Johnson says City’s style of play will get results

LEE Johnson believes Bristol City’s style of play will bring them the rewards they deserve.

Their pressing and dominance in matches this season has not always ended in a positive result after 90 minutes, but head coach Johnson says his players believe in the process.

They have been unfortunate to hit the woodwork ten times this season and are proving to be one of the most attacking sides in the Championship, averaging 14 shots per game.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home fixture with Preston, Johnson told the club website: “We’re really looking forward to getting into this Preston game, back at home and we’re trying to get that win that our performances have deserved. The message to the players is to keep the faith, keep believing and they do because they enjoy the way we play, they can see it being successful.”

Johnson also described how his squad differs to last season, with more confidence playing out from defence and adapting the counterattack style. “It’s different to last year where we sat back and played on the counter-attack,” Johnson said, describing the playing philosophy. “This year the attributes of our players are different. We have a lot of quality in bringing the ball out of the back, we build well and it leaves the opposition in a place where they are ready to counter attack but we have to be dominant.

“We have done that, we’ve hit the post ten times but if a few of those had gone in may be third of fourth in the league. That’s not an excuse as many clubs will have their own versions of that and we continue to provide the correct process for the players to go and be successful.”

Preston North End boss Alex Neil says tomorrow’s game at Bristol City offers his side a chance to put things right with their away form. The Deepdale outfit are yet to win a League game away this campaign.

However, Neil told the Lancashire Evening Post: “But we don’t go away with the aim just not to get beaten, we go away to try to win the game. It hasn’t happened for us yet and we are trying to put that right.”