‘Have City missed promotion chance?’published at 17:26 British Summer Time
17:26 BST
Sheff Utd v Bristol City (17:30 BST)
Ed Hadwin
Commentator on BBC Radio Bristol
Expectations? Having reached the play-offs for the first time since 2008 last season under Liam Manning, City would hope to build on that under new boss Gerhard Struber. Manning’s departure is the biggest change over the summer, as the squad which finished sixth is largely intact, although the relative lack of new signings is a concern for some.
Strengths? City were very much a team greater than the sum of its parts last season, so having kept the squad together – with a couple of potentially key signings – is a good start.
City’s home form was also key to their success last season, and with a record number of season tickets sold and excitement about a potentially more all-action style of play under the new head coach, there’s real optimism among many fans.
Weaknesses? Injuries, particularly to key players. With goalkeeper Max O’Leary and left-back Cam Pring now set to miss the first couple of months of the season, and centre-back Luke McNally not likely to be fit until nearer Christmas, that’s far from ideal with a relatively small squad.
Having got closer than they’ve been to the promised land of the Premier League last season, there’s a feeling among some supporters that they wanted the club to really push the boat out this summer, which hasn’t happened, leaving some worried they might have missed their chance.
Difference-maker? Former Preston striker Emil Riis could be the missing piece of the jigsaw if he can add a few more goals to a team that wasn’t prolific last season.