‘FIELD OF DREAMS!’
Bristol City have come a long way in last year
THE ghost of Christmas Past has shown Frank Fielding and Bristol City the error of their ways.
This time last year, the Robins were in the midst of a miserable losing run that obliterated their promotion push and turned them into relegation contenders.
But, rather than turn those bad memories away, Fielding and his teammates have embraced the experience and, like Ebenezer Scrooge, have vowed to change their ways.
“We knew how hard it was last season, and it has left us grounded for this one,” admits the former Derby keeper.
“We had an unbelievable end to last season, but around Christmas it wasn’t great. But it has stood us in good stead.
Tumbling
“We took some of those feelings from last season into this one, knowing things couldn’t get as bad as last year – at times.
“It was a test of our character. We are a year wiser, a year more experienced.”
Fielding’s description of Bristol’s Christmas last year as ‘not great’ is something of an understatement.
They lost 11 of 12 games in the league between November and January, including one eight-match losing streak. By March, they had fallen from fifth to 22nd in the table.
With many calling for manager Lee Johnson’s head as they tumbled into the relegation zone, Fielding and Co kept the faith – and now the aim is to repay the boss and continue their strong start to the campaign.
Ahead of yesterday’s home game against Nottingham Forest, the Robins were third in the Championship.
City are also the last EFL survivor in the Carabao Cup and take on Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in a tasty quarter-final tie at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.
“We are delighted, but there is a long way to go yet. We just need to keep the momentum going,” said Fielding. “No one in the club has spoken about promotion. I mean that.
“We are halfway through the season and the gaffer has never mentioned it – not even our league position.
“We know how quickly things can change in football. The gaffer keeps us grounded.
“Well played to the owners, the board and (chief executive) Mark Ashton for sticking with the gaffer last season and we are getting our rewards now.
“There is not a lot of loyalty left in football these days, but they have been really loyal to him. He has taken that chance with both hands and showed how good he is.
“He would probably tell you himself he is still learning as well. He had to learn the hard way last season and he is getting his rewards this year.”
The goals of Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham were vital last season, but this time around it has been a real team effort.
Dramatic
Bobby Reid is in double figures, Famara Diedhiou bagged six before suffering a knee injury in late October, Jamie Paterson has chipped in with a few screamers and that is without mentioning free-scoring centre-back Aden Flint.
“I take a look at our squad and I see everyone has been used. Everyone has had to play their part,” added Fielding.
“Maybe last year we had a good XI, but when we got a few injuries and suspensions it cost us, whereas this time it hasn’t.
“Aden has scored 30-odd goals from centre-half in the last four years, which is mad. That is more than you expect from a midfielder!” Age is on the Robins’ side, as well. In their dramatic 2-1 victory last week at Sheffield United, Fielding was the oldest player in the starting XI at 29.
“I like that you have mentioned that,” he smiled. “I still class myself as relatively young as a goalkeeper.
“Everyone has had a year now of going to these stadiums, working out these clubs.
“That has been a big help for the gaffer. He has been able to keep these players and add to it.
“That will stand us in good stead because a lot of our players are young. It can only help them improve.”