New boss sparks Bristol City

Sunday, 06/11/2011

by Jonathan Campkin, Shoot's Bristol City blogger

Bristol City’s quest to keep Championship status under new manager Derek McInnes has started brightly.

Seven points from a possible nine, including a tricky away day at promotion favourites West Ham, have lifted the Robins off the foot of the table and three points off escaping the relegation zone.

Rigid and defensive tactics have been replaced by a positive mentality, manifested by the use of two out and out wingers. Albert Adomah, strongly linked with a move to Swansea City in the summer, frightens defences with his electric pace, whilst Stephen Pearson, a recent loan acquisition from Derby County who has tasted international and UEFA Cup football, adds an attacking dimension on the left which was clearly lacking beforehand.

A newly settled back four seems to be building a strong relationship and the foundation on which the club can start to get results. Neil Kilkenny, the Australian international signed from Leeds in the summer, also seems to be playing in a more advanced role. With his cutting edge through balls, the strikers should see more of the ball on the floor.

This attacking step, will no doubt attract bigger attendances than the dwindling crowds close to 12,000 seen under Keith Millen and create belief within the team. David James, the former England no.1, has come out in the local press and praised the new manager for creating an excitement at the club which had disappeared.

Star player Nicky Maynard, the 5ft 11in striker, also seems more comfortable with attacks from wide than the long ball approach.

In 2008, the Robins mighty run towards the Championship play-off final was built solely on an outstanding home record. Play-offs might be out of the question this season, but for this invigorated team under the new leadership of Derek McInnes, strong home form will be crucial in exciting the fans who have for so long been watching dull football.

City fans will be hoping that in the long term McInnes has the same effect as his good friend Owen Coyle had at Burnley in 2009 and propels this club into the Premier League.

He has started encouragingly, and seems to provide the spark needed. But after a turbulent recent past, City will be looking for that spark to turn into a flame.

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