
KNOW?
City Academy graduates Bobby Decordova-Reid and
Joe Bryan left BS3 in the 2018 summer transfer window, with
Bryan heading straight for West London. Decordova-Reid
initially signed for Cardiff City, before he went on loan to
Fulham and made the switch permanently in January 2020.
IIT’S BEEN AN IMPRESSIVE START TO THE
SEASON FOR THE COTTAGERS, WHO ARE
VYING TO RETURN TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
ONCE MORE AFTER A PROUD TOP-FLIGHT
HISTORY WHICH INCLUDES A 13-SEASON
SPELL BETWEEN 2001-2014.
The West London side then
spent four consecutive seasons
in the Championship before
jumping twice between the
two divisions. Both of their
recent promotions have come
via the play-offs, which they
have reached three times since
2016/17.
Today's visitors may have
endured yo-yo years recently
under the likes of Slaviša
Jokanović and Claudio Ranieri,
but new Fulham boss Marco
Silva couldn’t have asked
for a much better start after
signing a three-year deal in the
summer.
The ex-Watford and Everton
manager was appointed head
coach following Scott Parker’s
move to AFC Bournemouth,
with the Portuguese named
EFL Championship Manager
of the Month for August as his
side dropped only two points,
winning four of their first five
league games.
They did suffer a somewhat
shock 1-0 defeat to Blackpool
Leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates his goal against Hull City
during the 2-0 win at Craven Cottage last month.
earlier this month, and fell to a
2-1 defeat at home to Reading
last weekend, before Carabao
Cup action against Leeds
United on Tuesday night.
Silva fielded a strong side –
featuring former Robins Bobby
Decordova Reid, Alfie Mawson
and Joe Bryan – but Marcelo
Bielsa’s men were victorious 6-5
in the decisive penalty shootout
with the scores goalless after
90 minutes.
Fulham now head to BS3 for
the first time since March 2020,
which was City’s final game to
be played in front of supporters
before the Covid-19 pandemic
made its mark.
With a total 17 players leaving
the club over the summer,
Fulham strengthened with the
arrivals of goalkeeper Paulo
Gazzaniga (from Tottenham
Hotspur), Brazilian forward
Rodrigo Muniz (Flamengo),
midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah
(Watford) and Liverpool
midfielder Harry Wilson.
THE ROB NS Fulham | 11

2021/22
HOME KIT

JUST £25 *
BRISTOL CITY
MEMBERSHIP
£5 OFF HOME LEAGUE MATCHES
TWO FREE TICKETS FOR U19S & U12S
$£5 REWARDS BALANCE
BCFC.CO.UK/MEMBERSHIP
* Does not include booking fee

THANK YOU TO OUR
PARTNERS
PRINCIPAL
ELITE
SUPPORTING

Looking for a new Bathroom?
Free Delivery, Quotations & CAD Designs
Available
Contact your local BBS Branch below
Ashton: 0117 305 1930 Bristol: 0117 935 1300
Yate: 01454 506160
Bath: 01225 443 715
www.bbsplumb.com

Zak Vyner meets supporters
at a recent Robins Foundation
Pan-Disability session.
CITY STARS MEET
FANS AT SESSION
D
uring one of our
Pan-Disability
sessions Bristol
City players
Zak Vyner, Max O’Leary, Ryley
Towler, Louis Britton, Ava
Kuyken and Satara Murray
surprised participants attending
both the youth and adult
sessions.
The players joined in with the
session, having a kickabout with
participants and taking photos
with fans at the end. Edward
Studley, Pan-Disability Assistant
Coach, said: “It brought lots of
excitement to all the participants.
It was amazing to see the players
get involved in our community
project and having fun.”
The Robins Foundation is proud
to make football inclusive and
accessible to all in the community
and the pan-disability football
sessions provide an opportunity
for both adults and young people
with disabilities to come along
and play the sport they love. The
sessions are a great way for
participants to stay active, make
new friends and have fun – all
for free!
For more information about any
of our disability sessions please
contact: sam.smith@bcfc.co.uk
or call 07899 991 983.
POST-16 EDUCATION OPEN DAY
Are you aged 16 or 17 and want to study at Ashton
Gate stadium or one of our sites across Bristol?
Bristol City Robins Foundation offer education
courses ranging from Level 1, 2 and 3 BTEC in
Sport. As well as gaining a recognised qualification,
students play football three times a week
representing Bristol City Robins Foundation in
English Football Leagues.
Students access work experience opportunities
through our coaching provision in schools; holiday
camps; on match days and around the stadium.
They are rewarded with match tickets, signed shirts
and coaching qualifications depending on the
amount of hours that they volunteer.
The next Open Evening is on Tuesday, October 5th
(7pm).
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
16 | THE ROB NS Fulham

MATCH
REVIEW
1
McCallum 54
2
Martin 45, Wells 90+3
Saturday, September 18th 2021
Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium
Nahki Wells struck a dramatic
injury-time winner against his
former loan club.
It was largely one-way traffic but
Dan Bentley proved a tough nut to
crack as he made save after save to
keep the R’s at bay.
City had led at the break through
Chris Martin’s far-post finish, but
QPR battled back quickly with a
goal through Sam McCallum.
From top: Nahki Wells marks scoring the winner against his former loan club;
Dan Bentley celebrates after a man-of-the-match display in goal; Chris Martin
is congratulated by Andi Weimann after his opening goal; the away fans in full
voice after Wells' winner.
The hosts did everything but find
the back of the net as the second
half continued and paid for it, as
substitute Wells raced away onto
Andi Weimann's through ball before
firing low past Seny Dieng to secure
a third away win in a row.
THE ROB NS Fulham | 17

PLAYER
INTERVIEW
NAHKI WELLS
LOOKS BACK ON
HIS LAST-GASP
HEROICS IN
WEST LONDON,
THE IMPORTANCE
OF PATIENCE AND
PROFESSIONALISM
AND THE POIGNANT
RETURN OF
FULHAM TO BS3…
20 | THE ROB NS Fulham

Words James Crawley
ALL’S WELL THAT
ENDS
WELL
Football can be
cruel but also
rewarding;
Bristol City
experienced
both sides of the coin in their
last two fixtures.
Luton Town struck late to snatch
a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate, but
the weekend trip to QPR proved
to be Nahki Wells’ stage as he
struck an injury-time winner
against his former side.
It was fairy-tale finish with
the three points secured in
dramatic style. It was a result
which means City are four
games unbeaten heading into
matchday nine, with maximum
points from their last three
away games.
“Sometimes things are just
meant to be,” Wells told
THE ROB NS. “I was chomping
at the bit to make an impact
and there’s something extra
inside you when you’re playing
against a former club. I was
disappointed not to start the
game but I was grateful to be
given the chance to make an
impact and to score helps get
my season up and running.”
Wells came off the bench at
the Kiyan Prince Foundation
Stadium, replacing Chris Martin
who had scored his 100th
Championship goal. Wells is
yet to start in the league this
campaign but that doesn’t make
him any less hungry for success.
“It was a great feeling and it
gives me a chance to build on
that,” he explained. “I want to
give the manager some food
for thought, to know that he can
trust me whether I come off
the bench or to start me more
often. I know I have to take the
moments when they arrive so 4
THE ROB NS Fulham | 21

“IT'S ABOUT TAKING
YOUR CHANCES
WHEN YOU ARE ON
THE PITCH. I HAVE TO
BE PREPARED FOR
ANY OPPORTUNITY.”
4 I was delighted to have
made such an impact.
“I’ve watched the game
back and that was an
unreal pass from Andi. I
don’t think he got enough
credit at the time. It was a
great pass, I saw the grass
in front of me and I needed
to stay composed. The
defender hesitated and it
was then about keeping
calm and finding the back
of the net.”
Motivation is now key for
the forward, as he tries to
continue impressing behind
the scenes.
“You have to stay
motivated because things
change quickly,” Wells
said. “I believe I’m good
enough to be in the team
but we have players who
are in good form, so you
have to understand what’s
best for everyone, while
also trying to give the
manager a headache. It’s
about taking your chances
when you get them on
the pitch. I have to keep
a professional mindset
as if I am starting each
game, and be prepared
for any opportunity. It’s a
squad game, of course I’m
chomping at the bit, but it’s
about doing the very best
you can at all times.”
All focus is now on
Fulham’s visit to Ashton
Gate, their first trip to BS3
since March 2020. It was
the final game before the
season was suspended
and the country went into
lockdown. Wells was on
the scoresheet that day, as
the teams played out a 1-1
draw in a fixture dedicated
to the club’s 125th
anniversary celebrations.
Wells explained: “I vividly
remember it being a near
full house for what was
the final game before
the pandemic. It was an
enjoyable fixture to be
involved in and more so
because I scored the goal.
To go on and concede to
get a draw put a dull end to
it but it was an entertaining
game from memory.
CAREER HIGHS
FEBRUARY 2013
Runner-up in the League Cup final with Bradford
City, after scoring three times in the competition
including the semi-final, first leg versus Aston
Villa – a certain Andi Weimann scored for the
opposition in the same game!
MAY 2013
Wins the Football League Two play-offs
with Bradford City, scoring at Wembley
in a 3-0 win over Northampton Town
MAY 2017
Helps secure Huddersfield Town’s
promotion to the Premier League
with a play-off final win against Reading
JULY 2021
Scores after just 17 seconds – the fastest Gold
Cup goal on record – en route to a hat-trick in an
8-1 win for Bermuda v Barbados
JULY 2021
Named in the Best XI for the CONCACAF Gold Cup
Qualification stages
22 | THE ROB NS Fulham

“Fulham are a powerhouse
in this division, with their
Premier League experiences
and the finances that come
with that. They’re up there
at this level but we know
we are a difficult side to
play against. Our home
form needs to improve but
there’s always an opportunity
to change that and we’re
looking forward to Saturday.
“We’re four games unbeaten,
off the back of an important
win last weekend. We need
to make sure we don’t take
our foot off the pedal with
the form we’re putting
together. Yes, we conceded
late on against Luton but
then we scored late to win
away to QPR!
Above
Wells scores
during the
last meeting
between the
two sides – a
1-1 draw at
Ashton Gate
in March 2020
which was
the final game
before the
pandemic
Top left
Celebrating his
winner against
Queens Park
Rangers last
Saturday with
supplier-in-chief
Andi Weimann
APPEARANCES
6MINUTES
PLAYED
266
SQUAD NUMBER
21
DOB: June 1st 1990
Birthplace: Hamilton, Bermuda
Position: Forward
Joined: January 2020
1
FOOTBALL LEAGUE CAREER PATH
2011
Signed
2014-2017
Signed
2019/20
Loan
PLAYER PROFILE
2021/22 STATS
2011-14
Signed
2017-2020
Signed
2020-present
Signed
GOALS
ASSISTS
BEST OPTA RATING
7.22
v QPR, away
INTERNATIONAL RECORD
1
2014
Loan
2018/19
Loan
“We’re not far away from
being very, very good at this
level. Equally we know what
we’re up against, we have
to take points off the teams
we’re aspiring to compete
with at the top end of the
table, so there’s no better test
than Fulham at home.”
CAPS
21
GOALS
16
THE ROB NS Fulham | 23

ADVERTORIAL
IS THERE
A BETTER
WAY TO
BUY YOUR
NEXT CAR?
CAZOO
YEAH!
Buy or finance a car online and we’ll deliver it to
your door with a 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.

FORMER
PLAYERS
ASSOCIATION
A
new Former
Players
Association
(FPA) has been
set up with the aim of bringing
past players from different
eras together, reconnecting the
supporters with our club legends
from years gone by.
The committee has now been
established consisting of former
players Jantzen Derrick, Paul
Cheesley, Alan Walsh and Scott
Murray – pictured above.
They are now calling on other past
players to get in touch as we reach
out to as many players as possible
who have worn the City shirt.
Bristol City CEO Richard Gould
said: “Our former players are very
important to the club and to our
fans and we are delighted to help
support this initiative to ensure
that players always feel welcome
and supported.”
The formation of the FPA was
the brainchild of City supporter
and author Neil Palmer, who
said: “I have had the idea for the
FPA for a while now. During my
work writing various books I have
had the privilege to interview
many former players of this club
from different eras. They all still
love the club and all miss the
camaraderie they enjoyed as
players.
“With that in mind I approached
some players and of course the
club who I have to say have been
excellent in bringing this together,
Richard Gould and his team
especially.”
The club understands that when
players stop being part of a team
and they are no longer surrounded
by the supporters that it can
become a difficult and lonely
place. We want our former players
to feel valued and continue to
be part of the club, regardless of
when or how many times they
featured for the Robins.
The club and FPA are therefore
reaching out to our former players
to get involved.
The aim is to promote friendships,
offer support and promote charity
work all while bringing players
together from different eras.
It is completely up to the former
players as to what they would like
to take from the Association, but
it wants to help local charities
through events such as golf days,
dinners, and a Bristol City ‘Masters’
football team – bringing players
together to help good causes,
all while having fun. The social
connection is important, and it
may just be that you would like a
home visit for a chat.
We want you to feel connected to
the club. Nobody is forgotten and
the Association is also reaching
out to the families of former
players who are no longer with us
to get involved.
The club will never forget whether
a player played one game or 100,
they are all part of the City story
and their contributions will forever
be valued.
To find out more about the
Former Players Association
and to get involved, please
contact City supporter and
author Neil Palmer at
n_palmer62@hotmail.co.uk or
call 07913267859.
T HE ROB NS Fulham | 27

894189418941894
CITY
ARCHIVES
894189418941894
894 HALL 1894 OF 1894 FAME 1894
MIKE ADAMS PROFILES FORMER CITY MANAGER ALAN DICKS
894189418941894
Alan Dicks
Leeds United at Elland Road in
reigned at
February 1974 as keeping him
Ashton Gate
in his job as his side ended that
894for 1894
13 years 1894
season in 16th place. 1894
After a
between 1967-80, during
strong showing the following
which time City reached their
season when they finished fifth,
modern-day heyday.
the Robins finally won top-flight
89418941894
status by finishing 1894
runners-up to
As a rookie manager, the
Sunderland in 1976.
32-year-old coach was little
known on his arrival but
Ashton Gate gloried in the
894189418941894
had built a big reputation as regulars was recruited from visits of Arsenal, Chelsea,
assistant to the great Jimmy Scotland: Gerry Gow, Donnie Manchester United, Liverpool and
Hill at Coventry City between Gillies, Gerry Sweeney and Tom all. Established stars Norman
894
1962-67. He was to steadily 1894
Ritchie. Meanwhile, the 1894
Bristolian Hunter and Peter Cormack 1894
were
build the squad which would contingent – including Chris recruited – and later Joe Royle.
win promotion to the top flight Garland, Trevor Tainton, Geoff Even so, City travelled to Dicks’
and remain there for four years. Merrick, Ray Cashley and David previous club Coventry on the
894
After working abroad 1894
he also Rodgers – also established 1894
last day of the 1976/77 1894
season
managed our visitors Fulham for themselves in the first team. in the belief they needed to
one season in 1990/91.
win to stay up. Two-nil down
There were some low points. at half-time, they fought back
894
Dicks joined us when we
1894
had a Dicks himself quotes
1894
City’s 1-0 to draw 2-2, which
1894
proved just
good group of young Bristol-born FA Cup triumph over reigning enough. That was the team that
players but were struggling in Division One champions
Dicks built!
894
Division Two, and John
1894
Galley’s
1894 1894
arrival from Rotherham United
was crucial in saving City from
relegation in Dicks’ first season,
894
with 16 goals in 21 outings. 1894 1894 1894
The creation of a scouting
system under Tony Collins was
894
fundamental to City’s success 1894 1894 1894
story. A mini-squad of youngsters
Dicks celebrates survival with his Coventry counterpart Gordon Milne in 1977
who would become first team
894189418941894
28 | T HE ROB NS Fulham

1894 1894 1894189
Martyn HIrst celebrates
his winner in the 1983
Bristol derby at Eastville
1894 1894 1894189
1894 1894 1894189
1894 1894 1894189
1894 HIRST 1894 PASSES 1894189
1894 ROVERS 1894EXAM
1894189
MIKE ADAMS CONTINUES HIS LOOK BACK AT
1894 1894 1894189
TERRY COOPER'S SPELL IN CHARGE OF THE ROBINS
1894 1894
play a starring role in this 1894
minutes to go, moving Howard 189
eagerly-awaited derby.
Pritchard to central attack.
1 2
Pritchard forced a good save from
Rovers were riding high in Division Phil Kite and Glyn Riley hit a post
1894
10th December 1983 1894
Three and clear favourites with 1894
before Tom Ritchie placed 189
a low
Eastville Stadium
City still regrouping in the division shot into the far corner to level
FA Cup second round
below, and Robins player/manager with just over ten minutes to play.
Terry Cooper was returning to the
1894 1894 1894189
Martyn Hirst, club which had sacked him. A draw was looking likely as Riley
geography We City fans were packed on chased a lost cause in the dying
student the bank of steps behind the minutes. Rovers defender Neil
1894
at Bristol
1894
Muller Road goal with the M32
1894
Slatter was shepherding
189
out a
University and part-time player, flyover above and behind us. Cooper long ball for a goal kick
won this epic match for City in the After a goalless first half, Rovers only for the City frontman to rob
dying minutes.
midfielder Ian Holloway floated a him and centre the ball from
1894 1894
free-kick onto the head of Archie 1894
which Hirst's mis-hit shot 189
trickled
Hoping to combine his studies Stevens who scored a trademark gloriously into the far corner. It
with playing football, the 22-yearold
midfielder had written to of us to put the home side ahead. of for City fans and Hirst alike
centre-forward’s goal right in front was the stuff dreams are made
1894
Cooper asking for a trial game. 1894 1894
who admitted afterwards: 189
“To
Now, starting only his fourth game But the match turned when the experience an atmosphere like
since being awarded a contract, 39-year-old Cooper brought that was the biggest moment of
the young Yorkshireman was to himself on with just over 20 my life.”
1894 1894 1894189
THE ROB NS Fulham | 29

CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
SUN SEPT 26
12PM KO
TICKETS ON SALE NOW | BCFC.CO.UK/TICKETS
ROBINS HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE

SAT OCT 16
3PM KO
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
CITY
1894
TICKETS ON SALE NOW | BCFC.CO.UK/TICKETS

894189418941894
894 CITY 1894 IN CARTOONS 1894 1894
with club historian David Woods
894189418941894
894
This is one of the
many cartoons
Bob Bennett drew
for the ‘Bristol
1894 1894 1894
Evening Post' from the very first
issue of the newspaper 1932 until
his retirement in 1965. During
894189418941894
World War Two, however, his output
was mainly restricted to more
important matters, which also
894
meant that his popular Freddie 1894
and 1894 1894
Reggie childrens’ strip was held
in limbo for the duration. Known
to generations of Bristol children
894
as Uncle Bob of the Pillar 1894
Box 1894 1894
club, his son Roger was a popular
broadcaster for Radio Bristol.
894189418941894
MATCH REPORT
8941894
Johnny Watkins to bring 1894
up the Union. As expected 1894
Fulham
opening goal from the penalty were promoted as runners-up to
1 spot, but Johnny Haynes, England Sheffield Wednesday, whilst City
1Watkins
Haynes man and future captain, headed in went into decline after Christmas
8941894
to level matters and conclude 1894
the and finished a disappointing 1894
Saturday, November 8th 1958 scoring after just eight minutes. tenth. Interestingly, the referee
Football League Division Two
was a future Labour Government
Both sides had further chances, minister.
894189418941894
So great was the interest in but a division of the spoils was
this match between fourth a fair result of a game in which City: Cook; Hopkinson, Thresher;
place City and one of the
Peter McCall, a future England McCall, Williams, Burden;
894
promotion favourites Fulham, 1894
bowls player, made a 1894
fine job of Hinshelwood, Tindill, 1894
Atyeo,
that £3,522.7s.6d receipts were keeping Haynes in check.
Etheridge, Watkins.
generated by a bumper 32,378
Fulham: Macedo; Cohen, Langley;
crowd.
Jimmy Hill, a man of many talents, Lowe, Bentley, Lawler; Key, Hill,
8941894
helped bring about the 1894
abolition Cook, Leggat. 1894
Former City player and England of the maximum wage in January Referee: Denis Howell
international, Roy Bentley tripped 1961 as chairman of the Players’ (Birmingham)
894189418941894
32 | T HE ROB NS Fulham

1894 1894 1894189
1894 YOU CAN 1894 1894189
1894 QUOTE 1894 ME 1894189
ON THAT
1894 1894 1894189
STEVE SMITH LOOKS BACK
1894 1894 1894189
AT AN EARLY INTERVIEW
WITH FORMER CITY
STRIKER TOM RITCHIE
1894 1894 1894189
Brotherly love and a twist aided by his league goals as top-scorer.
1894of fate 1894
was enough for Tom 1894189
Ritchie and younger sibling “At the start of last season (1975/76) our manager,
Steve to sign for Bristol City in Alan Dicks, asked me to have a go in attack.
1969. In this 1977 edition of Immediately everything started clicking. I had big
1894the Topical 1894
Times annual, Tom Paul Cheesley 1894
alongside me and we built 189
up a good
explains how the pair came to understanding. Obviously I was delighted with
the West Country:
the way we were playing last season. But the first
result I always look for on a Saturday evening is
1894
“As teenagers in Scotland, it
1894
was young Steve Hereford’s.”
1894189
who showed most promise. While I was playing in
Stirlingshire minor football, he was winning caps in At one point there was a possible £250,000 move
1894
the Scottish Under-15 schools
1894
side.
to Arsenal,
1894
along with captain Geoff Merrick:
189
“I was
never actually approached but the boss told me he
“Come the Saturday he had to turn out for the simply wouldn’t let me go. He said I was a vital part
national side and miss a Bristol City trial match in of the club, but the knowledge Arsenal had been
1894
Glasgow. I said I’d go along 1894
and explain his absence interested 1894
gave me a tremendous lift.” 189
– and decided to ask for a game. I got one too,
played quite well and City asked us both down for In his two spells at Ashton Gate between 1972-81
trials. We felt great when they signed the pair of us. and 1983-85, Tom’s figures are 132 goals in 512
1894
I was 17 and he was 15.” 1894appearances. 1894
Brother Steve, whose only league 189
appearance for Bristol City was against Fulham on
Steve went on to play for Greenock Morton and then November 4th 1972, made 102 league appearances
Hereford United, who were crowned Third Division for Hereford United (1975-77) and later joined
1894 1894 1894189
Champions for 1975/76. As for Tom, at the time of Torquay United (1978-79).
the publication, he would now be mixing with the
star names in the top-flight due to City’s promotion; Top: Tom Ritchie, in 1975/76, with brother Steve (inset)
1894 1894 1894189
THE ROB NS Fulham | 33

Giving Football Back to
Small Business
At eBay, we know small business and
football clubs used to be like chips and
gravy, two peas in a pod – a match
made in community heaven.
Ironmongers, ship workers, spring
makers and cobblers, all formed clubs
which decades later are still prospering.
But nowadays, you’d think it was all
eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues
and mega sponsors, detached from the
humble origins of our historic clubs.
That’s why eBay are proud to support
300,000 small businesses who help
power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be
donating our advertising space to a lot
of these businesses – on match day
hoardings, around grounds and beyond –
throughout the coming season, to ensure
they can continue to thrive in our local
communities. So, join us in giving your
support to Small Business Power, because
today, they need us more than ever.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Football is a game of many opinions, but
there is one that we must all share. There is
no place for discrimination in our game. If
you do not agree, then you are not welcome.
If you see or hear discrimination in this
stadium, please report it to the nearest
steward or via the Kick it Out App.
Because we are all
#TogetherAgainstDiscrimination
Download the Kick it Out app for free from your app store.
EFL.com

TODAY'S
SQUADS
Saturday, September 25th, 3pm kick-off | Ashton Gate | Sky Bet Championship
BRISTOL CITY
MANAGER
Nigel PEARSON
1 Dan BENTLEY
2 Danny SIMPSON
3 Jay DAS I LVA
5 Rob ATKINSON
6 Matty JAMES
8 Joe WILLIAMS
9 Chris MARTIN
10 Andy KING
11 Callum O’DOWDA
12 Max O'LEARY
14 Andreas WEIMANN
15 Tyreeq BAKINSON
16 Cameron PRING
17 Nathan BAKER
18 Antoine SEMENYO
19 George TANNER
21 Nahki WELLS
22 Tomas KALAS
26 Zak VYNER
33 Sam BELL
36 Alex SCOTT
37 Tommy CONWAY
42 Han-Noah MASSENGO
45 Kasey PALMER
46 Saikou JANNEH
Match
Referee
Simon
HOOPER
HOME
KIT
MANAGER
Marco SILVA
FULHAM
1 Marek RODÁK
2 Kenny TETE
3 Michael HECTOR
4 Denis ODOI
5 Terence KONGOLO
6 Harrison REED
7 Neeskens KEBANO
8 Harry WILSON
9 Aleksandar MITROVIĆ
10 Tom CAIRNEY
11 Anthony KNOCKAERT
12 Nathaniel CHALOBAH
13 Tim REAM
14 Bobby DECORDOVA-REID
16 Tosin ADARABIOYO
17 Ivan CAVALEIRO
19 Rodrigo MUNIZ
20 Domingos QUINA
21 Paulo GAZZANIGA
22 Cyrus CHRISTIE
23 Joe BRYAN
HOME
KIT
24 Jean Michael SERI
25 Josh ONOMAH
26 Alfie MAWSON
28 Fabio CARVALHO
31 Fabricio Agosto RAMÍREZ
33 Antoniee ROBINSON
35 Tyrese FRANCOIS
43 Steven SESSEGNON
MATCH OFFICIALS
Assistant
Referee
Wade
SMITH
Assistant
Referee
Bhupinder
GILL
Fourth
Official
Scott
TALLIS
IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC OR ANY OTHER ABUSE
PLEASE REPORT Goalkeeper IT TO Defender OUR TEXT Midfielder LINE Forward 07770 736 047
TODAY'S
FIXTURES
Reading v Middlesbro
Birmingham v Preston
Blackburn v Cardiff
Blackpool v Barnsley
Bournemouth v Luton
CITY v FULHAM
N Forest v Millwall
Sheff Utd v Derby
Stoke v Hull
Swansea v Huddersfield
Played yesterday
Coventry v Peterborough
West Brom v QPR
LEAGUE
TABL E
Correct as at 23.09.21
P GD Pts
Bournemouth 8 8 18
Fulham 8 11 16
West Brom 8 7 16
Coventry 8 3 16
Stoke 8 1 14
Blackburn 8 3 13
Huddersfield 8 2 13
QPR 8 4 12
CITY 8 1 12
Cardiff 8 2 11
Birmingham 8 0 11
Derby 8 -1 10
Luton 8 -2 10
Reading 8 -3 10
Sheff Utd 8 0 9
Middlesbro 8 -1 9
Preston 8 -2 9
Millwall 8 -2 8
Barnsley 8 -3 8
Blackpool 8 -5 8
Swansea 8 -4 7
Peterboro 8 -7 7
Hull 8 -7 5
N Forest 8 -5 4
N EXT AT
ASHTON
G ATE
AFC
BOURNEMOUTH
Ashton Gate
Saturday, October 16th,
3pm kick-off
Sky Bet Championship