Life is about to get lively in Bristol...

BRISTOL is often seen as being English football’s biggest underachiever, but perhaps all that is about to change. It’s now 41 years since City were in the top-flight, while it’s almost 30 years since Rovers featured in the second tier. Indeed, the latter even dropped out of the EFL for a season in the middle of the last decade.

There is no doubt City have ambitions to reach the Premier League for the first time. Under billionaire owner Steve Lansdown, they have transformed Ashton Gate into an impressive stadium and have looked on the brink of challenging for promotion from the Championship without ever being able to take those final steps.

Bringing in the vastly experienced Nigel Pearson could prove to be a shrewd move. Former Robins keeper Chris Weale certainly believes the former Leicester boss has the ability to fulfil City’s ambitions.

Initially, Pearson has been appointed only until the end of the season. In essence, it is a trial period to see if an at-times controversial manager is compatible with the club’s vision.

As Weale says, though, Pearson will need time and trust if he is to get the Robins flying high.

Across town, Rovers haven’t made the progress hoped for since Wael Al-Qadi and his family took over the club in 2016. Right now, the Jordanian’s club are mired in a League One relegation battle.

Step forward Joey Barton, sacked by Fleetwood last month after two-and-a-half years in charge of the Cod Army. Another controversial character, Barton took Fleetwood to the third tier play-offs last term and is certainly well aware of what’s required in the division.

Clearly, the first task is for Barton to preserve the Pirates’ status, but then it will be to build a side who can challenge for promotion to the Championship.

Success-starved Bristol fans will hope their teams can turn over a new leaf, ideally with their rivals falling flat. One thing’s for sure, though – with Pearson and Barton in town, for however long it lasts, life won’t be dull.