For the most part, Bristol City’s pre-season schedule has gone swimmingly: three wins, two draws, eight goals scored, just three conceded, the only injuries incurred have appeared minor and the players have looked fit with moments of real coherence and continuity in their play.
There are undoubted creases to be ironed out; Chris Martin admitted their goal conceded against Forest Green Rovers echoed set-piece struggles of last season. And, you can take as much out of pre-season as you want, in terms of analysing where the Robins are as a team because ultimately, within a fortnight, it’ll all be forgotten as the cut and thrust of a Championship campaign begins. But it appears to be a job well done. So far, at least.
All this pleasant narrative could well change by 5pm today as City visit Bournemouth, a team who comfortably and comprehensively outplayed them over 180 minutes last season and are now a fully-fledged Premier League outfit, albeit with only minor improvements made so far in the transfer window.
