It was at this point last season when Nigel Pearson sprung a selection surprise that also laid down a template for not so much how Bristol City were going to play, but more how he was going to manage this group of players.
Electing to give Alex Scott not just his Championship but senior debut in the opening game of a campaign against Blackpool, in place of the more recognised Kasey Palmer, now seems an obvious decision but at the time was a bold move.
Scott had been rewarded for his work in pre-season but also in his attitude and ability as much out of possession as it was his talents on the ball. When asked after the game as to why the teenager was preferred, outside of a will for him to “be a No10 and create” Pearson made a point of highlighting his “good pressing” attributes.
