'Looking good' - 10 Bristol City fans debate Conway, Manning, transfers and the summer ahead

The 2023/24 campaign was a challenging one for Bristol City fans. A season in which they were forced to question so much about their club over a nine months that fluctuated quite profoundly, for better and for worse.

It began with optimism surrounding Nigel Pearson and overall finished with a fresh air of positivity concerning Liam Manning’s time in the dugout, but it’s fair to say quite a bit happened in between, even if their 11th-placed finish exudes mid-table stability.

Football moves quickly, though, and while we’re very experienced the downturn of a quiet off-season before transfer activity kicks off leading into pre-season, the time to reflect on the campaign also encompasses what needs to happen next.

To take a temperature check on the general mood of the fanbase, we spoke to 10 City supporters on a variety of subjects, from Manning to matters in the transfer window…

Based on what you thought going into the 2023/24 season, where the club finished, and what happened in between, what would you rate the campaign of 10 and did it meet expectations?

Jordan Tansley, 33, Weston-super-Mare: “If you look at the season, with the end result as the be all and end all, it’s a 7/10. I had us top-half to play-off challenge in my predictions in pre-season, based on some really good early recruitment and the assumption that if Alex Scott was going to be sold late in the window we had a plan to replace him (as per the messaging at the time from Brian Tinnion).

“Once the window slammed shut I felt that top-half was about right, although I was heartened by our start to the season it was clear that any injuries in key positions would hurt us and that unfortunately transpired.”

Peter Rex, 27, Clifton Down: “I would rate the season as a 7. I think it met my expectations as I expected an improvement on last season. However for it to be any higher we would need to be pushing the top eight.”

Jack Phillips, 22, Whitchurch: “I'd say 6.5/10. Going into the season I wasn't expecting much in terms of a promotion battle. The departure of Alex Scott was always going to be a hard hole to fill but looking at our season I don't think we did a bad job at filling that void.

"The sacking of Pearson, at the time, I was fully against. With the injuries we had at the time, looking at that starting line-up against Cardiff away, it was always going to be a difficult job for him.

"However, Manning came in, and given the run of form he had at the turn of the year I thought he was out of his depth. But since I think I have been proven wrong. I think our ceiling is higher with Manning than Pearson in terms of the level we can reach, and I'm excited to see given a summer transfer window what he can produce next season.

"The extra .5 is for the cup run. That day at West Ham was superb and then beating them at home was my highlight of the season as a fan.”

Cory Alder, 26, Hanham: “At the start of the season I was expecting a play-off push, a real top-six challenge. After the late departure of Alex Scott that expectation lowered to about 10th or above. A very similar scenario to Adam Webster a few years back: we have the perfect team, a set playing style and then we sell arguably our best player late on in the window which disrupts playing style and the main plans.

“The FA Cup run going toe to toe with Premier League teams just added a bit of spice to what was a fairly average bland season. Wins against some of the big teams in the league, although meaningless in effecting the league position, makes you wonder what we are capable of. A clear playing style and some exciting young players coming through leaves the campaign with some optimism. 6/10.”

Ian Ingram, 49, Weston-super-Mare: “6/10, which is to say the overall position and points tally is just below my optimistic expectations going into the season. However, given the bold decision to bring in a new manager mid-season, I think there are plenty of reasons to be cautiously positive moving forward.”

Ethan Sampson, 19, Somerset: “Where we ended up shouldn’t be a real surprise to anyone. We’re slowly building up over time and didn’t necessarily have the best summer transfer window, losing arguably our best player without a like-for-like replacement. I’d give this season a 7 purely on the basis that we had two great trips away in the FA Cup and for those two wins at home against Leicester and Southampton. Also leaving ourselves in a decent position squad wise for next season.”

Liam Fowler, 35, Ludgershall, Wiltshire: “I’d give the season a 6/7 out of 10 overall. As far as expectations go I’d say they’ve probably been met, I can’t honestly say with the squad we had at the beginning of the season we would’ve finished any higher than mid-table (like most seasons).”

Jon Dinham, 41, Keynsham: “I was hoping for top 10. But again we had too many injuries. We were really lacking quality in the final third. So with how we played under Manning with a strong finish and progression in our final league position, I have to be happy with that.”

Tom Hartnell, 27, South Bristol: “I felt the season basically went as I predicted. I don’t feel as though we really had the quality in the team to properly challenge the top six, but likewise were too good to go down. The level of the Championship this season with the teams that got relegated was ridiculous!”

Owen Lloyd, 40, Maidenhead: “I’d give the campaign a 6 out of 10. Going in, I’d hoped we’d be able to mount a play-off challenge and, up until November, we were around the fringes of this despite a ridiculous injury crisis. Finishing 11th isn’t bad, although it would have been nicer to spend more of the season looking up rather than over our shoulder.”

What do you think fundamentally prevented City from finishing higher than 11th?

Jordan Tansley: “Injuries killed our reasonable start to the season and ultimately cost Nige his job. I don’t think it’s possible to make such a significant change to the structure (manager to head coach, figurehead to young coach) and not essentially write off the season as “transitional”. It’s impossible to say, but I think if we’d had less injuries and no upheaval then we might have won the mediocrity league with Preston North End and Cardiff!”

Peter Rex: “Not replacing Scott with a number 10. We had the fourth-best defence in the league, yet we had teams below us who scored more goals. I think the addition of Scott Twine helped show what we can do (although I do think the run of games we had when we won were kind). But ultimately I think we played too one-dimensional and under Manning we had the possession just not someone to play that killer pass, which significantly hindered results for the current head coach and also Pearson.”

Jack Phillips: “An inability to break down a low block. The games under Manning that scream out as missed opportunities are Millwall, QPR and Huddersfield. These sides sat back and didn't let us implement our energetic, attacking football Jon Lansdown says is the aim, and we really struggled.

“Meanwhile, when more expansive footballing sides like Leicester and Southampton head to Ashton Gate we put in some terrific performances. It's easy to get lost in ‘what if's’ but if we beat Millwall, QPR and Huddersfield, as supporters would expect us to, that puts us four points off the play-offs.

“This is one thing I think Manning and his staff really need to focus on over the summer, working out how to break down defensive sides. Something I have said throughout the season is we don't set our own standards.

“The big teams turn up and we go out all guns blazing, the lower sides in the division turn up and we seem to drop to their level. We need to cut that out and play our own game, and stop being so reactionary to occasions, or lack of occasion.”

Cory Alder: “I believe it comes down to the change in manager midway through the season unexpectedly. This change of playing style takes time to bed in and at least a few months before it's even familiar for some of the players.

“It was mostly a game of catch-up from three. Looking at it you could almost say it was a reset and a let's build from here into next season and push for the play-offs with a branded style of football.

“I wouldn't necessarily say under Pearson we would have finished higher but it certainly stopped us from finishing higher. It would be harsh to leave out injuries as well, some key players picking up injuries and the added games in the cup just kept leaving us that bit short in the league.”

Ian Ingram: “Bringing in Manning who has a very different philosophy to Pearson, was always likely to result in some negative results, as the new style was taught and implemented. Add to that a slight lack of potency up front and Twine's unfortunate injury, and I think that just about explains it.”

Ethan Sampson: “Being so inconsistent as always was a massive factor in why we couldn’t push higher than 11th. We seem to go on a really bad run followed by a good run which will always leave you mide-table!

“On top of this we just didn’t have enough threat up front. Tommy got better as the season went on which Twine played a big part in but I just feel as if we lacked a creative spark in the side. Especially when you compare to the sides we’re competing with, they have much better attacking options.”

Liam Fowler: “Consistency and the lack of being able to create and take our chances.”

Jon Dinham: “Again, too many injuries and too many games lacking quality in the final third. Going into the season with honest, hard-workers as options in the number 10 role in Jason Knight with Andi Weimann as his back up. Twine then added quality there but was mostly injured. Wide players who don't often beat their man. With that lack of creativity we probably needed a bigger No9, but didn’t have one.”

Tom Hartnell: “Players not staying fit throughout the season, the availability of some of our players really needs to be looked into. I also feel we lack a bit of experience in the starting XI and characters to pick a team up when we concede or go behind. With Knight playing deeper we are a totally different outfit, but we didn't have enough opportunities to use him there.”

Owen Lloyd: “The run of form after Manning’s arrival, where we were dreadful. Failing to pick up points against really poor teams, where we were tedious cost us any chance of finishing higher.”

What were your highlights of the campaign and what stood out the most to you, from a positive perspective?

Jordan Tansley: “The Plymouth home game was fun, a fleeting moment of confidence. The easy answer is of course the FA Cup run and the end of season form. It was nice to see Liam grow in confidence during that run. I’ve been a critic of his, but he’s clearly invested in the project and desperately wants to get it right. Seeing the pressure lift and his personality start to shine through was certainly a positive.”

Peter Rex: “Bar Dire Mebude, all our signings seemed to make an impact. Too many times we've invested in players and they've not worked out. Rob Dickie as player of the season was a colossus at the back. Jason Knight, when back in that central midfield position, was someone we've been crying out for, and even in the 10 he still played ok. The way the club operated in getting transfers done early has helped and hopefully the addition of Max Bird can add to this.”

Jack Phillips: “The double header against West Ham would be my highlight; 9,000 Bristol City fans invading East London, creating an absolute racket, to which some West Ham fans said it's the best away end apart for Frankfurt, is what football is all about. Again with the home game, the atmosphere was superb, and we go and beat them as well - it has to be the highlight for me, a brilliant 180 minutes of football.

“Other positives, the appointment of Manning. I think we have the potential to push for play-offs next season under him, with the summer to iron out any weak points in the side that maybe don't fit his system.

“Defensively we have been superb. We had the fourth-best defence in the league last season, beaten by only Leicester, Leeds and West Brom. If we can bring in a 20+ goal a season striker this summer I think we're looking good for next season (that could also be Conway).”

Cory Alder: “The early Tommy Conway goal against West Ham at home. That game had a feel similar to the Manchester United tie and the atmosphere with the fans pulling together is always pleasing to see, and to rattling a West Ham player into getting sent off always leaves a little grin.

“In terms of the playing style, it's pleasing to see the exciting football Manning wants to play, you could see the intelligence of some players growing with their positioning and reading the game, not just their technical ability.

“Don't get me wrong, in the final third we lack the movement but we're creating the space and getting into the areas which causes a lot of danger for other teams. Knowing we are close to the final product is very exciting, very positive.”

Ian Ingram: “Obviously, the cup games stand out, along with Southampton and Leicester at home, which all demonstrated our ability to compete towards the top end of the league on our day.

“Overall though the switch from a back four to a back three, to accommodate our best players in their best positions, is the thing that gives me most hope for the upcoming season.”

Ethan Sampson: “We had some cracking away trips over the course of the season: Millwall, Swansea, West Ham, Plymouth and even Forest wasn’t bad! We also seemed to be playing without fear against the top-six sides, really coming out and attacking them which resulted in a few memorable wins.

“Squad-wise, I think the main positives are we’ve managed to get that strong defence in which Pearson started and have the foundations to build on over the summer to really push into a top six side.”

Liam Fowler: “It has to be both West Ham games. To take 9,000 to London and create that type of atmosphere in the away end was just incredible, oh and obviously the wins against Southampton, Leicester and Watford away on Boxing Day.”

Jon Dinham: “The biggest positive for me has to be how we now perform against the best sides in the division. Manning seems to know what he's doing here. After going 1-0 up against Leicester they could not get the ball near our goal the last 30 minutes as we comfortably saw out the game. The four FA Cup performances and Southampton, Ipswich, Norwich games and plenty more examples where we either won the game or deserved more.”

Tom Hartnell: “It has to be the three big wins this season at Ashton Gate, beating Leicester, Southampton and West Ham.”

Owen Lloyd: “The cup performances against West Ham and Forest gave hope that we could compete against teams at a higher level. The Southampton and Leicester wins were also clearly good results.”

And what did you see as the lowest points, and what won’t be remembered with much fondness?

Jordan Tansley: “From a personal perspective, the sacking of Nige was a low point. Not simply because I was fully behind him, but because the way the club delivered that decision was so poorly executed it eroded the relationship between fan and club that had been carefully and gradually fixed by Pearson, Richard Gould and Tinnion over the previous three years.

“On the pitch it was the run around Easter where I lost a lot of faith in Liam. It wasn’t the results but the performances that really bothered me in that period, it felt bleak and the entire atmosphere around the club was joyless. I’m glad we have turned a corner.”

Peter Rex: “The sacking of Pearson and then subsequent lack of time given to Manning by some supporters.

“I think the dismissal of Pearson came out of the blue. Ultimately we had not been playing too well and maybe the reasons behind his exit are a bit murky, but the lack of support and the jumping on the back of Manning after a run of games where we didn't win was too much. You can both hate the sacking of Pearson but also be willing to give a new manager time.”

Jack Phillips: “The loss at home to Cardiff. I'm living in Cheltenham for university, and the drive back after has never felt so long, I turned TalkSPORT off as at that point I was done with football! It felt like we had made the wrong decision with Manning after three losses in a row.

“I also think we got our January recruitment wrong, in terms of for this season. Mebude clearly wasn't the answer, we got unlucky with Twine getting injured in fairness. Despite a good run of form going into the summer, I feel that there was space for a permanent signing that could have propelled us up the league this season.

“However, Max Bird coming in for next season is a huge positive, as well as Adam Murphy impressing in youth action recently. We also have Josh Stokes coming in, so that's why I said we got the recruitment wrong in January ‘for this season’.”

Cory Alder: “The Cardiff games for sure - what a face palm. A derby at home you expect a bit of flair but it really kicks the stomach for how it was won. The away game as well with all the injuries leading into that game and the points we were throwing away like Stoke and Leicester it really felt as though we were going to struggle again and start falling into a low-end table finish.”

Ian Ingram: “The miserable run of defeats after the Southampton game, against teams we should be beating, but have regularly come unstuck against for the last few years, highlighted our deficiencies.

“Also, even though I understood the decision, the manner in which the club dealt with and communicated the reasons for Pearson’s sacking really lacked class and showed a lack of respect for both him and the fans.”

Ethan Sampson: “Cardiff away had to be the biggest low point… well, that weekend let’s say; we barely had a fit 11, with Pearson sacked on the Sunday morning to rub it in. It left the fan base disconnected with the club and furious.

“The season from this point onwards remained very up and down with the only other real down moment coming after the four losses in a row and a scrappy win against Swansea in March.”

Liam Fowler: “It has to be the way the club/board conducted themselves with the sacking of Nigel. I personally thought it came out of absolutely nowhere and to say it was results based was just a coward's way out for me.”

Jon Dinham: “Though we had a heavier defeat on the final day, I would have to say the Birmingham at home performance was about as bad a performance as I have ever seen from us. We clearly struggle in those types of games as we have seen all season.”

Tom Hartnell: “The way that the sacking of Pearson was communicated by the club - I felt very disconnected and as though Jon Lansdown was not totally transparent about the situation.

“Also the blip under Manning when relegation was a slight worry.”

Owen Lloyd: “The lowest point was the debacle around how City handled Pearson’s sacking. The poor communication at the time from the hierarchy was just not good enough.”

How have you viewed Liam Manning’s time at the club so far? How would you assess the job he’s done and has your opinion changed in any way?

Jordan Tansley: “I was excited by the appointment without much knowledge of what ‘Manningball’ entailed. I think he’s done enough to warrant a fair crack at the whip but I must admit to being “Manning out” for a good while. I’m always happy to change my mind and I now have a neutral view of him as a coach rather than a negative one.

“There are still questions and concerns that need to be addressed but it’s been refreshing to see him correct his mistake of implementing a mid-block out of possession structure with a team built to press. Coaches who learn from mistakes will always go further than ideologues. It looks to me like Liam can be flexible.”

Peter Rex: “As stated above, I think he has had a tough time of it. Yes, the football sometimes hasn’t been the most entertaining (we were promised front-foot attacking football). But I do think the lack of a 10 didn't help. I think with the resources Manning has been given, he has done what would be expected of him.

“The next step is if he gets backed, can he transform us into that top eight team. I wouldn't say my thoughts have changed on him, just that I can see something there and hopefully we see the results of this next season.”

Jack Phillips: “I have touched on Manning a lot already, but so far, after a bit of a roller coaster start, I'm hopeful for the future. The highs have been very high, but the lows have been quite disappointing. I feel towards the end of the season, we saw the true City under Manning. He has a clear style of play and it was working, Stoke away aside.

“My opinion on him has changed. In his first few months after joining I was not impressed, I still saw him as the manager that got sacked by MK Dons a year ago. I thought the football was poor, and like a lot of fans I thought he was a 'yes man'. I thought he was too reliant on looking at statistics and not judging overall performances.

“I have been proven wrong on these points, performances and results have improved. It's taken time, but the players are getting used to his style of football, and with the new signings I am hopeful we can push for play-offs next season.”

Cory Alder: “I’ve been impressed with how he's developed some players. Before he came in I didn't see many of the players having much technical ability but he seems to have really brought it out of the players well.

“Take Joe Williams, for example. it was hard to see where he would fit into the team with Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Matty James, it felt like he was just a holding midfielder to break up the play. Now you wouldn't pick a team where he isn't starting and his passing has become probably one of his top traits.

“He's speaking well to the media and he seems to be very clear on what he wants. So far I'm appreciating his job as manager. It's not an easy league to manage with how balanced all the teams are, however he's picking up wins against some big sides so he's proving that he's capable of getting a team to tactically out-think teams with better quality players.”

Ian Ingram: “Early impressions gave me an uneasy feeling of Lee Johnson mk2, but actually I've warmed to him as the season progressed. He still could do with using a little less language from the young, progressive coach's manual and allow his personality to come through more, but I do believe he knows what he's doing, and how he wants us to get there.

“I also really liked his challenge to the hierarchy to back him in the transfer market, to match his ambition, showing he's not the ‘yes man’ some thought he was.”

Ethan Sampson: “He has had a slow but steady start. I think he’s had a more positive start than a negative, with that much-needed unbeaten run towards the end of the season, finished off in true Bristol City colours...

“He seems to take a more tactical approach compared to Pearson and it would seem the players are very fond of him. Next season will be a big year for Liam but from what we’ve seen of him this season I’m fairly confident he can lead us in the right direction.”

Liam Fowler: “When he was first appointed I can’t say I was particularly thrilled. He’s had his good and bad moments like every manager/head coach does but the form at the end of the season has swayed me a little bit to thinking he could be the right appointment.”

Jon Dinham: “I feel very positive about what Manning is doing here. I had seen some Oxford games under Manning and was quite impressed with what I saw. I thought his style would suit the squad we have, but I did think it was a gamble and a brave decision by the club. Now I am happy they did and am excited about next season under Manning.”

Tom Hartnell: “Honestly, I think he has done the best he can with the players he has had available and the time he has had. I am particularly pleased with Twine and the confidence he seems to have introduced back to Mehmeti. I am hopeful of what he can achieve with a full pre-season.”

Owen Lloyd: “I have major concerns. Manning and his team have no experience at a higher level. He’s not dynamic enough for me and I’ve no doubt he’ll return to the tedious mid-block as soon as he has a summer behind him.”

What could he do better?

Jordan Tansley: “I’d love to see him let his guard down in interviews and explain things in greater detail, I think it would go a long way to establishing a relationship with the fans.

“On the pitch I want him to show more when we take on a low-block side. The ‘get it wide’ and ‘express yourself in the final third’ comments really irked me in that period of poor form. I expected a more nuanced approach to that particular problem.”

Peter Rex: “I think he needs to be more pragmatic with substitutes. Too many times we would be chasing games and would bring on the same 3-5 subs. You could always call what he was going to do (which if I can do it, you can bet the opposition could).

“Yes, that could be due to a smaller squad, However try some of the youth out, or bring on Mebude (alas, this is too late). I'd rather see us lose with some of our exciting youngsters on the pitch, than with Harry Cornick and Andy King.”

Jack Phillips: “It isn't the biggest issue, but it would be nice to see a bit more personality when he's being interviewed. That's one thing from Nigel Pearson that I would take over to Manning - I think Nige is a more likeable person in terms of a manager of your club outside of results, because he is a personality.

“Other than that, I think the jury is still out on Manning. I don't believe he's been here long enough for us to really point fingers at him saying what he's not doing right. If the football is poor at the start of next season, and we're not getting results, I think then fans can start to point fingers at certain aspects of Manning. But if he can work out how to break that low block, I think we'll be really strong next season.”

Cory Alder: “Bounce around! It's part of the fun with the fans. I feel he could get more involved with that side of things. There's not much he's doing wrong, we could nitpick but I think he's doing a decent job.”

Ian Ingram: “As above, be a bit more natural and human in the way he speaks. I understand his mantra of not getting too emotional, but football is an emotional game, so he shouldn't be scared to embrace a little bit more of that side of his personality.”

Ethan Sampson: “My worry with Manning and the football we have played is when teams sit off us we’re far too slow. We don’t move the ball with any pace, and this comes back to us struggling against the low block side. Fans at Ashton Gate then get frustrated which does the players no good. We’ve got to learn how to attack these sides who constantly sit back.”

Liam Fowler: “Sometimes I think he’s too slow to react to how things are going on the pitch (look at West Brom away) also I think he’s got to be a bit braver when things aren’t going our way and just go for it!”

Jon Dinham: “I can think of some poor performances under Manning. But I can't really think of anything he could do better. It would be very unrealistic of me to expect a mid-table squad with injuries to look great every game.”

Tom Hartnell: “He always seems to make like-for-like substitutions rather than changing his entire approach to games when required.”

Owen Lloyd: “Share media interviews around with his team. Be honest after matches. Vary the tactics so that the opposition have to consider our threats rather than set up to neutralise theirs.”

What can be done in the transfer market this summer that you think can improve City for next season, and how can they do it?

Jordan Tansley: “Our biggest weakness is clearly chance creation, we have a solid defence but we don’t have anyone (permanently) on the books who can unlock a defence. Twine is clearly the number 1, 2 and 3 target but I really hope we have a back up plan. I think the first-team squad is missing a bit of experience too, someone with a bit of know how. Players like Andy King add more to a dressing room than many can imagine. So an older head wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

Peter Rex: “I think we need to act early to get a backup goalkeeper, a number 10, a physical 9 and then a winger who can play in one of the two playmaker roles when we go three at the back. I think we need to look abroad, there are so many independent scouts looking at players overseas, and I think this has got to be something to look into. Coventry picked up a gem in Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, and there is value out there (maybe i've been playing too much Football Manager).

“I think we also need to look at the loan market, But using loans to improve our team, not punts who might have an impact. There is a definite correlation between loans and success, but then a lot of these clubs do have the money to fund these easily, so its hard. Options could be Max Dean, Kwame Poku, Lewis Dobbin or Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan. Then again, they may be out of reach which is why abroad may be best.

Jack Phillips: “I feel we need a striker, as a priority. As much as I like Conway, he can be wasteful in front of goal. We had the fourth-best defence in the Championship, but only managed 53 goals in the other end. If we sign a more clinical striker, that will really improve us.

“A name I like the sound of, and I spoke to Martin McConachie who does the Opta stats for City and we agreed, is Adam Idah. He had a successful loan spell in Scotland with Celtic, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances. He's only 23, played 28 games for Norwich this season before leaving for Celtic, scoring six times, so he's hit 14 this season with a high quantity of his Norwich appearances coming off the bench.

“He's also a Republic of Ireland international, so he'll be familiar with Mark Sykes, Jason Knight and Max O'Leary. For me, he fully fits the bill of someone we would look at bringing in.

“I wouldn't be against bringing in a new goalkeeper too. I think Max is a good goalkeeper, and he's had some great performances this season (Sunderland away was superb). But, does Max O'Leary get you promotion/play-offs? I'm not so sure.

“He thrown some clangers in this season, Preston away springs to mind. He does have an error in him, and if we bring in a better 'keeper, it'll strengthen what is already a great defence into an even better one.”

Cory Alder: “100 per cent a striker who offers something different to Tommy Conway and Nakhi, mostly someone who can finish a 1-on-1.

“The midfield and backline seem pretty solid, the final third sometimes it feels like we lack that cut throat finisher. It’s the same with our wide players. Cornick has been clean through on a couple of occasions and not scored. The finishing needs to improve and then the physicality when keeping hold of the ball.

“Sam Smith from Reading is that sort of player who could really change it for us in my opinion, he's got the hold-up play we need, along with the finish.”

Ian Ingram: “If we can get Twine, get him, even at the expense of a good chunk of the budget. The club have made no secret of their desire for a more physical, back to goal type No9, but they are not easy to come by, so let's hope the recruitment team earn their money on that one.

“Other than that, I don't think we're too far away, depending of course on the ongoing contract talks with Joe Williams and TC, who would both need replacing if they left.”

Ethan Sampson: “I think what we need is very obvious. That being a big bloke up front to give a different option to Tommy and Nahki. However if Tommy wasn’t to sign the contract then you’ve got to look at getting another striker in the door.

“We also need a creator, with the obvious option being Twine depending on Burnley’s position. I’d also look at getting in a proper back-up keeper to challenge Max for that number one spot. Then rounded off with a Mebude replacement. I feel as if we need one more winger in the side, not one that doesn’t play at all!”

Liam Fowler: “Where do we start? Another keeper to challenge Max for No1, purely because I can’t imagine Stefan Bajic sitting around much longer having not being given a chance. Another left wing-back to act as cover/competition with Cam Pring, I’d look at Jack currie for that one myself. And obviously the attacking side of the team needs to be addressed.”

Jon Dinham: “Goalkeeper, winger, attacking midfielder and striker. We were lucky O'Leary was fit all season, with no experienced goalkeeper as backup. The other end of the pitch requires more quality, one of them being a big striker who can bring us something different. Twine, I am sure we will be doing all we can to sign but I think it will only be for a sensible fee or we will look elsewhere.”

Tom Hartnell: “In my opinion we need a centre forward, number 10, backup keeper and a midfielder to cover the losses of King and James. More importantly we need experience in the dressing room. I am worried about the average age of our squad now with Andi, Matty and King going.”

Owen Lloyd: “A strong centre forward has to be top of the list. Prime Steve Brooker would be the ideal. Also, a keeper to challenge Max seriously.”

Putting yourself in the club’s position, what would you do regarding Tommy Conway? And if you were Tommy Conway, what would you be doing?

Jordan Tansley: “I know many in the fanbase are offended by his ambition. Frankly, when you look at how many players we’ve had who now play in the Premier League it is little wonder that players think they have to leave to achieve their dreams.

“For me, natural goal scorers are the rarest of things and I’d be doing everything in my power to extend his contract and considering his contract status and minimal value in the market I’d be considering keeping him even if he doesn’t sign in the hope he can fire us into the Premier League.

“As a City fan who’d give his left arm to play for this club and this club alone, I can’t really answer it from Tommy’s perspective. I’d want to be the academy lad who led this club up the leagues!”

Peter Rex: “Do you cash in on him now and get your 2-3 million max or do you have him play and potentially hit 10-15 goals and back a promotion push. You can't deny it would be hard to replace his goals.

“If selling Conway means we can get a 10, a winger in and potentially a striker in on loan. Then it probably makes sense to sell him. There’s no point in having Conway if we don't have the players to create opportunities for him.

“But if we can get by without having to sell him then it’s worth the risk that he signs on at a later date. It’s a different case if he actively pushes the move.”

Jack Phillips: “It’s an interesting one. He can develop, and I think he is, into a brilliant player. And of course with homegrown talent you want them to be playing at your club; looking at Bournemouth now they're thriving in the Premier League with a spine built at the HPC. But in the present day, I think we need a better striker for next season. Someone who can guarantee a hat full of goals, which Conway isn't quite just yet.

“In terms of the club, if we do bring in a new striker, I think it's worth letting Conway go. There's no point having a player worth a fair amount of money sat on the bench, when we can use money we can potentially make on Conway at strengthening elsewhere, but that's only if we have another striker lined up to come in. If we don't have a striker lined up, we should keep him and he should be the main man.

“If I'm Tommy Conway, I'd certainly be exploring my options. Every footballer wants to be playing Premier League football, and he's proven on big stages (West Ham) he can score against the big sides. And is he guaranteed Premier League football if he stays at City? Absolutely not. He also has an international career to think about with Scotland, and if he's playing Premier League football he may get the promotion from the U21s to the first team.”

Cory Alder: “With the club highlighting up top as being an area they need to improve, I think we should sell him. Anywhere between £5m-£8m is a decent fee, which can be invested into someone like Twine, for example, or can definitely get you a decent attacking player from the league below or potentially abroad.

“In terms of Tommy’s position, it's in his best interest to stay and boost his personal reputation. Get a solid season with 15 goals in the league and he will open up doors for bigger clubs. I feel if he stays, he has a real chance of getting promoted with us and ticking off the two problems with a new contract and playing at a higher level.”

Ian Ingram: “For me, he isn't anywhere near the level of Scott and Antoine Semenyo, so I don't think any Premier League clubs will be in for him yet. Surely he's better off signing a new deal and continuing his development at home? After all, if he has a blinding six months or year, the offers will come anyway, as those clubs have deep pockets.

“Begrudgingly I can understand the appeal of Rangers and Celtic, as rumoured. Ultimately the offer is on the table, and if he doesn't sign, the club should get what they can for him now and move on.”

Ethan Sampson: “The club have handled the Tommy situation the best they can, it’s a tough one which isn’t in their hands. If he doesn’t sign the deal he has to go, simple as. The club can’t be prepared to receive nothing for one of its biggest assets.

“As for Tommy he should be signing that deal. He’s not had the best season but is getting regular game time in the Championship he needs to until the time is right to push further in his career and I don’t think that is now.”

Liam Fowler: “I’d be getting rid, he’s not willing to sign a new deal so I’d be making his decision for him and get the maximum we can for him. If I were in his shoes, I’d be looking to sign another deal with City but with an agreement in place that if a placed value was met by another club I’d be allowed to at least have the option to talk to them.”

Jon Dinham: “I hope the club already know who they want to bring in if they sell Conway. If possible I would hope we can sell him quite early in the transfer window if he isn’t going to commit long term. I think for Conway it would be good for him to stay here for his development, but if he can earn more elsewhere then like any job, I understand him leaving.”

Tom Hartnell: “If I were the club I would be looking to bring a forward in and wait until they sign before making a decision. If I were Tommy, I would prioritise gametime over everything when looking for a new club.”

Owen Lloyd: “I think Conway’s likely to leave. I’d be selling to someone like Rangers or a top end Championship club, with a big sell-on. If I was TC, I’d hand in a transfer request asap. A move to Rangers would be lucrative and help with his international career.”

Based on what the squad was like heading into summer 2023, do you think it looks in a better or worse state to challenge higher up the table next season?

Jordan Tansley: “Actually a more difficult answer than you might think! The loss of our captain, his replacement and our most experienced player, plus the ending of the Twine loan and contract status of our best forward doesn’t paint a pretty picture. That being said, we go into next season with the best defence we’ve had in years and a really solid, professional squad. If we can sprinkle some magic dust on a really good core group then we can go anywhere.

Peter Rex: “Yes, we have lost three experienced players (hopefully we keep Williams too), but we have got individuals like Dickie, Vyner, Knight who have all played enough games and they need to step up. After the 2022/23 season, who would've thought we'd have one of the top defensive lines in the division.

“Our midfield is solid, adding Bird to the mix only makes us better. Yes we lack that 10 but I'm sure that is the priority target for city and I trust city to get Twine or a player similar in. Overall this team has had a year of playing with each other and a lot of players are coming into their primes so I think we are in a better position.”

Jack Phillips: “The squad heading into last summer was quite strong. We still had Alex Scott, which would be massive in this division if you're looking for promotion, although most people expected him to leave.

“One benefit we had was all players being in on a permanent deal, as we know Pearson wasn't a fan of the loan market. This summer we have Twine departing which is a huge loss, as well as Mebude, which isn't. However, I think we're in a better position this summer.

“Last summer we needed a centre-back, we've got that in player of the year Rob Dickie. I think our defence doesn't need any reinforcements going into the new season. We've already got players coming in in Bird, Murphy and Stokes, which last summer we didn't have the benefit of three new players instantly.

“I hope we can get Twine back, but I think it's unlikely as I feel Burnley will want him in the Championship. Outside of that, I think we only need a striker.

"Our end of season form proves we have quality, we just need the finishing touches, which couldn't be said for last summer, where we were in a position of wondering whether Scott would leave, as well as needing to fill a few positions (centre-back, right-back).”

Cory Alder: “It's in a much better state than the previous summer, definitely. Solid hard working players like Knight with some added quality and flair in the likes of Anis Mehmeti. It feels like a squad of players with the desire to fight for the team.”

Ian Ingram: “50/50 call on that one, I'd say. Hypothetically if Williams and TC stay and Twine signs, along with the addition of Bird, and the improvement in the likes of Mehmeti and Sam Bell, I think we would arguably be in better shape now.”

Ethan Sampson: “I think the squad is in a better place than it was last season we’ve got the fundamentals of a good Championship side with also funding from Alex Scott. Compared to this time last year we had no funding and a lot of work to do. We have multiple young talents pushing through which will keep us afloat, and it’s easy to be more positive leading into August.”

Liam Fowler: “With James, King and Andi Weimann leaving, Bird and Stokes joining, I’d say it’s much of a muchness. But I still think we’re too thin on the ground when it comes to depth in quality, as we need three or four more players of decent quality to even think about looking higher up the league.”

Jon Dinham: “I think the squad looks better now than it did a year ago. We have a lot of depth to our defence and central midfield. Rob Atkinson and Kal Naismith need to return fit and stay fit, and hopefully Williams signs the new deal. Bird looks a very good signing from what I have seen of him. Mehmeti has been playing with confidence under Manning and I believe can keep getting better. The plan is clear, we know what end of the pitch we will be strengthening this summer.”

Tom Hartnell: “Right now - I think about the same. On paper, the team is marginally better but we lack real experience and leadership in the dressing room.”

Owen Lloyd: “Depends on Joe Williams or his replacement. That tough tackling midfielder is key in the division and without him, we don’t have one. Bird looks a good signing, though.”

If you could have five minutes with the club hierarchy to try and convince them to change and/or do something, what would it be and what would you say?

Jordan Tansley: “Selfishly, I want them to do a better job of publicising and videoing the academy and Under-21 matches. I think that connection between fan and club can only be enhanced by doing what many other clubs at our level do.

“Beyond that, it would be about the way Ashton Gate is set up. Give us the Atyeo back, make it all safe standing and cheap as chips, banners and tifos and atmosphere. Put the away fans in the corner of the top tier of the Lansdown. We should be seeking every advantage we can at home.”

Peter Rex: “I would convince them to communicate with the fans better. It doesn't have to be a massive video and interview each time, but just acknowledging things that happen and potential worries for the fans.

“More fans forums, engaging supporters to ask the questions. An example of this was the FA Cup replays getting scrapped. They've now given this interview with the Bristol Post condemning this change, however a simple statement stating they don't agree and will be releasing something in due course would help. Especially after the importance of the West Ham replay this season.

“Sometimes we are so good at fun with the social media videos, that the club forgets how to communicate properly, and I think as fans we'd sacrifice a little bit of the fun stuff to ensure we are communicated with effectively.”

Jack Phillips: “The first thing that springs to mind was moving Section 82 to the middle of the South Stand. When Ashton Gate is on it, our atmosphere is superb. But the location of our singing section isn't helpful to generating as good an atmosphere as we can.

“Crystal Palace have done it with their Holmesdale Fanatics, moving them from the corner of the Holmesdale Road Stand to the middle behind the goal. It gives the opportunity for Section 82 to expand, as they are a bit restricted for numbers in the corner with the limited safe standing.

“Again linking to Palace, since they moved their atmosphere has progressed and improved. Section 82 are of a similar mindset of support, and a move would do the same at Ashton Gate and get the place rocking again.

“I'd also try to convince them to lower ticket prices. Our attendances, although being the highest for a number of years, are definitely restricted by prices.

You can literally see within the stadium where the prices change as there's less people in the middle of the Lansdown and Dolman, highlighting that they're too high.

“When Ashton Gate is full, it's a brilliant place for football. Knocking a couple of quid off prices will boost attendances, which can potentially affect on the pitch with a bigger 12th man.”

Cory Alder: “Get some fans on the board to consult with, a long-serving season ticket member for example to add to the dynamic of the board especially when it comes to communication. It would give them a better idea of what should be communicated and how the fans would like to hear it.

“Also have the opportunity to sell back your season ticket for a game you're unable to attend or swap a game out for a cup game. Maybe look into a ticket that covers the cup games, I'm aware there's no guarantee of how many games we would play but just have the price set as if we would and, if the fan overpays because we don't go through, offer a free incentive like a City home shirt.”

Ian Ingram: “I would ask them to move away from over celebrating one off games, however historic, with commemorative shirts or big celebrations. I can't help feeling it makes us look a little tinpot. Instead, concentrate on better comms with fans and more special offers on ticketing/concessions to get the ground full on a regular basis.”

Ethan Sampson: “Communication with the fans has generally been pretty poor over the last few years, especially this season. We never got a clear understanding of the Pearson sacking and still haven’t. Although I’d say it was the correct decision fans should be in the know.

“Another thing I’d question is the slight season ticket price increase based on what exactly? Finally I would propose moving Section 82 behind the goal to create a hostile atmosphere Ashton Gate once was.”

Liam Fowler: “I’d be trying to convince them that we need a proper director of football in the door and that’s no offence to the job that Tins is doing, I just feel with that in place we’d be in a much better place when it comes to football-based decisions.”

Jon Dinham: “We still suffer far too many injuries over a season. I understand some other clubs can too, but it seems we never have a season without many injuries, and some being long term. It clearly seems a difficult problem to fix. I think if we do ever make top six then it will likely be in a season when we have lots of players available.”

Tom Hartnell: “Ask them to be a bit more open around communication, and suggest they bring in some experience to replace what has been lost. The average age of a team that gets promoted from the Championship is a lot higher than the average age of Bristol City team.”

Owen Lloyd: “Appoint people in roles who have experience at the top flight. We’re trying to reach a destination that no one in the club has been to before. They need a real football person on the board with a wealth of experience, even as an advisor.”

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