City Boss Gary Johnson Previews Tomorrow

Last updated : 27 April 2007 By Thetashkentterror
Gary Johnson
Robins manager Gary Johnson, who was speaking to the official Bristol City website, talked about the big match against the Blues at Brunton Park tomorrow that could see the Ashton Gate club promoted into the Championship if results go their way, Johnson commenting :


"They've got some quick lads that can really catch teams on the break. We have to be aware of that, as well as trying to impose our game on them. We'll probably keep up to date with the Forest and Blackpool scores, and there could be times in the game where that will aid us. If we're nil-nil and Forest are winning we could throw more caution to the wind, where as if they are drawing or losing and we're leading then you can apply a different sort of tactic, if required.

"At the end of the day we're asking the boys to go out and play like they have done week in, week out. That's why we are in the position we are in. We have got to keep the same mental approach. The lads enjoy working hard and that's what we will have to do. It's a big test. Carlisle are formidable at home. Maybe that's because most teams don't fly up there.

"Flying is the professional thing to do and I'd like to thank the board for allowing us to fly. I find it unbelievable that so many fans are willing to travel that far - it's terrific. We've got a good group of lads here who genuinely appreciate that sort of support. If it all goes well then it will be, in a large part, down to those fans."



Giant Robins centre-half Jamie McCombe spoke to the Bristol Evening Post about the big game on Saturday afternoon, McCombe saying :

"I think we have kept 22 clean sheets in all competitions, which is great. We work hard on it and, as a defender, it is what you are judged on. Forwards are judged on scoring goals so it is always nice to keep clean sheets and, hopefully, we can keep another three in the last three games.

"You have to have a solid platform to work from. That is something we have prided ourselves on this year and it has gone really well. But it is not just the back four or five who should get all the credit.

"For instance, on Saturday (the 2-0 win against Yeovil) the midfield four worked extremely hard and nicked so many balls. The defence starts from attack and I think it is the overall work-rate of the team which has helped us to so many clean sheets. We are in second place for a reason because it clicks more often for us than for most of the other teams.

"Carlisle are a good side in good form so it will be a tough game but one we are more than capable of winning. We just have to go there with the same positive attitude we adopted for the Yeovil game and we should come through okay."



Meanwhile, striker Enoch Showunmi commented :

"All the lads are buzzing and hopefully on Saturday we will get promotion on my birthday. It would be a double celebration on a long drive back. This is more exciting than when I went up with Luton but the main thing is it is all in our own hands. It might be good for us that Carlisle still have a chance of promotion because they have got to come out and try to win."


City welcome back defender Jamie McAllister who has been sidelined recently with a stomach injury and midfielder Cole Skuse who missed the 2-0 win over Yeovil last weekend after suffering a dead leg to his calf in training. The Robins, like United, also have no players currently out suspended for the big promotion clash.

In worse team news for the visitors winger Scott Murray is likely to miss the rest of the season with a fractured foot, while burly striker Steve Brooker could also be on an early summer break as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Coventry-loanee forward Wayne Andrews and goalkeeper Chris Weale will also sit out the game with knee and back injuries respectively.

Staying on the goalkeeper front first choice glovesman Adriano Basso has injured his knee in training today and will be replaced between the sticks by an emergency loan signing from Everton, in ex-Cambridge United number one John Ruddy.


The referee for tomorrow's match is the infamous Scott Mathieson from Stockport, and he will be assisted down the lines by Russell Green from Lancashire and Iain Siddall from Bolton. Meanwhile the fourth official will be Brian Parry from Peterlee in County Durham.