HATTERS HAPPY WITH MISFIT MAC
Callum aims to celebrate Robins’ 125th birthday by reviving Premier League bid IT’S FUL STEAM AHEAD
vChampionship: 12.30pm
BRISTOL CITY midfielder Callum O’Dowda wants to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday by reviving their Premier League dream.
Looking at what’s happening with the training ground, the stadium, it’s come on in leaps and bounds. And so have the players here – it’s an extremely strong squad.
“I think internally and externally, people do forget the position we’re in – two points off the play offs is a mad opportunity for us, and it’ll change our lives, if we get promotion to the Premier League.
“Imagine Bristol City in the Premier League. It would be fantastic. Promotion would really top it off. It will be a great occasion, but we need the three points, more importantly.”
The Robins’ worrying slump in form has seen them drop out of the Championship play-off places.
But 24-year-old O’Dowda added: “As a team, we just know it’s not us. It’s not our identity, it’s
SCOTT PARKER insists Fulham have yet to hit top form this season.
The Cottagers have only played well in patches, but now manager Parker reckons his men will hit their stride and challenge West Brom and Leeds for a top-two spot.
He said: “I’m very pleased with where we are. We’ve shown a good recovery and that pleases me. We’ve had a bit of everything. We’ve had grit and been flamboyant – shown all sides.
“There’s still loads to improve in this squad.
There are traits and certain evidence we are moving in the right direction.
“I want to give fans some memories to hold on to.” not Lee Johnson’s philosophy coming out, and we know that as players. We all need to be better.
“It’s not just one of those things where it’s quiet – we speak, the manager speaks, we all speak. We all know, as players, it hasn’t been up to a high standard.
“We know playing Fulham will be tough as well because they are up there challenging for promotion. But we are back at Ashton Gate, so will enjoy what we’re good at – playing total-attack football, exciting the fans, and it will be a good game.”
Championship: 3pm
Championship: 3pm
GRAEME JONES insists he is happy with Callum McManaman – despite claiming he does not fit into Luton’s system.
The ex-Wigan winger (above) has made just nine league starts for the Hatters and will be hoping to get more game time on his return to the DW Stadium.
McManaman, 28, has struggled for action with Jones preferring a diamond system.
But the Luton boss said: “I’m pleased with his contribution. He’s got three goals and got us a couple of penalties.
“Every time he plays he does something, he contributes.
“He has never lost his ability in the final third but I think sometimes our system goes against him a little bit.
“He can play out wide, he can play as a split striker, you try to get him in the final third, that’s where he’s at his best.
“Somebody like Callum takes longer than everyone else to fit. But as long as people are contributing and understand their role, I’m quite happy.”