2022 6th August - Bristol City v Sunderland Championship

vs Sunderland AFC 2022/23 OFFICIAL DIGITAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Bristol City vs Sunderland AFC Saturday, August 6th 2022 3pm Sky Bet Championship

MATCH SPONSOR

Fuel growth and fulfil ambitions with Huboo Looking to grow your eCommerce brand?

Huboo are an eCommerce fulfilment provider helping online retailers grow and succeed by taking care of all their fulfilment needs. Join thousands of brands who have flourished with Huboo.

Proud to be Principal Partner

#FulfillingAmbitions

Editor

FROM THE Ashton Gate Stadium, Ashton Road, Bristol BS3 2EJ Website www.bcfc.co.uk Phone 0117 963 0600 E-mail reception@bcfc.co.uk @BristolCity bristolcityfc BristolCityFC bristolcityfc BCFCOfficial

WHO’S WHO BRISTOL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Owner Stephen Lansdown CBE Chairman Jon Lansdown Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould Club President Marina Dolman MBE DL DStJ JP Vice-Presidents Betty Bennett, Doug Harman Honorary Vice-President Marcus Trescothick MBE Club Secretary Sophie Dyer Manager Nigel Pearson Assistant Manager Curtis Fleming First Team Coach Jason Euell Goalkeeping Coach Pat Mountain Head of Medical Performance Dave Rennie Kit Manager Scott Murray Team Operations Manager Matt Parsons Robins High Performance Centre Operations Manager Isobel Mitchell Head of Communications Dave Barton Supporter Liaison Officer Jerry Tocknell Disabled Supporter Liaison Officer Gareth Torpy Club Chaplain Derek Cleave Club Historian David Woods Academy Director Brian Tinnion Academy Manager Gary Davenport Head of Coaching Alex Ball Head of Recruitment Damian Butt Professional Development Phase Coaches Trevor Challis, Ali Hines, Neil Swift Head of Sports Science Stephen Taylor Head of Medical David Walker Head of Education Jodie Baker Academy Secretary Paul Metheringham BRISTOL SPORT Chairman Jon Lansdown Group Head of Commercial & Hospitality Sales Justine Kebby Group Director of Communications Lisa Knights Group Chief Financial Officer Gavin Marshall Head of Data and CRM Charlie Lincoln ASHTON GATE STADIUM Chairman Martin Griffiths Managing Director Mark Kelly Director of Communications Lisa Knights Stadium General Manager Ross Wormald Head of Safety David Storr Head of Grounds Dan Sparks THE ROBINS Editor: James Crawley Contributors: Mike Adams, Scott Davidson,Tom Kent, Sharon Mizzi, Neil Palmer, Steve Smith, Brian Tinnion, Jerry Tocknell, David Woods.

Design brandal.co.uk / Fever Pitch Photography Fever Pitch / JMPUK

T

he smell of hope, optimism and burgers…it must be matchday at Ashton Gate! We welcome Sunderland AFC and its fans here for our first home game of the season and many congratulations on the Black Cats’ return to the Championship.

It’s the start of a second full season in BS3 for Nigel Pearson, who has introduced four new signings over the summer; those being goalkeeper Stefan Bajic, defenders Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson as well as midfielder Mark Sykes. There’s plenty of anticipation to see them all in competitive action, donning the all-new Bristol City 2022/23 kit.

With the rest of the squad returning for the 2022/23 campaign, so too does this online and completely free programme but in a bigger and better format than before. Features over the course of the season will include Away Day memories from Supporter Liaison Officer Jerry Tocknell, first-hand accounts from inside the Academy thanks

to Academy Director Brian Tinnion and Former Players’ Association news from Neil Palmer.

History writers Dave Woods, Mike Adams and Steve Smith return, while we go deeper in the club archives than ever before thanks to Scott Davidson.

You can enjoy a bumper collection of stats as the season progresses, and as always we take a close look at the opposition each matchday, enjoy exclusive interviews with the players, get the thoughts of Nigel Pearson and much more.

Happy reading and enjoy the season!

James Crawley

CLUB HONOURS LEAGUE Division One Runners-Up 1906/07 Division Two Champions 1905/06, Runners-Up 1975/76 Championship Play-Off Finalists 2007/08 Division Three (South) Champions 1922/23, 1926/27,1954/55 League One Champions 2014/15 Division Three Runners-Up 1964/65, 1989/90 League Two Runners-Up 1997/98, 2006/07 Division Four Promotion (fourth) 1983/84 Southern League Runners-up 1897/98, 1898/99, 1900/01 Western League Champions 1897/98

CUP FA Cup Finalists 1908/09, Semi-Finalists 1919/20 Football League Cup Semi-Finalists 1970/71, 1988/89, 2017/18 Welsh Cup winners 1933/34 Associate Members Cup Winners 1985/86, 2002/03, 2014/15 Finalists 1986/87, 1999/2000 South Section Finalists 1937/38 Anglo-Scottish Cup Winners 1977/78, Finalists 1979/80

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>3

Pearson NIGEL

>4 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

G

ood afternoon and welcome back for our first home game of the season against Sunderland. I’d like to welcome Alex Neil, his staff and players and to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to get Ashton Gate ready for the campaign.

A huge thank-you to more than 800 supporters who made the trip to Hull. It was a game we should have won.

We created good chances and defended well but we were undone by a really poor penalty decision and a deflected goal.

especially considering their rich history. Alex is very experienced at this level and he will set high standards after their play-off success last year.

Finally, I hope you all enjoy reading the Robins Matchday programme in which the Former

WE WERE ANNOYED WE DIDN’T COME AWAY WITH THE THREE POINTS. NOW IT’S ABOUT HOW WE RESPOND WITH A POSITIVE MINDSET TO GET THREE POINTS AT HOME. There were aspects of our game which we need to look at, but overall it was the manner of the result which hurt.

I thought the new signings looked excellent on their debuts and everyone gave their all so they, like all of us, were annoyed we didn’t come away with the three points. Now it’s about how we respond with a positive mindset to get three points at home.

Sunderland return to the Championship after a few seasons in League One and they’ll be hungry to work their way back up the pyramid,

Players Association, which launched last year, will regularly feature. It’s incredibly important for a club to have an FPA, not only for the players but for the club to acknowledge the history made by these great players.

In my time here I have been privileged to meet and spend time in the company of some of City’s greats and I hope the FPA goes from strength to strength.

Please enjoy your day.

Cheers, Nige

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>5

y b r e D M 21 12P T S U AUG

E D I S N R E SEV SUND

AY

BCF

K / TIC C .C O . U

KETS

Gould W

RICHARD elcome back to Ashton Gate after a long, hot summer. It seems ages since we were here for the final game of last season and we are delighted so many of you have turned out for the new campaign.

We have sold more than 13,500 season tickets so far which is absolutely fantastic. In these financially difficult times, we know that supporting City can be an expensive commitment both in terms of time and money, so we hope we can provide you with some exciting times and some great football. We do not take your support for granted.

really appreciated your support for what was a good performance, but we were all disappointed with the result and some of the decisions that led to that outcome. It was excellent to see debutantes Kal Naismith, Mark Sykes and Kane Wilson perform so well. I see them daily at the High Performance Centre and they have settled into the club seamlessly, already having made a major impact.

We are also expecting a bumper crowd of over 24,000 for today’s clash and this bodes well for the season ahead.

Ashton Gate can create an amazing atmosphere when the

Ashton Gate has not lain dormant during the summer and many of you will have been in the crowds for the

IN THESE FINANCIALLY DIFFICULT TIMES, WE HOPE WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME EXCITING TIMES AND SOME GREAT FOOTBALL team is performing at its best and we hope we will be able to give everybody something to cheer about today.

We are pleased to welcome Sunderland and their travelling supporters. Many of us will have become very familiar with the Sunderland story through the amazing Netflix documentary from a few years ago and we can all relate to the feelings of despair, elation and hope that supporting your club can bring.

I’m delighted that such an important club is now progressing upwards, and we wish Sunderland the best of luck whilst also acknowledging that we don’t want that luck to start today.

Thank you to the 800-plus fans that made the long journey to Hull on Saturday. Nigel and the players

successful series of concerts, the UWE graduation ceremonies, the Robins Foundation events, the open training session, or the stadium tours that have been so enthusiastically led by Jerry Tocknell. This has been a very busy summer for the Ashton Gate staff and we are very grateful for all their excellent work in keeping the stadium in such great condition.

Finally, special congratulations to the Lionesses for their victory on Sunday. As a club we have always been at the very forefront of promoting and developing the women’s game and I hope I see as many of you as possible supporting Lauren Smith and her team this season at Ashton Gate or at the High Performance Centre.

Enjoy the game and the campaign ahead.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>7

E R E H IS T R E T T E B A O T Y A W R U O Y BUY ?

R A C T NE X O O Z A C YEAH!

Buy or finance a car online and we’ll deliver it to your door with a 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.

Shot

F

BRISTOL CITY CAPTAIN AIMEE PALMER

OPENING

resh from the Lionesses’ Euro triumph, all eyes now turn to the domestic season and for City Women, the all-new Barclays Women’s Championship.

It all kicks off later this month with Lauren Smith’s side away to Coventry United on the opening day of the campaign (Sunday, August 21st, 2.30pm). The Robins High Performance Centre then hosts the first home game of the 2022/23 season when Blackburn Rovers visit the West Country a week later (Saturday, August 28th, 3pm).

And all eyes are on a special September fixture when the team welcome Southampton to Ashton Gate. Tickets are now on sale for the the match which is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Sunday, September 25th.

Visit bcfc.co.uk/fixtures-results to navigate the City Women’s 2022/23 fixture list. Tickets are available now

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>9

INTERVIEW

Mark Sykes >10

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

I

n the week he turned 25, Mark Sykes finds himself geared up for a potential home debut in front of a bumper crowd at Ashton Gate.

After an hour under his belt in the curtain raiser against Hull City last week, the midfielder is keen to show more of what he’s about when the Robins host Sunderland in BS3 on matchday two.

Oxford United back in May, Sykes said he planned to “hit the ground running” so how does he intend to do that?

He explained: “I want to give myself the best possible chance of being a part of the team. I didn’t want to come in and disrupt the plans as such but everyone comes in at square one and needs to prove themselves. For me, I give myself the best chance by sheer hard work so I got

I JUST WANT TO MAKE MY MARK AT ASHTON GATE, ANNOUNCE MYSELF TO THE FANS AND SHOW WHAT I’M ABOUT Saturday’s fixture might be his first proper run out at Ashton Gate, but he has already got a taste for the pitch and his surroundings after Tuesday’s open training session in BS3.

“It was a great feeling to train there in the week and to get out there in front of the crowd against Sunderland on Saturday is something I can’t wait to do.

Now I just want to make my mark at Ashton Gate, announce myself to the fans and show what I’m about,” he said.

When signing for the club from

everything completed early so I can focus on myself and focus on the pitch.”

His hard work in pre-season no doubt helped him earn a first start against Hull City, albeit it was an unfortunate result on the day. That was Skyes’ first Championship fixture in his career but, as he explains, he has long been preparing for the challenge at this level.

It was his former manager at Glenavon FC, Gary Hamilton, who was quoted explaining Sykes’ experiences back in his home 4 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>11

Quick Fire

Favourite meal Chicken, mash potato, pepper sauce Favourite film Shutter Island

Best thing about Bristol Life balance being in the country but a short drive into the centre First car VW T Roc Best music taste in the squad Andi played last time in the changing room so I’ll say him Sharpest dresser Zak Vyner One thing can’t live without Family Playstation or Xbox?

Playstation Last book you read High Performance, by Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes.

>12

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

SYKES IN ACTION ON HIS CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT AT HULL; SIGNING THE IRISH FLAG FOR HIS NEW FANS

4country as a developing player have helped shape him into the footballer he is today.

Sykes said: “You don’t get away with being soft. Everyone has to be toughened up and when I played back home it was close to 150 games between the ages of 17-21.

“I got a lot of games and that was invaluable, it benefitted me massively and helped me prepare for the experience of higher levels, be that League Two, League One or the Championship.

“I’m 25 now, I’m not a young lad, so certainly those past experiences helped me and have put me in good stead of playing Championship football.”

To play at Ashton Gate, to be part of the club project and train day in, day out at the Robins High Performance Centre are positives enough, but Sykes also had some encouraging words ahead of his move from Oxfordshire to the West Country.

Not least from former Robins striker Matty Taylor, who made his return to the Us in 2020.

“Matty is a great guy, he’s so outgoing, lively and such a character in the changing room,” Sykes explained, a statement which can almost certainly be confirmed by members of the club who worked with him!

2022/23 STATS

1

GOALS

APPEARANCES

17

SQUAD NUMBER

Date of birth: August 4th 1997 Birthplace: Belfast Position: Wing-back/midfield Joined: May 2022

7.5

AVERAGE 2021/22 OPTA RATING

v HULL CITY

7.2

CLEARANCES

1

PASS SUCCESS

CAREER PATH

GLENAVON 2014-2019 Youth

BEST OPTA RATING

60 4

0

0

TOTAL MINUTES PLAYED

TACKLES

CLEAN SHEETS

87.5%

TACKLE SUCCESS

60%

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

OXFORD UNITED 2019-2022 Transfer

“He had only good words to say about the club, he spoke highly of everyone, how the club is run and of his time here.

“It was nice to have those conversations and when I joined I spoke to Rob Atkinson as well.

“He’s come into the team after leaving Oxford last year and he’s in a good position where he’s playing

BRISTOL CITY 2022-present Transfer

U19 DEBUT MARCH 2016 U21 DEBUT SEP 2016

NOW REGISTERED TO PLAY FOR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

week in, week out and it’s nice to have a familiar face.”

And finally, Sykes will have his two-year-old daughter Remy in the crowd to watch her daddy don the red-and-white for the first time, as will his parents, making City versus Sunderland a Sykes family day out!

“Hopefully I can send them back with a nice win!” he said.

MATTY [TAYLOR] HAD ONLY GOOD WORDS TO SAY ABOUT THE CLUB, HE SPOKE HIGHLY OF EVERYONE, HOW THE CLUB IS RUN AND OF HIS TIME HERE THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>13

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W

OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

Squad

2022/23

2

1

KANE WILSON

JAY DASILVA

Born: Basildon DOB: 13.07.1993

Born: Birmingham DOB: 11.04.2000

Born: Luton DOB: 22.04.1998

2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB

1

CLEAN SHEETS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

129 0

APPS FULL+SUB

0

1

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

TOTAL

414 0

BRISTOL CITY

1 0

0

1 0

0

43 4

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

159 5

BRISTOL CITY

107 2

TOTAL

163 2

6

Born: Bacup DOB: 22.07.1991

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

368 50

BRISTOL CITY

36 2

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

129 5

BRISTOL CITY

34 1

8

TOTAL

241 13

9

ALEX SCOTT

JOE WILLIAMS

CHRIS MARTIN

Born: Guernsey DOB: 21.08.2003

Born: Liverpool DOB: 08.12.1996

Born: Beccles DOB: 04.11.88

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

0

Born: Chesterfield DOB: 13.07.1998

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

Born: Glasgow DOB: 18.02.1992

2022/23 STATS 1

0

5

7

APPS FULL+SUB

1

MATTY JAMES

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

0

ROB ATKINSON

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

APPS FULL+SUB

KAL NAISMITH 2022/23 STATS 1

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

4

APPS FULL+SUB

3

DANIEL BENTLEY

TOTAL

43 4

>16 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

26 0

TOTAL

135 2

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

TOTAL

77 16 575 161

GOALKEEPER MIDFIELDER

11

10 0

0

ANTOINE SEMENYO

MAX O’LEARY

Born: Barnstaple DOB: 29.10.1988

Born: Chelsea DOB: 07.01.2000

Born: Bath DOB: 10.10.1996

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

15 1

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

TOTAL

429 65

BRISTOL CITY

98 13

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

140 22

BRISTOL CITY

TOTAL

36 0

14

99 0

15

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

1

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

BRISTOL CITY

0 0

APPS FULL+SUB

0

1

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

149 44 411 86

BRISTOL CITY

TOTAL

12 1

12 1

16

17 MARK SYKES

AYMAN BENAROUS

Born: Cheltenham DOB: 22.01.1998

Born: Belfast DOB: 04.08.1997

Born: Bristol DOB: 27.07.2003

CAMERON PRING 2022/23 STATS GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0 TOTAL

93 1

18

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

34 0

0

Born: Taunton DOB: 06.08.2002

0

BRISTOL CITY

CLEAN SHEETS

Born: Vienna DOB: 05.08.1991

CLEAN SHEETS

0

0

Born: Bath DOB: 27.05.2002

0 0

0

0

TOMMY CONWAY

BRISTOL CITY

0

0

ANDREAS WEIMANN

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

APPS FULL+SUB

0

APPS FULL+SUB

HARVEY WILES-RICHARDS 2022/23 STATS 0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

13

APPS FULL+SUB

12

ANDY KING

2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB

DEFENDER FORWARD

0

APPS FULL+SUB

1

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

1 0

TOTAL

154 27

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

12 0

TOTAL

12 0

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>17

Squad

2022/23 19

20

21

Born: Blackpool DOB: 16.11.1999

Born: Bristol DOB: 23.05.2002

Born: Hamilton, Bermuda DOB: 01.06.1990

SAM BELL

GEORGE TANNER 2022/23 STATS APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

90 4

BRISTOL CITY

0

146 1

0

93 2

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

15 1

TOTAL

101 19 454 145

Born: Frankfurt, Ger. DOB: 09.05.1988

0

0

TIMM KLOSE

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

340 4

BRISTOL CITY

0

1

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

5 0

APPS FULL+SUB

BRISTOL CITY

19 0

TOTAL

19 1

341 26

ZAK VYNER

HAN-NOAH MASSENGO

30

31

Born: Southwark DOB: 14.05.1997

Born: Villepinte, France DOB: 07.07.2001

Born: Saint-Étienne, Fr. DOB: 23.12.2001

1

DISCIPLINE

0

STEFAN BAJIC

2022/23 STATS 0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

0

Born: Bristol DOB: 02.06.2002

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

Born: Olomouc, Czech DOB: 15.05.1993

2022/23 STATS 1

GOALS / ASSISTS

RYLEY TOWLER

26 APPS FULL+SUB

0

25

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

0

23

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

APPS FULL+SUB

22 2022/23 STATS 0

0 TOTAL

10 0

TOMAS KALAS

APPS FULL+SUB

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS)

TOTAL

13 1

NAHKI WELLS

TOTAL

179 4

>18 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

GOALS / ASSISTS

0

0

2022/23 STATS

DISCIPLINE

0

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

98 0

TOTAL

104 0

APPS FULL+SUB

0

0

CLEAN SHEETS

0

DISCIPLINE

0

CAREER STATS (APPS/GOALS) BRISTOL CITY

0 0

TOTAL

53 0

0

Stats

2021/22

LEAGUE

CUP

TOTAL

APP+SUB

GOALS

APP+SUB

GOALS

APP+SUB

GOALS

ROB ATKINSON

29+5

2

1

-

30+5

2

NATHAN BAKER

13+2

1

-

-

13+2

1

TYREEQ BAKINSON

10+3

1

0+1

-

10+4

1

SAM BELL

3+2

-

1

-

4+2

-

AYMAN BENAROUS

7+4

-

1

-

8+4

-

DANIEL BENTLEY

37+1

-

-

-

37+1

-

TOMMY CONWAY

0+4

-

0+2

-

0+6

-

ROBBIE CUNDY

10+4

-

-

-

10+4

-

JAY DASILVA

28+8

1

0+1

-

28+9

1

DUNCAN IDEHEN

0+2

-

-

-

0+2

-

MATTY JAMES

31+2

1

-

-

31+2

1

SAIKOU JANNEH

0+1

-

1

2

1+1

2

TOMÁŠ KALAS ANDY KING

34+1 10+4

1

2 1

-

36+1 11+4

1

TIMM KLOSE

18

1

-

-

18

1

CHRIS MARTIN

43+2

12

1

-

44+2

12

HAN-NOAH MASSENGO

26+11

-

2

-

28+11

-

-

-

1

-

1

-

16+4

1

1 1

-

1 17+4

1

TAYLOR MOORE ÁDÁM NAGY CALLUM O'DOWDA MAX O'LEARY

9

-

2

-

11

-

KASEY PALMER

1+5

1

0+2

-

1+7

1

CAMERON PRING

23+9

-

2

-

25+9

-

ALEX SCOTT

35+3

4

1

-

36+3

4

ANTOINE SEMENYO

24+7

8

0+1

-

24+8

8

DANNY SIMPSON

2+1

-

1

-

3+1

-

GEORGE TANNER

11+2

1

-

-

11+2

1

1

-

-

-

1

-

RYLEY TOWLER ZAK VYNER

19+3

-

-

-

19+3

-

46

22

0+1

-

46+1

22

NAHKI WELLS

7+25

3

2

-

9+25

3

JOE WILLIAMS

13+9

-

1

-

14+9

-

ANDREAS WEIMANN

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>19

Head-to-Head CITY 17 SUNDERLAND 15 DRAWN 14

46 GAMES

BEST VICTORY

WORST DEFEAT

CITY 4-1 SUNDERLAND DIVISION ONE / SEP 4TH 1976

CITY 1-6 SUNDERLAND LEAGUE CUP ROUND TWO, SECOND LEG

CITY 4-1 SUNDERLAND DIVISION TWO / OCT 25TH 1958

OCT 9TH 1990

2021/22 IN NUMBERS POSITION

GOALS

R1

R3

FOR 64 AGAINST 80

89

YELLOW CARDS

1

MOST ASSISTS ANTOINE SEMENYO

TOP SCORER ANDI WEIMANN

7.03

POSSESSION

44.5%

BEST AVERAGE RATING (OPTA) ROB ATKINSON

PASSING PERCENTAGE

70.5% TACKLE SUCCESS

GOALS

QF

FOR 96 AGAINST 66

RED CARDS

12

22

5

TH POSITION PROMOTED VIA PLAY-OFFS

17TH

113

R1

YELLOW CARDS

3

RED CARDS

12

26

MOST ASSISTS ALEX PRITCHARD

TOP SCORER ROSS STEWART

7.42

POSSESSION

56%

BEST AVERAGE RATING (OPTA) ROSS STEWART

PASSING PERCENTAGE

75.1% TACKLE SUCCESS

66.6%

73.1%

AVG. AERIAL DUELS WON

AVG. AERIAL DUELS WON

24

20.6

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>19

2022/23 – LAST FIVE GAMES HULL CITY

JUL 30

A

L

AFC BOURNEMOUTH EXETER CITY

JUL 23

A

JUL 19

H

FOREST GREEN ROVERS JUL 19

H

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

A

JUL 16

1-2

COVENTRY CITY

JUL 31

H

D

W

1-0

HARTLEPOOL UNITED

JUL 25

A

D

1-1

D

2-2

ACCRINGTON

JUL 23

A

L

1-2

W

3-1

BRADFORD CITY

JUL 19

A

L

0-2

W

1-0

DUNDEE UNITED

JUL 16

A

W

2-0

1-1

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>21

CLUB FACTS

Sunderland

J

ENDING FOUR YEARS OF HURT – SUNDERLAND CELEBRATE WINNING LAST SEASON’S LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF FINAL

CLUB FACTS Founded: 1879 Nickname: Black Cats Ground: Stadium of Light Head coach: Alex Neil Finish last season: Fifth, League One promoted via the play-offs

HONOURS Football League champions 1891/92, 1892/93, 1894,95, 1901/02, 1912/13, 1935/36 FA Cup winners 1936/37, 1972/73 League Cup runners-up 1984/85, 2013/14 Second tier winners 1975/76, 1995/96, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2006/07 Third tier winners 1987/88 EFL Trophy winners 2020/21 FA Charity Shield winners 1936

ust two defeats from the opening 12 matches (including one draw) set the Black Cats on their way to a triumphant 2021/22 campaign, with a strong 13-game unbeaten final stretch of the season landing them a play-off finish.

Then top scorer Ross Stewart struck in the 1-0 semi-final first leg win over Sheffield Wednesday, while an injury-time equaliser from Patrick Roberts at Hillsborough would send Sunderland to Wembley in dramatic fashion.

Sunderland had enjoyed somewhat of a play-off final hoodoo, having not won in their previous seven attempts in 35 years. However, the stage was set for the club’s first return to the Championship since 2018 and end their third tier run after four-consecutive seasons. In fact, the side from the North East had only played at that level for five seasons in their history – the previous sole campaign was in 1987/88.

Wycombe Wanderers were the opponents back in May but goals in either half courtesy of Elliot Embleton, who was drafted into the starting XI as the only change for Alex Neil’s side, and Stewart meant no return to the second tier for Gareth Ainsworth’s men.

Sunderland were on course for the perfect return in last weekend’s opening day fixture at home to Coventry City. Summer signing Jack Clarke (on loan last season from Tottenham) had headed the hosts in front in what was a promising start, but Viktor Gykores grabbed a second-half equaliser by picking out the bottom corner from distance, meaning the Black Cats kicked things off with a 1-1 draw.

>22 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

<< ‘THE WEMBLEY OF THE NORTH’ CAPACITY: 49,000

The Stadium of Light is a 49,000 seater stadium, home of Sunderland since 1997. Today it is the ninth largest football stadium in England, labelled the ‘Wembley of the north’ by locals.

ALex Neil THE BOSS

LAST TIME WE MET

BORN | BELLSHILL, JUN 9TH 1981 APPOINTED | FEB 11TH 2002 (SUCCEEDING LEE JOHNSON)

Flint 5 Diédhiou 31, 37

The former Norwich City and Preston North End boss took charge at the Stadium of Light in February 2022, following the departure of Lee Johnson.

He was appointed on a 12-month rolling contract, with Sunderland his fourth managerial post. His first task was steering his side back to the Championship, which he did via the play-offs, earning his second promotion as manager.

3-3

Brownhill 70 OG McGeady 81 Pack 92 OG

ASHTON GATE | FEB 10TH 2018 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP ATTENDANCE: 22,580

Formerly a midfielder with Barnsley and Hamilton Academical, he became Hamilton boss at the age of 31 (2013-2015) before taking Norwich City into the Premier League via the play-offs in 2015 and subsequently taking charge of Preston North End (2017-2021).

LAST LINE-UP v COVENTRY CITY | SUN JUL 31ST | 1-1 SCORER: CLARKE | ASSIST: GOOCH

1

A Famara Diédhiou brace in a rampant first-half City display proved not to be enough as Sunderland fought back in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ashton Gate.

PATTERSON

5

6

BALLARD

11

BATTH

4

GOOCH

3

CIRKIN

24

20

CLARKE

NEIL

EVANS

8 21

EMBLETON (O’NIEN )

PRITCHARD

14

STEWART (ROBERTS)

Aden Flint (pictured above) reacted quickest as City raced into a fifth-minute lead, before Diédhiou pounced twice in six minutes to give City a 3-0 advantage.

They pressed for a fourth but the Black Cats cut the deficit through an unfortunate Josh Brownhill own goal. Aiden McGeady struck ten minutes from time, with the visitors’ stoppage-time equaliser deflecting into the net via Marlon Pack.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>23

EXCELLENCE IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

BRISTOL CITY PROGRAMME FULL PAGE ADVERT

KIMERAFM.CO.UK

Sunderland ONES TO WATCH

14

ROSS STEWART

2021/22 STATS LEAGUE ONE

7

6.98

HEAD

Stewart scored on his League One debut in March 2021 after signing from Ross County.

OPTA RATING

However, it was the 2021/22 season where the 26-year-old Irvine-born forward made a name for himself in front of the Sunderland faithful as he went on to score 26 goals across the campaign, helping fire the Black Cats to promotion, earning him the club’s Player of the Year accolade in the process.

That included a hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday last December and his domestic form led to him being awarded his first Scottish cap in June.

His contract expires next summer and, amid reported interest from Rangers, Sunderland do have an option to extend the contract automatically for a further year.

26

53

APPEARANCES

4,581

MINUTES

3

ASSISTS

69.9%

PASSES COMPLETED

287 (49.4%) AERIAL DUELS WON

2.8

SHOTS PER GAME

14 RIGHT FOOT

BAILEY WRIGHT

The Australian defender is set to be back on Ashton Gate soil for the first time since November 2019. He made 83 appearances for the Robins before his switch to the Black Cats in January 2020.

5

LEFT FOOT

24

26 GOALS

DANIEL NEIL

Last season’s Young Player of the Year is a 20-year-old midfielder who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, having previously played in the Black Cats’ successful EFL Trophy run in 2020/21.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>25

U23 2021/22 Results DATE

KO

OPPOSITION

H/A

H-T

SCORE

Tue Aug 17

2.00 pm

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

H

0-0

2-0

RES

W

ATT

Buse

Taylor

Soady (C)

Towler

Mon Aug 23

1.00 pm

Wigan Athletic

A

0-2

0-3

W

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Moore (C)

Towler

Wed Sep 1

1.00 pm

HULL CITY

H

3-1

6-2

W

O’Leary

Allen

Soady (C) N.Williams

Fri Sep 10

1.00 pm

Sheffield United

A

1-2

2-4

W

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Soady (C)4

Kadji

Tue Sep 21

1.00 pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

H

0-2

1-4

L

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Soady (C)4

Kadji

Mon Sep 27

1.00 pm

Ipswich Town

A

0-1

1-2

W

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Williams

Wood

Tue Oct 12

7.45 pm

Cinderford Town (R1)

A

1-4

1-4

W

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Soady (c)

Kadji

Mon Oct 18

1.00 pm

Watford

A

1-1

1-4

W

Buse

Taylor

Knight-Lebel Williams4

Tue Oct 26

1.00 pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

H

0-0

0-2

L

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Soady (C)

Allen4

Mon Nov 1

1.00 pm

Charlton Athletic

A

0-1

0-3

W Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Knight-Lebel 1

Wood

Tue Nov 30

1.30 pm

Millwall

A

0-0

1-1

D

Wiles-Richards

Taylor

Wood 1

Soady

Tue Jan 4

7.45 pm

Cirencester Town (QF)

A

2-1

3-2

L

Wiles-Richards Knight-Lebel

Tue Jan 11

1.00 pm

Queens Park Rangers

A

0-2

3-4

W

Wiles-Richards

Mon Jan 17

1.00 pm

Swansea City

A

0-1

2-2

D

Wiles-Richards Pearson

Tue Jan 25

2.00 pm

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

H

0-1

1-2

L

132

Tue Feb 1

1.00 pm

CARDIFF CITY

H

2-0

3-3

D

100

Tue Feb 22

1.00 pm

MILLWALL

H

2-0

4-0

W

135

Tue Mar 1

1.00 pm

Cardiff City

A

0-1

1-3

W

Wiles-Richards Wood4

Tue Mar 8

1.00 pm

SWANSEA CITY

H

0-0

1-0

W

Wiles-Richards Knight-Lebel Taylor-Clarke Owers (C) 1

Tue Mar 15

1.00 pm

COLCHESTER UNITED

H

1-1

3-1

W

Boyd 4

Z.Bell

Knight-Lebel

Idehen

Mon Mar 21

1.00 pm

Crewe Alexandra

A

0-2

0-4

W

Wiles-Richards

Z.Bell

Knight-Lebel

Idehen

Tue Apr 5

1.00 pm

WATFORD

H

0-0

1-1

D

269

Casa-Grande Tanner4

Idehen

Wood

Tue Apr 12

12.00 pm IPSWICH TOWN

H

0-1

0-1

L

234

O’Leary (C) Tanner4

Idehen

Wood

Tue Apr 19

11.00 am

Colchester United

A

0-0

0-3

W

Casa-Grande

Z.Bell

Soady

Owers (C)4

Mon Apr 25

1.00 pm

Barnsley

A

0-0

1-1

D

Casa-Grande

Z.Bell

Wood

Idehen

Tue May 3

1.00 pm

COVENTRY CITY

H

2-0

4-2

W

Buse

Z.Bell4

Wood

Owers (C)

Mon May 9

3.00 pm

Sheffield United (Play-off Semi-Final)

A

0-0

0-1

W

Buse

Z.Bell

Wood

Owers

Tue May 17

7.00 pm

COVENTRY CITY (Play-Off Final)

H

1-2

2-3

L

Buse

Z.Bell

Taylor

Owers

140

STARTING XI

Buse

Taylor

Taylor

Soady (c) Taylor-Clarke4 Soady

Owers4

Owers

Kadji

Henry

Williams

Wiles-Richards Simpson (C) N.Williams4 Morton4 Boyd

130

2,337

KEY All Matches Professional Development League 2 unless GFA Cup | Goalscorer Bold | Penalty P | Yellow card

>26 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Taylor

| Red card

N.Williams

Owers4

Towler4

IIdehen

| Substituted 44444

SUBSTITUTES

N.Williams

Morton

Pearson 2

Owers

Britton4

Semenyo4

S.Bell4

Conway4

Boyd

Benarous4

Allen

Kadji4

Pearson4

Owers4

Morton

Janneh

Benarous

Conway4

S.Bell 2

Porton4

Britton 14

Soady4

Boyd

Kadji

Bakinson

Towler

Janneh 1

J.Williams

Wells 4

S.Bell 1

Palmer

Britton

Wiles-Richards

Owers

Araoye

Rose

Knight-Lebel

Allen

Janneh 1

Pearson4

Britton 2

S.Bell 1

Benarous

Backwell

Walker

Rose4

Richards

Araoye4

Knight-Lebel

Williams

Janneh

S.Bell4

Pearson4

Benarous 1

Palmer

Allen4

Britton4

Boyd

Z Bell

Franciois4

Soady

Owers

Janneh4

Benarous

S.Bell 1

Britton 14

Franciois4

Boyd4

Henry

Swaby

Pearson4

Rose4

Knight-Lebel

Sage

Thomas

Benarous

Palmer-Houlden 2

Francois 2

Swaby

Owusu-Ansi

Walker

South-Tomas Taylor-Clarke

Pearson 14

Kadji

Owers4

Soady

Benarous 3

Francois

Britton

Casa-Grande

Allen4

South-Tomas4 Swaby4

Kadji

Knight-Lebel

Williams

South-Thomas4 Taylor-Clarke4

Britton

Francois

Boyd

McAllister4

Swaby4

Yeboah4

Pearson 1

Kadji

Owers4

Soady (c )4

Janneh

Francois4

Britton 1

Boyd

Salmon

Backwell4

Allen4

Pearson

Backwell

Sage

Salmon

Janneh

Conway (C)

Britton

Casa-Grande

Brown

Richards

Allen

Cundy4

Pearson

Kadji

Henry4

Palmer-Houlden 1

Backwell 1

Hutton4

Boyd

Williams

Cundy 14

Pearson 1

Taylor-Clarke

Britton 1

Backwell 1

Henry4

Boyd

Owusu-Antwi Palmer-Houlden4 Knight-Lebel4 Hutton4

Conway 1

Triallist4

Boyd

Thomas4 Knight-Lebel4

Taylor

N.Williams4 Backwell

Knight-Lebel Cundy (C)

Taylor-Clarke S.Bell (C) 1

Backwell

Acey4

Yeboah4 Palmer-Holden 1 Taylor-Clarke

Brown

Richards

Henry

Kadji4

Taylor4

S.Bell

Owers

Wells 2

Benarous

Conway 1

Boyd

Idehen 1

Morton (C)

S.Bell

Kadji4

Henry 3

Palmer-Houlden

Soady

Casa-Grande

Taylor

Kadji

Taylor-Clarke

Owers

Soady

Wells (C) 2

Conway 1

Bell4

Thomas4

Wood

Idehen

Bell

Kadji

Henry

Palmer-Houlden4

Soady4

Boyd

Brown

Wood

Taylor-Clarke 1

Kadji4

Owers (C)

Thomas

Palmer-Houlden 2

Henry4

Casa-Grande4 Richards

Wood

Taylor-Clarke

Kadji

Owers (C) Benarous 14 Conway 34

S.Bell4

Casa-Grande

Soady

Morton (C)

Kadji

Z. Bell

Kadji

Owers

Wood

Idehen

Soady

Owers (c)

Backwell

Towler

Idehen

Towler Towler

Taylor-Clarke Thomas4

Awusu-Antwi4 N.Williams4

Walker

Idehen

Henry

Owusu-Ansi

Thomas4

Hutton4

Knight-Lebel4 Backwell4

Thomas4 Taylor-Clarke4 Richards

Soady

Richards Brown

Thomas4

Knight-Lebel

Hutton4

Hutton4 Owusu-Antwi4

Palmer-Houlden4

Henry4

Thomas4

Henry4

Rose4

Z. Bell4

Janneh 1

Vine4

Benarous4

Conway

S.Bell

Casa-Grande

Backwell

Henry4 Taylor-Clarke4

Conway 2

S.Bell 1

Kadji

Manning

Thomas

Rose4

Kadji

Henry4

Conway4

S.Bell 1

Smith

Taylor

Janneh 1 4

Kadji4

S.Bell 1

Benarous

Conway 2

Casa-Grande

Henry

Taylor4

Backwell4

Rose 4

Idehen

Edwards 1

Kadji

S.Bell

Conway

Jenneh

Casa-Grande

Backwell

Rose

Henry

Taylor

Wood4

Rose4

Kadji4

S.Bell

Conway 2

Soady4

Backwell4 Benarous4

Mannings Palmer-Houlden

Taylor-Clarke4

Prince4

Taylor-Clarke Palmer-Houlden4

Rose4 Taylor-Clarke4

Rose 4

Edwards 1 Case-Grande Backwell4 Palmer-Houlden4 Knight-Lebel Thomas4

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>27

POSTER A3

2022/23 SEASON TICKETS ADULTS FROM £380 U12S FROM £55 BCFC.CO.UK/SEASONTICKETS

Academy PROVEN PATH

C

ity’s Under-21s campaign kicks off away to their Barnsley counterparts on Tuesday (August 9th, 2pm KO) as the young Robins look for another positive outing in the Professional Development League.

The Under-23s made it all the way to the final last season, after finishing runners up in their southern division, ending up just one point behind table toppers Ipswich Town. That meant they faced Sheffield United in the semi-final, where Owura Edwards scored the only goal to see the youngsters advance into the final against Coventry City.

ACADEMY

The Sky Blues youth set-up raced into an early twogoal lead and while Edwards and Tommy Conway (pictured)

forced a way back into the game, Coventry pounced again, this time without reply to claim a 3-2 victory.

Academy Director Brian Tinnion is sure the Under-21s squad will learn from the experience. He said: “I always say, the game’s not black and white, there’s ups and downs and you’ve got to deal with them.”

The path from the Academy to the first team is well-trodden, with the senior team averaging six academy graduates in the matchday squad across the 2021/22 campaign, which certainly bodes well for the upcoming campaign.

NEWS

“I’m proud of that relationship we’ve built now to make that High Performance Centre ‘one’ building,” said Tinnion. “It’s not an Academy or first team building, we’re altogether and we’ve got that strong bond with Nige and his staff.”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SOUTH GROUP 2021/22 TABLE Ipswich CITY Cardiff Charlton Millwall Colchester Watford Swansea QPR

P 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

W 16 15 15 10 9 8 6 5 7

D 3 5 2 6 3 5 7 9 3

L 5 4 7 8 12 11 11 10 14

GD 31 29 14 9 -11 -8 -15 -7 -19

Pts 51 50 47 36 30 29 25 24 24

UNDER-23S 2021/22 APPEARANCES

PLAY-OFFS Semi-Finals Sheff Utd 0-1 Bristol City Coventry 5-4 Ipswich Final Bristol City 2-3 Coventry

D. Kadji D. Lewis J. Owers B. Soady J. Taylor S. Bell H. Wiles-Richards O. Taylor-Clarke J. Knight-Lebel C. Wood T. Conway Z. Bell A. Benarous D. Idehen N. Williams T. Backwell P. Henry S. Pearson L. Britton S. Janneh S. Palmer-Houlden M. Rose O. Thomas K. Allen E. Morrison R. Towler W. Buse M. Francois C. Hutton J. Morton J. Casa-Grande H. Leeson F. Owusu-Antwi M. Boyd R. Cundy J. South-Thomas T. Swaby R. Araoye O. Edwards K. Palmer I. Richards W. Sage G. Tanner E. Yeboah B. Acey T. Bakinson T. Moore J. Porton C. Salmon A. Semenyo J. Williams

Apps 22 21 20 20 17 15 15 15 14 14 13 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 7 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Goals 0 7 1 0 0 10 0 1 0 1 11 0 5 1 0 2 3 4 6 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

>29

Time

A MOMENT IN

>30

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Taking in the view of Ashton Gate from the dugout during pre-season training in July 1954, City legends Jimmy Rogers (L) and Ernie Ginger Peacock (C) are joined by the three new summer signings; Tony Nelson (R) a forward from Newport, Eric Baker and sat between Jimmy and Ernie is Norman Jackson, a full-back signed from Sheffield Wednesday. Only Jackson went on to make a debut for City making nine appearances over two seasons at Ashton Gate.

Credit: The Jimmy Rogers Collection

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>31

MA TC HD AY CHELTENHAM TOWN: GOALCORER GEORGE TANNER BRAVES THE HEAT; FORMER CITY PROMOTION HERO WADE ELLIOT IN THE AWAY DUGOUT; KANE WILSON ON DEBUT. PORTSMOUTH: EX-CITY MIDFIELDER MARLON PACK LINES UP AGAINST DEFENSIVE TRIO: ROB ATKINSON, TIMM KLOSE AND KAL NAISMITH; ACADEMY PRODUCT JAMES TAYLOR GETS IN A CROSS. PLYMOUTH ARGYLE: NEW SIGNING MARK SYKES; MATCHWINNER NAHKI WELLS CELEBRATES WITH THE FANS; ZAK VYNER HOLDS OFF PILGRIMS SKIPPER, AND CITY ACADEMY PRODUCT, JOE EDWARDS.

>32 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

2-0 Tanner, Conway Robins High Performance Centre | July 6th 2022 Three new signings in Kal Naismith, Mark Sykes and Kane Wilson all featured against former Robin Wade Elliot’s Cheltenham Town. Although Chris Martin missed a second-half penalty, George Tanner and Nahki Wells struck to give City a win in their opening pre-season fixture.

Bentley (C), Klose (Towler 60), Atkinson (Tanner 60), Naismith (Vyner 60), Wilson (Idehen 60), James (Massengo 60), Williams (King 60), Dasilva (Pring 60), Sykes (Bell 60), Wells (Conway 60), Martin (Weimann 60).

0-0 Robins High Performance Centre | July 12th 2022 Despite a dominant performance with several chances, the Robins were forced to a goalless draw over 120 minutes of action.

Bentley (C) (O’Leary, 60), Wilson (Tanner 69), Kal Naismith, 69), Atkinson (Idehen 69), James (Massengo 90), Williams (King 90), Weimann (Conway 69), Taylor (Dasilva 69), Sykes (Palmer-Houlden 90), Wells (Bell 90), Klose (Towler 69).

0-1 Wells Home Park | July 16th 2022 | Attendance: 5,718 City left it late but had Wells to thank for a winning goal in their third pre-season runout. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Sykes won the ball on the edge of the box before Bell fed Wells who cut the ball onto his left foot and slid it under the keeper to break the deadlock.

Bentley (C) (O’Leary 60), Vyner, Klose (Towler 60), Atkinson (Idehen 60), Dasilva (Wilson 60), 30 Massengo, 10 King, 19 Tanner (Sykes 60), Weimann (Bell 60), 15 Conway (Wells 60), 9 Martin.

Subs not used: Wiles-Richards, Clark, Taylor, Taylor-Clarke.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>33

01174 539 615 digitalnrg.co.uk

Supporting The City

Your Digital Partner On & Off The Pitch

A performance-based digital marketing agency in Bristol with a focus on supporting clients to drive new business and sales.

SEO

Facebook Ads

PPC

Google Shopping

Book a Free Digital Marketing Review

Web Design

Time

DONNIE GILLIES SCORES CITY’S FOURTH WITH THIS SOLO EFFORT

A MATCH IN

TOP START MIKE ADAMS LOOKS BACK AT CITY'S FIRST WIN BACK IN THE TOP FLIGHT IN 1976

>36

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

4-1

Mann 30, Tainton 34, Ritchie 42, Gillies 56

Robson 41

SEPTEMBER 4TH 1976 | ASHTON GATE DIVISION ONE | ATTENDANCE: 20,865

T

his match was a triumph for the Robins, back in the top flight after 60 years – but it was the circumstances surrounding the match that gave it that added spice.

TOM RITCHIE HEADS HOME CITY’S THIRD OF THE GAME

During the previous season City had rivalled Sunderland for the Second Division title. When the two sides met in March, the Robins led through Gerry Sweeney’s goal at Roker Park only for Mel Holden to equalise on 85 minutes. Despite this setback Alan Dicks’ men held on to top spot for the whole of March going into April.

Promotion was achieved in the penultimate game at home to Portsmouth in a nail-biting match following Clive Whitehead’s thirdminute goal. But a 1-2 defeat at Notts County on the final day, and Sunderland’s home victory against Pompey, allowed the Black Cats to push City into second place.

Fast forward a few months and the Robins had enjoyed a dream start to Division One football – beating Arsenal at Highbury thanks to Paul Cheesley’s magnificent header on the opening day.

Cheesley was injured in the subsequent 1-1 draw with Stoke City in the first home match before Alan Dicks’ men played out a 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

The 4-1 win at Ashton Gate was seen as a settling of scores. The Robins controlled the game and deservedly went ahead when Trevor Tainton rolled a free-kick for Jimmy Mann to slam the ball past the wall. Four minutes later Sweeney’s long throw-in was half-volleyed into the roof of the net by Tainton at the near post. The visitors took advantage when Gary Collier mis-controlled the ball on the edge of his area allowing Bryan ‘Pop’ Robson to score, but less than a minute later Tom Ritchie restored the two-goal advantage with a far post header following a corner.

After the break Donnie Gillies sealed the win with a solo effort – winning the ball before firing low into the net from 20 yards.

In a further twist, the Robins would go on to survive the drop on the final day following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Coventry City, a result which condemned Sunderland to relegation.

City: 1 Cashley, 2 Sweeney, 3 Drysdale, 4 Gow, 5 Collier, 6 Merrick, 7 Tainton, 8 Ritchie (12 Fear), 9 Mann, 10 Gillies, 11 Whitehead

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>37

Association FORMER PLAYERS

CONTACT NEIL.PALMER@BCFCFORMERPLAYERS.CO.UK

O

ur aim here at the Former Players Association is to bring past players from different eras together and to reconnect the supporters with those legends, whilst adding to the heritage and history of this great club. After all, a club’s history is the very foundation on which the future should be built.

from different eras in the 2021/22 season, as well as holding popular events such as the Ashton Gate Eight 40th Anniversary and the Spirit of the 60s.

Today sees the launch of our Ambassadors, former players hosting guests and interacting with the fans at home games.

It will also see the launch of our Legends Lounge which will be on the mezzanine above the Sports Bar. The Everyone at Bristol Ambassadors for today’s IT’S A FANTASTIC FEELING City Football Club have game will be Geoff welcomed us and Merrick, Trevor Tainton, TO MEET UP WITH OLD FRIENDS supported us since our Dave Rodgers, Jantzen AND SHARE STORIES WITH PLAYERS launch in September 2021.

Derrick Paul Cheesley FROM DIFFERENT ERAS WHILST The FPA has gone from and Gary Owers. We ALSO FEELING PART OF THE strength to strength and will also be hosting a BRISTOL CITY FAMILY AGAIN proved ever so popular. group of former players GEOFF MERRICK such as Ray Cashley, As club legend of the Bobby Williams, Tony 1960s/70s and former Thorpe, Tony Ford, Bryan promotion captain Geoff Merrick explained: “To be invited Drysdale, Tom Ritchie Mike Gibson, Gerry Sweeney and back to the club where I played all those years ago, and Rob Edwards. Look out for them walking on to the pitch the club that I love with all my heart, is very special. It’s before kick off. a fantastic feeling to meet up with old friends and share stories with players from different eras whilst also feeling In the coming weeks we look forward to bringing back part of the Bristol City family again. It’s given me a new many more former players to Ashton Gate, as well as the lease of life and I know all the players feel the same. families of great players who have passed away. We hope We are all part of the history of the club and to have it with your support and appreciation we can acknowledge acknowledged like this is truly humbling.” these players from our rich history and welcome them back into the Bristol City family.

With the support of our club, we were able to get involved in various charity events. We welcomed 40 former players Neil Palmer

>38

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Donnie Gillies HALL OF FAME

HOW ‘THE DON’ SCORED A FOOTBALLING FIRST

D

onnie Gillies joined Bristol City from Greenock Morton in March 1973.

It was a move that brought many vital goals, including the 1-0 winner at Leeds United in the 1973/74 FA Cup fifth round and, arguably more important, his equaliser at Coventry City in May 1977 which ensured City were saved from relegation in their first season back in Division One. The winner at Leeds – then unbeaten leaders of the old First Division – provided City with their greatest FA Cup victory. Such was the impact that Gillies was pictured on the front page of The Times the next day. GIllies scored with a left footed drive that squeezed round Norman Hunter and under keeper David Harvey’s diving body.

Quoted in The Sun, the ex-Merchant Navy deckhand and papermill worker admitted: “Donnie Gillies?

I feel more like Donnie Osmond the way people are treating me at the moment!”

Gillies was a feisty and versatile competitor on the pitch, ever

DONNIE GILLIES SCORES HIS LEGENDARY GOAL AT LEEDS IN FEBRUARY 1974

ready to charge into battle. Soon it became apparent he was as adept at defending as attacking and, as City began their 1975/76 promotion race, Gillies was used increasingly in that role.

In 1976/77 three teams – Coventry, Sunderland or Bristol City – went into the final day knowing one of them would join Tottenham and Stoke City in Division Two. The irony was City were away to Coventry on the final day. Tommy Hutchinson put Coventry ahead and then made it 2-0 after 52

minutes. City looked doomed but hope was renewed just 90 seconds later when Gerry Gow netted from a knockdown by Gillies. Eleven minutes from time City fans went wild as Gillies equalised from 10 yards.

Gillies enjoyed seven rollercoaster years at Ashton Gate. When the Robins encountered a cash crisis he caused a stir by moving to Terry Cooper’s Bristol Rovers for £50,000 in June 1980.

Mike Adams

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>39

BECOME A ROBINS LOTTO MEMBER!

T

he Foundation would like to thank all Robins Lotto members for their continued support. Last season Robins Lotto members raised over £50,000. This money has helped run a number of different programmes within the community.

Robins Lotto is the official lottery scheme of Bristol City FC and provides fans with a unique opportunity to be in with a chance of winning a share of over £45,000 and City memorabilia over the course of the season, whilst simultaneously supporting the award-winning work of the club’s official charity – Bristol City Robins Foundation.

ACADEMY NEWS

From our Pan Disability Sessions to Walking Football the money ensures that these sessions can be run by passionate coaches to provide everyone in the community the opportunity to play the sport they love.

Members have also helped fans change their lives and get fit through Slim2Win sessions. Participants see impressive weight loss through playing football and living healthier lifestyles supported by their coaches.

The Foundation would like to thank all Robins Lotto members as without this support the Foundation would not be able to run the several different programmes throughout South Bristol.

All proceeds generated by the Robins Lotto will go directly to Bristol City Robins Foundation and help them continue to change lives in the local community.

JACKPOT WINNER 4 Denise Fricker won the Robins Lotto end of season draw. Denise has been a Robins Lotto member for 15 years, attending her first game back in 1966. Her whole family are massive City fans and never miss a game.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO ROBINS LOTTO THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>41

NAHKI WELLS PICTURED DURING CITY’S PRE-SEASON GAME VERSUS PORTSMOUTH

PLAYER

Profile

>42 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

NAHKI Wells

32 AGE

SQUAD NUMBER

POSITION

STRIKER

21

SIGNED

JAN 2020 FROM

BURNLEY PREVIOUS CLUBS FULL APPEARANCES + SUB | GOALS

0+3 | 0

76+36 | 53

128+25 | 49

0+10 | 0

56+16 | 24

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

21 15 CAPS

GOALS

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>43

3-1 Martin, Sykes, Weimann

Marsh

Robins High Performance Centre | July 19th 2022 City secured another pre-season win as they put three goals past Forest Green Rovers. Goals from Chris Martin, Mark Sykes and Andi Weimann put the Robins on the road to victory before Josh Marsh pulled a goal back. City were, for the most part, solid in defence with Dan Bentley making several excellent saves to deny the visitors.

Bentley, Vyner, Naismith, Atkinson, Dasilva, James, Williams, Tanner, Sykes, Weimann, Martin. Subs not used: Boyd, Henry, Taylor-Clarke, Araoye.

2-2 Conway 2

Coley 2

Robins High Performance Centre | July 19th 2022 A Tommy Conway double kept City’s unbeaten pre-season run going with a 2-2 draw against Exeter City. The young marksman struck in the 77th and 86th minutes to level the scores after a Josh Coley double for the Grecians.

O’Leary , Wilson, King, Conway, James Taylor (Scott 46), Bell, Wells, Towler, Idehen (Araoye 20), Klose, Massengo (Taylor-Clarke 33). Subs not used: Casa-Grande, Henry.

0-1 Martin (P) Vitality Stadium | July 23rd 2022 City wrapped up their pre-season with victory thanks to Chris Martin’s 49th-minute penalty, after Andi Weimann was bundled over. In another positive outing, Nigel Pearson’s side matched their Premier League opponents for attacking intent and earned a clean-sheet to boot.

Bentley, Vyner (Klose 45), Naismith (Towler 60), Atkinson (Araoye 60), Dasilva, James (Bell 60), Williams (Massengo 45), Scott (Kadji 70), Sykes (Tanner 60), Weimann (Wells 60), Martin (Conway 60). Subs not used: O’Leary, Wiles-Richards, Wood.

>44 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

MA TC HD AY FOREST GREEN ROVERS: MARK SYKES ROUNDS THE KEEPER TO PUT CITY 2-0 UP; GOALSCORER CHRIS MARTIN GOES FOR GOAL. EXETER CITY: YOUNG DEFENDER RAPHAEL ARAOYE IN ACTION; TIMM KLOSE TAKES ON THE GRECIANS; TOMMY CONWAY PULLS A GOAL BACK FOR THE HOME SIDE .

AFC BOURNEMOUTH: MATTY JAMES HOLDS OFF ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL DOMINIC SOLANKE; MARTIN SCORES THE WINNER FROM THE SPOT. THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>45

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’ A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. #LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

22/23 HOME KIT ON SALE NOW

BCFC.CO.UK/SHOP

Obituary

MARTIN HENNEBERRY

E

veryone at Bristol City was saddened to learn that Martin “Tinners” Henneberry, passed away recently after a short illness, aged 71.

Martin’s first match at Ashton Gate was an FA Cup Third Round tie versus Charlton Athletic on January 9th 1960. Despite losing 2-3, John Atyeo and Tommy Cavanagh scoring that day, the game started his longstanding affection for City.

Martin was ever-present at home and away games season after season, travelling from London where he moved to from Bristol in the late-1960s to study at university. His undying support meant no fixture was too far and midweek home games often meant getting home after 2am.

Living in Wimbledon gave Martin the opportunity to be actively involved with the London Branch of the Bristol City Supporters Club.

He was a tenacious full-back for the Sunday team and served as Chairman for a number of years. He was also City’s representative for The Association of Provincial Football Supporters Clubs in London (APFSCIL), which was formed in the mid-1970s.

Known affectionally in these groups as “The Voice of

>48 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Experience”, his knowledge of City was encyclopaedic – there didn’t seem to be a match, player, or goal scorer he couldn’t remember. Outside of football, he talked eloquently on many subjects, including society, history, religion, and politics.

“Tinners” was a great ambassador for Bristol City.

Travelling on trains and buses or in the pub before and after games, he would strike up conversations with home and away supporters. He didn’t just promote and talk about City, but always showed a genuine interest in other fans’ opinions and thoughts on the game that we all love. He was a quiet, modest, mild-mannered person who had respect and affection for everyone that he met.

His funeral was held in South London in June. A good contingent of City fans were in attendance to pay their respects and reminisce, some of whom had travelled from Canada and Colombia. One of the songs played during the service was “The Red Red Robin” which older City fans will remember was always played before each home game at the Gate in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Martin will be missed by so many, especially those fans who regularly travelled home and away with him following our beloved City.

SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOT STORIES TO SHARE ... IT’S INCREDIBLE THAT HE’S MANAGED TO TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE’S LIVES.

STONEY GARNETT

B

ristol City was saddened to hear about the passing of much-loved supporter ‘Mr Bristol City’, Stoney Garnett.

He was an instantly recognisable character at Ashton Gate, not least for wearing his red fedora. He made everyone smile and laugh, wherever he met them.

Stoney was born in Knowle West before living in Whitchurch, and after leaving Connaught Road School, he worked at British Rail before becoming a postman for 24 years. He was also an entertainer, a comedian and actor who featured in the likes of Robin of Sherwood and Only Fools and Horses. He also ran for mayor of Bristol on two occasions in 2012 and 2016.

But no matter where his travels took him, Stoney had a clear love for City and quoted Jackie Dziekanowski as “the best player I have ever seen grace the Ashton

Gate turf.” In one anecdote he was even once mistaken for a City player in a restaurant, to which then-manager Alan Dicks told the waiter ‘well tell him to come and see me and not to forget his boots.’

CEO Richard Gould led the tributes to ‘Mr Bristol City’ and, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, said: “Ashton Gate won’t be the same. It’s been incredible to see everyone’s memories being shared on social media.

“The fact that so many people have got stories to share on Stoney about when they’ve met him or seen him at Ashton Gate, it’s incredible that he’s managed to touch so many people’s lives.

“I first met him about 20-odd years ago and he was so distinctive, very funny and a charming guy. When he had an opinion he would let us know about it which was a good thing as well. Everybody that came across him had a positive memory

which is a great thing, and I feel for his family and friends but I hope they can take some comfort from the fact that he was loved by so many people.

“Our first league home game against Sunderland will have a really big crowd so it will be the ideal opportunity to remember and thank Stoney so we’ll look at all the suggestions coming through and make sure we can do something which will be really appropriate and something we can be proud of.

“With his red fedora and his extremely smart dress sense he was instantly recognisable, iconic and somebody who everyone was proud of, football club included.

We’re so grateful for his support and what he did over the years and it’s now our opportunity to provide support back to his family and friends.”

The club’s thoughts are with Stoney’s family and friends.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>49

THANK YOU TO OUR

PARTNERS PRINCIPAL

ELITE

SUPPORTING

*Effective *Effective against against enveloped enveloped viruses viruses **vs **vs representative representative Gram-negative Gram-negative bacterium. bacterium. Always Always practise practise good good hand hand hygiene. hygiene.

Use Use biocides biocides safely. safely. Always Always read read the the label label and and product product information information before before use. use. 99.9% 99.9% OF OF BACTERIA BACTERIA

POSTER A3 2022/23

MEMBERSHIPS £5 OFF HOME LEAGUE MATCHES | TICKET PRIORITY TWO FREE TICKETS FOR U19S & U12S

£25

Cartoons CITY IN

CLUB HISTORIAN DAVID WOODS CONTINUES HIS CARTOON SERIES FROM LAST SEASON

Sykes 80

1-2

Tindill 68 Atyeo 77

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST 1958 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO A respectful silence in memory of Rovers full-back Harry Bamford, who had died the previous day following a scooter accident during the week, is the prelude to a far from clean derby.

W

e start the 2022/23 campaign with two offerings from ‘Speed‘ (Jim Neal) in the ‘Bristol Evening World’, who in contrast to Bob Bennett in the ‘Bristol Evening Post’, frequently covered the local amateur soccer scene, as well as other sports.

As can be seen from these two examples from the 1958/59 season he put an equal amount of care into his work for both the professional and the amateur game. ’Speed’s’ impressions of the St Silas v Hambrook game played on January 17th 1959 appeared in the following week’s Bristol Evening World Pink’Un.

Referee Mervyn Griffiths had to be at his best to maintain control as City took their chances to win despite Rovers having the territorial advantage; a victory that saw City fourth in the table and Rovers sixth.

Rovers: Radford; Doyle, Watling; Sykes, Pyle, Sampson; McIlvenny, Biggs, Bradford, Ward, Hooper.

City: Cook; Hopkinson, Thresher; McCall, Alan Williams, Burden; Virgin, Tindill, Atyeo, Etheridge, Watkins.

Referee: BM Griffiths (Newport, Monmouthshire) Attendance: 32,129

Frustratingly, the local newspaper reports of this game present the researcher with a problem, as City’s line-up in both the Pink ‘Un and the Western Daily Press show George Walker at outside-left, whilst their match reports make mention of Johnny Watkins.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>53

COLLECTING WORLD CUP MEMENTOES HAS TURNED FROM A PASSION TO A QUEST FOR CITY SUPPORTER STEVE SMITH. NOW, AS THE GREATEST FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT COMES AROUND FOR QATAR 2022, IT’S TIME TO REKINDLE SOME MEMORIES AS HE CLIMBS UP INTO THE ATTIC AND LOOKS AT HIS COLLECTION...

WHAT DID YOU COLLECT FOR THE WORLD CUP

Grandad?

S

o, how about this 1966 World Cup squad shirt for starters? It belonged to Norman Hunter, a Bristol City legend from the late-1970s, but at a time when he was playing for Leeds United. This is his red England shirt he was given for the World Cup finals held in England in 1966 and has his squad number, 18, machine-stitched on the reverse.

Made by Umbro, who have been making football kits since 1924, this cotton-made shirt is a one-off, being made to be worn for one match only. It was given to Norman, who had only played four times for England before the tournament began, should his services be required.

He was an established central defender at the age of just 22 with Leeds United and was considered the next best alternative to captain Bobby Moore, should the West Ham United defender get injured. However, 24-year-old Bobby never did get injured and played every minute of England’s

>54 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

six matches and was handed the Jules Rimet trophy from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from the Royal Box at the old Wembley Stadium on July 30th.

This now iconic red shirt, simple in its appearance like so many at the time, was only worn for the final against West Germany, whose kit supplier was also Umbro.

For all of England’s previous five matches, they wore the standard white long-sleeve shirt, blue shorts and white socks. So Norman only had this one red shirt as understudy to the England captain. The closest Norman got to seeing action was watching the final against West Germany, for which England won 4-2 after extratime, from the touchline, along with all the other squad members that day – dressed in normal clothes as no substitutes were allowed back then.

His only appearance in a World Cup finals came in the 1970 Mexico competition when he came on for Martin Peters with ten minutes to go when England, the defending World Champions, were leading West

NORMAN HUNTER SIGNS HIS 1966 WORLD CUP SHIRT FOR ME IN AUGUST 2004 AT A BOOK SIGNING OF HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY, BITING TALK, IN BRISTOL.

NORMAN’S LEEDS UNITED TEAM-MATE, JACKIE CHARLTON, DECKED OUT IN ENGLAND’S SECONDCHOICE KIT AS THEY LINE UP AHEAD OF THE 1966 FINAL.

NORMAN HUNTER MAKING HIS FIRST APPEARANCE FOR CITY AT DERBY COUNTY ON OCTOBER 30TH 1976, THE DAY AFTER HE TURNED 33 YEARS OLD.

Germany 2-1, only to go down 3-2 in extra-time. And just as in 1966, his squad number was 18.

Old “Bites Yer Legs” went on to win 28 caps by October 1974 and two years later signed for us from Leeds United bringing his vast experience of top-flight and international defending to a City side who just needed some advice at the back to remain in Division One. He soon became a firm favourite to the Ashton Gate faithful and went on to play 122 matches for the

Robins by the time he left in the summer of 1979 for Barnsley. He notched up five goals along the way, with his first net-buster coming against his old club.

The cheers nearly took the roof off all three stands.

Norman, who was born in Eighton Banks, Gateshead in 1943, was a no-nonsense defender whose tough tackling reputation went before him. Sadly, the only opponent to get the better of him was Covid-19 – he passed away on April 17th 2020 after a week in hospital.

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

>55

2021/22Fixtures& Results DATE

KO

OPPOSITION

H/A

Sat Aug 7

3.00 pm

BLACKPOOL

H

SCORE RES

Tue Aug 10

7.45 pm

Forest Green Rovers

A

Sat Aug 14

3.00 pm

Middlesbrough

A

1-2

L

22,004

Bentley

Vyner4

Tue Aug 17

8.00 pm

Reading

A

3-2

W

14,207

Bentley

Simpson

Fri Aug 20

7.45 pm

SWANSEA CITY

H

0-1

L

20,139

Bentley

Sat Aug 28

12.30 pm

Cardiff City

A

2-1

W

20,891

Bentley

Sat Sept 11

3.00 pm

1-1

D

2-2(5-6P) L

ATT

STARTING XI

18,739

Bentley

Vyner

2,554

O'Leary

Simpson

Baker

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Moore

Pring

Massengo

Baker

Dasilva

Atkinson

Kalas

Dasilva

Simpson 4

Kalas

Dasilva

Vyner

Kalas

Baker

Atkinson

James

Kalas

Atkinson Atkinson

James James James

PRESTON NORTH END

H

0-0

D

17,967

Bentley

Vyner4

Kalas

Baker

Atkinson

James

Wed Sept 15 7.45pm

LUTON TOWN

H

1-1

D

16,878

Bentley

Vyner4

Kalas

Baker 1

Atkinson

James

Sat Sept 18

3.00 pm

Queens Park Rangers

A

2-1

W

14,922

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Baker4

Atkinson

James

Sat Sept 25

3.00 pm

FULHAM

H

1-1

D

19,346

Bentley

Tanner4

Kalas

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Wed Sept 29 7.45 pm

Millwall

A

0-1

L

11,389

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Baker4

Sat Oct 2

3.00 pm

Peterborough United

A

3-2

W

8,960

Bentley

Tanner 1

Kalas

Pring

Sat Oct 16

3.00 pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

H

0-2

L

20,828

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Baker

Pring4

James

Sat Oct 19

7.45 pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

H

1-2

L

18,325

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Baker

Atkinson

James

Sat Oct 23

3.00 pm

West Bromwich Albion

A

0-3

L

23,845

Bentley

Tanner4

Kalas

Baker4

Atkinson

James

Sat Oct 30

3.00 pm

BARNSLEY

H

2-1

W

18,347

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Bakinson4

Atkinson

James

Tue Nov 2

7.45 pm

Birmingham City

A

0-3

L

16,143

Bentley

Tanner

Kalas

Vyner

Atkinson

James4

Sat Nov 6

3.00 pm

Coventry City

A

2-3

L

19,855

Bentley

Tanner

Pring4

Massengo

Sat Nov 20

3.00 pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS

H

1-1

D

18,347

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Baker

Kalas

Atkinson Atkinson

Vyner

James James

Benarous4 Williams

Wed Nov 24

7.45 pm

STOKE CITY

H

1-0

W

16,949

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Baker4

Sun Nov 28

12.30 pm

Sheffield United

A

0-2

L

25,615

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Baker4

Benarous

Williams4

Benarous4 Massengo

Sat Dec 4

3.00 pm

DERBY COUNTY

H

1-0

W

18,732

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Bakinson 4 Atkinson

Sat Dec 11

3.00 pm

Hull City

A

2-2

D

10,446

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Massengo

Sat Dec 18

3.00 pm

HUDDERSFIELD

H

2-3

L

18,169

Bentley

Vyner

Kalas

Thu Dec 30

7.45 pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

H

1-2

L

19,543

O’Leary

Tanner4

Kalas

Vyner

Pring

James

Sun Jan 2

1.00 pm

MILLWALL

H

3-2

W

18,033

O’Leary

Vyner

Kalas

Towler 4

Pring

James

Sat Jan 8

12.30 pm FULHAM

H

0-1

L

7,304

O’Leary

Benarous4

Kalas

Pring

Atkinson

Sat Jan 15

3.00 pm

Fulham

A

2-6

L

17,810

O’Leary

Vyner

Kalas

Dasilva4

Sat Jan 22

3.00 pm

CARDIFF CITY

H

3-2

W

21,435

O’Leary

King4

Kalas

Tue Jan 25

7.30 pm

Luton Town

A

1-2

L

9,202

O’Leary

Vyner

Kalas

Dasilva4

Sat Jan 29

3.00 pm

Preston North End

A

2-2

D

11,936

O’Leary

Klose

Kalas

Dasilva4

Sat Feb 5

3.00 pm

Blackpool

A

1-3

L

11,026

O’Leary

Klose

Wed Feb 9

7.45 pm

READING

H

2-1

W

17,798

O’Leary

Klose

Sun Feb 13

1.00 pm

Swansea City

A

1-3

L

19,162

O’Leary4

Sat Feb 19

3.00 pm

MIDDLESROUGH

H

2-1

W

20,148

Bentley

Tue Feb 22

7.45 pm

COVENTRY CITY

H

1-2

L

19,192

Bentley

Sat Feb 26

3.00 pm

Nottingham Forest

A

0-2

L

28,506

Bentley

Sat Mar 5

3.00 pm

BIRMINGHAM CITY

H

1-2

L

21,942

Bentley

Klose 4

Kalas

Dasilva

Bell4

James4

Sat Mar 12

3.00 pm

Blackburn Rovers

A

1-0

W

13,567

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Tue Mar 15

7.45 pm

Barnsley

A

0-2

L

11,322

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Sat Mar 19

3.00 pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

H

2-2

D

20,586

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Sat Apr 2

3.00 pm

AFC Bournemouth

A

2-3

L

9,937

Bentley

Klose

Cundy 4

Dasilva

Atkinson 1

James

Sat Apr 9

3.00 pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

H

1-1

D

19,052

Bentley

Klose

Cundy4

Dasilva

Atkinson 1

James

Fri Apr 15

7.45 pm

Stoke City

A

1-0

W

20,298

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva 1

Atkinson

James

Mon Apr 18

3.00 pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

H

1-1

D

18,934

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva4

Sat Apr 23

3.00 pm

Derby County

A

3-1

W

22,753

Bentley

Klose 1

Cundy

Sat Apr 30

3.00 pm

HULL CITY

H

5-0

W

21,799

Bentley

Klose

Cundy

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Sat May 7

12.30 pm

Huddersfield Town

A

0-2

L

17,797

Bentley

Klose4

Cundy4

Dasilva

Atkinson

James

Klose Klose Klose Klose

Massengo4 Atkinson4

Pring

Kalas

Dasilva

Kalas

Pring

Massengo James 1 James

Massengo Massengo4

Atkinson4 Massengo

Dasilva

Kalas

Dasilva

Pring Pring

Massengo Massengo

Pring

Massengo

Pring4

Massengo4

Pring4

Massengo4

Kalas

Dasilva

Williams 4 Massengo

Kalas

Dasilva

Benarous4 Massengo

Kalas

KEY All Matches Sky Bet Championship unless Carabao Cup or FA Cup | Goalscorer Bold | Penalty P | Yellow card

>56 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND

Atkinson4

Dasilva

Pring 4 Massengo4

Atkinson

James

Benarous 4 Atkinson

James

| Red card

| Substituted 44444

King

Weimann

O’Dowda4

Scott4

Martin 1

Nagy4

Janneh 2

Williams4

Bell 4

Wells

King 1

Weimann

Palmer4

Scott4

Martin

King 4 Massengo

SUBSTITUTES

O’Leary

Williams4

Simpson

Wells

Kalas

Bell 4

Baker

Vyner

Scott

Conway 4

Palmer4

Simpson

Bakinson

Wells4

Kalas 4

Massengo

Janneh4

Vyner

Bakinson

Wiles-Richards Bakinson4 O’Leary

Palmer44

Weimann 2

Pring4

Scott4

Martin 1

O’Leary

Wells

Baker4

Weimann

Pring4

Scott4

Martin

O’Leary

Semenyo 4 Bakinson

Wells4

Baker

Palmer

King 4

Pring4

King4

O’Leary

Semenyo 4 Simpson

Wells4

Scott4

Palmer

Dasilva4 Dasilva4

Massengo Weimann 24

Martin

Massengo4 Palmer4

Massengo

Weimann

Pring4

King4

Martin

O’Leary

Semenyo4

Bakinson

Wells4

Scott

Palmer

Massengo

Weimann

Pring 4

Scott4

Martin

O’Leary

Semenyo

Bakinson

Wells4

King4

Palmer

Dasilva4

Massengo

Weimann

Bakinson

Pring4

Martin 14

O’Leary

Semenyo4

Williams

Wells 14

Simpson

Palmer

Dasilva4

Wells

Weimann

Bakinson4

Pring 4

Martin

O’Leary

O’Dowda

Williams4

Baker4

Simpson

Palmer 14

King

Williams 4

Weimann

Bakinson

Dasilva4

Martin

O’Leary

O’Dowda4

Scott

Pring4

Simpson

Palmer4

King

Williams

Weimann

Williams4

Weimann

Wells4

Weimann

Wells

Weimann

Wells

King

O’Dowda4

Martin 1

O’Leary

Bakinson

Scott4

Vyner

Simpson

Palmer

Bell

King

O’Dowda4

Martin

O’Leary

Bakinson4

Scott

Wells4

Simpson

Palmer

Dasilva4

Dasilva

Scott 1 4

Bakinson

O’Dowda4

Martin4

O’Leary

Massengo4 Dasilva 4

Martin

O’Leary

Bakinson4 O’Dowda4

Pring

Simpson

Palmer4

Massengo4

Pring4

Simpson 4

Scott

Weimann 2

Massengo

Pring4

Martin

O’Leary

Benarous4

Bell

O’Dowda

Dasilva4

Simpson

Scott

Wells 4

Weimann

Bakinson

Dasilva4

Martin

O’Leary

Bell

Benarous

O’Dowda

Massengo4

Pring4

Scott4

Bell

Bakinson

Weimann 1

O’Dowda

Scott 4

Martin 1

O’Leary

Benarous

Dasilva4

Wells 4

Simpson

Palmer

Bell

Bakinson

Weimann

O’Dowda 1

Scott4

Martin4

O’Leary

Semenyo4

Pring

Wells 4

Simpson

Atkinson

Massengo 4

Bakinson 1

Weimann

O’Dowda 4

Massengo 4

Scott

O’Dowda

Semenyo4

O’Dowda4

Scott 1

Martin

Weimann

Scott

Martin

Bakinson4 Weimann

Martin

O’Leary

Semenyo

Pring4

Wells

Simpson

Atkinson4

O’Leary

Semenyo4

Pring

Wells4

Simpson

Atkinson4

Dasilva

O’Leary

Benarous

Pring 4

Wells4

Simpson

James4

Dasilva

Semenyo 1

Weimann

O’Dowda

Scott4

Martin4

O’Leary

Benarous4

Pring

Wells4

Tanner4

Bakinson

Dasilva

Semenyo

Weimann 2

Benarous

Scott

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Pring4

Wells4

Tanner

Bakinson

Dasilva

O’Dowda

Scott 1

King

Bentley

Martin

Benarous

Wells4

Massengo

Atkinson4

Dasilva

Bentley

Martin4

Conway

Semenyo4 Weimann Semenyo 4 Weimann 3 King4

O’Dowda

Scott

Benarous4 Martin4

Scott4

Semenyo 2

Weimann

O’Dowda4

Scott

King

Bentley

Martin4

Bakinson4

Wells

Palmer

Atkinson4

Semenyo

Weimann 1

O’Dowda

Scott

Martin 2

Bentley

Dasilva4

Williams

Wells

Vyner4

Conway

Benarous

O’Dowda4

Scott

Martin

Bentley

Simpson

Williams4

Wells4

Bell

Conway4

Benarous

O’Dowda4

Scott4

Martin 1

Bentley

Cundy4

Williams4

Wells

Vyner4

Conway

Benarous

Martin

Wiles-Richards

Bell

Williams 4 Wells 1 4

Vyner

Conway

Benarous

Williams 4 O’Dowda44

Benarous

Semenyo Semenyo 1

Weimann

Weimann4 O’Dowda4

Scott

Bell

Palmer4 Conway4 Weimann4 Semenyo4 Wiles-Richards

Dasilva

O’Dowda

Semenyo 1

Vyner

Atkinson

Wells4

Semenyo 4 Weimann 1

Bentley

Wells 4 Massengo4

Dasilva4 Benarous

Weimann

Vyner

Scott

Martin

Bentley

Cundy4

Bell

Conway

Semenyo

Weimann 1

Vyner

Scott

Martin

Bentley4

Cundy

Williams 4

Wells4

Idehen

Benarous

Conway

Semenyo 1

Weimann 1

Bell4

Scott

Wiles-Richards

Cundy4

Pring4

Wells

Vyner

Conway

Benarous Williams4

Semenyo

Weimann

Bell4

Martin 1

Wiles-Richards

Cundy

Pring4

Wells

Vyner

Conway

Semenyo

Weimann

Williams

Scott

Martin4

Wiles-Richards

Cundy4

James4

Wells4

Vyner

Bell

Benarous

Semenyo

Weimann

Williams

Scott 1

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Pring4

Wells4

Massengo

Atkinson4

Benarous

Semenyo4 Weimann 1

Scott

Martin

Williams

Scott 4

Martin

Wiles-Richards

Conway

Pring

Wells4

Massengo4

Bell

Benarous

Weimann

Massengo

Scott4

Martin

Wiles-Richards

Conway4

Pring

Wells4

Vyner

Bell

Williams44

Semenyo4 Weimann 1

Benarous

Semenyo4

Massengo

Pring

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Owers

Wells 14

Vyner

Bell

Wells

Weimann 1

Pring4

Scott

Martin

O’Leary

Conway4

Owers

Massengo4

Vyner

Bell

Benarous

Wells4

Weimann

Williams4

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Pring

Massengo4

Vyner4

Bell

Semenyo4

Weimann

Williams 4

Scott

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Pring

Wells4

Vyner

Bell

Massengo4

Massengo

Scott

Martin 1

O’Leary

Conway4

Idehen

Wells4

King

Bell

Benarous4

Semenyo4 Semenyo4

Weimann

Semenyo 1

Weimann 1 Williams 4

Semenyo 14 Weimann 24 Semenyo

Weimann

Williams Massengo4

Scott

Scott4

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Idehen4

Wells

King4

Bell44

Massengo4

Scott 4

Martin 2

O’Leary

Conway4

Idehen

Wells4

King

Benarous4

Massengo

Martin

O’Leary

Conway

Idehen4

Wells

King4

Bell

Tanner4

Scott

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >57

IN PI CT UR ES CITY WARMED UP FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON WITH A TRAINING CAMP IN ANDI WEIMANN’S AUSTRIA. NEW FIRST TEAM COACH JASON EUELL (TOP RIGHT) JOINED UP WITH THE SQUAD FOR THE FIVE-DAY STAY IN BAD RADKERSBURG, WHILE NIGEL PEARSON COULDN’T RESIST THE LOCAL FASHION!

>58 THE THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND ROBINS SUNDERLAND

THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >59 THE ROBINS SUNDERLAND >59

Squads

MATCHDAY

TODAY'S FIXTURES

SAT AUG 6TH | 3PM | ASHTON GATE | SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

VS

Norwich v Wigan City v Sunderland Burnley v Luton Preston v Hull QPR v Middlesbrough Reading v Cardiff Sheff Utd v Millwall Stoke v Blackpool Swansea v Blackburn Played yesterday Birmingham v Huddersfield Playing tomorrow

BRISTOL CITY MANAGER NIGEL PEARSON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 30 31

HEAD COACH ALEX NEIL

HOME KIT

DAN BENTLEY KANE WILSON JAY DASILVA KAL NAISMITH ROB ATKINSON MATTY JAMES ALEX SCOTT JOE WILLIAMS CHRIS MARTIN ANDY KING ANTOINE SEMENYO MAX O’LEARY HARVEY WILES-RICHARDS ANDREAS WEIMANN TOMMY CONWAY CAMERON PRING MARK SYKES AYMAN BENAROUS GEORGE TANNER SAM BELL NAHKI WELLS TOMAS KALAS RYLEY TOWLER TIMM KLOSE ZAK VYNER HAN-NOAH MASSENGO STEFAN BAJIC

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 24 26 27 32 42

Playing Monday West Brom v Watford

2021/22 FINAL TABLE

AWAY KIT

ANTHONY PATTERSON NIALL HUGGINS DENNIS CIRKIN CORRY EVANS DANIEL BALLARD DANNY BATTH LEON DAJAKU ELLIOT EMBLETON ELLIS SIMMS PATRICK ROBERTS LYNDEN GOOCH ALEX BASS LUKE O’NIEN ROSS STEWART CARL WINCHESTER JACK CLARKE ALEX PRITCHARD DAN NEIL BAILEY WRIGHT JACK MATETE TRAI HUME AJI ALESE

3

P Fulham (P) 46 Bmouth. (P) 46 Huddersfield 46 N Forest (P) 46 Sheff Utd 46 Luton 46 Middlesbro 46 Blackburn 46 Millwall 46 West Brom 46 QPR 46 Coventry 46 Preston 46 Stoke 46 Swansea 46 Blackpool 46 CITY 46 Cardiff 46 Hull 46 Birmingham 46 * Reading 46 Peterboro (R) 46 ** Derby (R) 46 Barnsley (R) 46

GD +63 +35 +17 +33 +18 +8 +9 +9 +8 +7 +1 +1 −4 +5 −10 −4 −15 −18 −13 −25 −33 −44 −8 −40

Pts 90 88 82 80 75 75 70 69 69 67 66 64 64 62 61 60 55 53 51 47 41 37 34 30

*deducted six points **deducted 21 points

NEXT AT ASHTON GATE

MATCH OFFICIALS MATCH REFEREE

ASSISTANT REFEREE

ASSISTANT REFEREE

FOURTH OFFICIAL

KEITH STROUD

GRAHAM KANE

GEORGE BYRNE

GAVIN WARD

GOALKEEPER

Coventry v Rotherham

SUNDERLAND

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

FORWARD

Ashton Gate Tuesday August 16th, 7.45pm kick-off Sky Bet Championship

IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC OR ANY OTHER ABUSE PLEASE REPORT IT TO OUR TEXT LINE 07770 736 047