Forever Bristol City Podcast

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Hodgson ..... the second coming in this land of make believe!

2026-03-2801:48:44

No-one could have predicted Roy Hodgson being announced as Caretaker boss following the announcement of Gerhard Struber's sacking. City made the national news headlines with this move but it is a strange one.Struber leaving was not such a surprise when you look at it from a results perspective alone.Lots to talk about in this very full episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WEST BROM [H] the verdict ...... this is all very depressing

2026-03-2201:25:37

Dave P reviews the action from a disappointing game at Ashton Gate with Dave Tovey, Paul Hunt & Richard Angell.The proposed appointment of a Sporting Director is also a debated point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BORO [A] the verdict ..... Struber & Players 1, The Board 0

2026-03-1501:09:57

Owner Steve Lansdown elected to use his private jet and fly in to watch this one. There were some amongst the fanbase thinking a heavy defeat against 2nd placed Boro might see Struber sacked for poor form and his media mutterings about lack of investment.What the fans were treated to was a spirited performance from the team that showed their Austrian boss has not lost the dressing room and they themselves are not on the beach with nothing left to play for.When Adam Randell's power header drew City level in the final minute of time added on it was no more than they deserved even if they had to thank Vitek for producing some fine saves and along with poor finishing from an unusually subdued Boro side.With season tickets for 26/27 going on sale very soon how do the board sell what there true intentions really are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LEICESTER CITY [A] the verdict ...... surely it can't get any more worse than this?

2026-03-1101:08:32

Another defeat for City as this season disintegrates before our eyes at an alarming rate.Conceding first for the 9th successive game, at 0-2 down with half an hour gone based on current form that meant game over.City were awarded their first penalty away from Ashton Gate in almost 3 years on the hour. Riis's shot was weak making it an easy save for the keeper. If that had gone in then the home side's brittle confidence might have been tested in the closing stages but this is a Bristol City side playing with no heart or conviction.The cover picture for this episode sums up the cloud of doom that is building over Ashton Gate - the looks on the players faces shows they would rather be somewhere else.DaveP hosts the debate with Fevs, Ant Banks & Dave Tovey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVENTRY [H] the verdict ...... where do we go from here?

2026-03-0801:33:03

The Sky Blues second goal in first half time added on killed the game for City. Up to that point, despite tailing to another poorly defended goal, they had played well and with Coventry down to 10 men a draw was perhaps the least City might have expected against the league leaders. It wasn't to be and with the 5 minutes added on already spent Coventry capitalised or more defensive inadequacy to double their lead.Rushworth produced some good saves but Coventry played within themselves, a task made easier when Adam Randell was sent off for a second yellow to make it 10-a-side.Where do City go from here? The play off dream has gone, so too has equalling last season's points total. Maintaining their midtable position is the best City can hope for and that may prove to big an ask.Dave Tovey hosts the discussion with Dave P, Richard Angell & Neil Sutton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PORT VALE [A] the verdict .... no FA Cup glory for City in shameful display

2026-03-0401:14:28

Words cannot express how poor City were last night as they crashed out of the FA Cup to lowly Port Vale.The season is over Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WATFORD [H] the verdict .... another home defeat means the playoffs are gone

2026-03-0101:08:49

Dave P reflects on another loss at Ashton Gate with Dave Tovey, Ellie Jones & Katy Fugill.Trailing to an early goal City deservedly drew level before a limp second half performance saw the Hornets take all three points with an unstoppable strike from Ngakia.Playoff challenge is all but over so attention now focuses on the FA Cup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BLACKBURN [A] the verdict .... hard fought win restores belief

2026-02-2501:07:57

City took 3 points away from their visit to Ewood Park and it was fully deserved.Heads did not drop after conceding an early goal and they produced some sparkling football to go in at half time in front thanks to fine goals from Riis & Twine.They fought a rear guard action for most of the second half with Vitek producing good saves when it mattered.DaveP debates the action with Dave Tovey & Ant Banks as well as the growing injury crisis, some appalling refereeing and take a look forward to Friday's game against Watford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SWANSEA CITY [A] the verdict .... deserved a point but came away with nothing

2026-02-2201:26:05

A disappointing afternoon in South Wales.If Armstrong's shot goes in early on rather than hit the post it's a different game but Swansea continued their impressive home form when poor defending by City allowed them to score the only goal of the game after 25 minutes.A debut from Eile that showed promise but more bad than good as play off hopes ebb away. Only 11 points from the past 10 games!DaveP, Dave Tovey and Ant Banks review the game, talk about Tom Rawcliffe's unexpected exit and look forward to Tuesday night's game at Ewood Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WREXHAM [H] the verdict ...... good to come back twice but we're in 2ppg territory now to secure 6th

2026-02-1801:09:02

Two cracking goals from Armstrong & Bird ensured City took a point which was a minimum requirement on the night.A dreadful first half and some appalling refereeing decisions are amongst the many topics DaveP debates with the panel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HULL CITY [A] the verdict .... a fine victory on the road but rogue squirrel steals the show

2026-02-0801:19:37

City bounced back from the Derby disaster to end Hull's unbeaten run with a wholly deserved win at the MKM Stadium.Despite falling behind in a game in which they had started well, goals from Rob Atkinson & Ross McCrorie before the break put City in front. The third on 48 mins came from a classy moved finished off by Riis for his 11th of the season and whilst a Vitek error presented Hull the chance to score a second goal City finished the game quite comfortably.The main talking point from the game was a pitch invasion by a squirrel which halted play in the second half and contributed to their being 10 minutes of added on time.The play-off hopes are reignited! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 2026 .... a review: transfer window, Lansdown interview, playing form

2026-02-0501:42:25

DaveP & guests assess the January transfer window activity, Steve Lansdown's Radio Bristol interview, and whether City can get their performance levels up to their early season form and in so doing make a charge for 5th or [more likely] 6th position over the final 16 games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DERBY [H] the verdict ..... everything so wrong, on & off the pitch

2026-01-3101:29:59

The 0-5 home defeat against Derby was bad enough but the outpouring of self righteousness from the club owner's interview on Radio Bristol made it a night to remember for all the wrong reasons.Players & manager should have done a lot better but the mood instilled by that interview was summed up by the mass exodus from the ground when the Rams scored their 3rd with half an hour remaining and there were even fewer on the final whistle.DaveP & guests discuss the game and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHEFF WED. [H] the verdict .... routine win, all eyes on whether board back Struber in window

2026-01-2501:20:24

After a dull first half City despatched Wednesday to another defeat with a couple of well taken goals. It was expected and quelled an undercurrent of dissatisfaction that had been building through the week on the back of poor results and a perceived view that as far as the board is concerned this season is done. That view is based on the exodus of players culminating in Mehmeti's move to Ipswich.The ball is now firmly in the board's court to bring in 2-3 players before the window shuts that are not squad fillers but oven ready players that must be to a man [Mehmeti apart] better than what we have - NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESSDave Tovey hosts the chat with Dave P & Paul Hunt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IPSWICH TOWN [A] the verdict ..... play off challenge falters again

2026-01-2101:05:17

DaveP, Dave Tovey & Ant Banks review a disappointing night at Portman Road and assess progress in the transfer window which closes in less than 2 weeks.The result was expected but it was another lack lustre performance with the only memorable moment being a stupendous save from Vitek.Struber knows where the blame lies for lack of attracting the much needed additional fire power up front and with talk like that he is now treading the same tightrope as Nigel Pearson did when it comes to criticising the hierarchy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WATFORD [H] the verdict ...... Riis on fire as Morsy pulls the strings

2026-01-1101:23:55

City went through to the 4th Round draw with an emphatic win against Championship form team Watford. Riis scored a hat trick and Earthy made his second debut coming on as a second half substitute but the star of the show in they eyes of many was Sam Morsy. What an inspired signing he looks and his effortless style dictating play from the centre circle is worthy of more than the 6 month contract he has even though he'll turn 35 in the autumn.Dave P debates the action & more with Neil Sutton, Paul Binning & Dave Tovey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRESTON [H] the verdict ...... simply not good enough against a well drilled team

2026-01-0549:20

After the joy of beating Portsmouth it was no surprise that City bought the fans hopes tumbling down with a shambles of a performance on a cold afternoon at Ashton Gate.There was no period where City were in control in a meaningful way and Preston's goals could both have been better defended.Less said about this games the better.DaveP debates the action with Dave Tovey & Ant Banks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PORTSMOUTH [H] the verdict.... can we play them every week!?

2026-01-0201:15:22

Adam Randell's stunning opener is a genuine candidate for goal of the season and when Mehmeti made it two Pompey were as good as beaten then. The atmosphere went flat and the match took on the air of a training game. The crucial third goal as scored by Twine and then either side of the brace Armstrong actually scored there were enough chances for him to have walked away with the match ball.Randell & Knight bossed the midfield, Vyner showed his passing ability on numerous occasions and Max dealt confidently with what little attacking threat Pompey offered.To criticize any aspect of City's performance would be churlish and as the fans swarmed out of the ground at the final whistle many might be thinking that this is our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MILLWALL [A] the verdict .... simply not good enough in both boxes

2025-12-3001:21:40

Millwall completed the double over City in a scrappy game to dampen a sense of optimism that was beginning to build after the wins over Boro & WBA.Both Millwall goals, either side of an Adam Randell strike, could have been better defended and I don't believe it is harsh to say Max O'Leary does not inspire confidence in the back line the way that Vitek does.Struber got his subs wrong at the New Den and the fans are wondering what's the point of Yu Hirakawa and when will Stokes get some minutes on the grass.Dave Tovey hosts the debate with Dave Fevs, Tom [The Robins Nest] and Ant Banks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WBA [A] the verdict .... another win with a slice of lady luck!

2025-12-2701:23:35

The old adage that things even themselves out over the course of a season came true as two marginal decisions went in City's favour and bucked a trend we seem so often to be on the wrong end of. Mehmeti's opening goal came from a relatively soft shot from outside the box that went under the clearly offside Riis's foot - if you have VAR that is chalked off! The Albanian was then lucky to stay on the field for his forearm smash into the face of the Styles. He got a yellow but again, with VAR , that's a sending off.Max O'Leary produced two reflex saves in the crucial first half with City's other goal coming from McCrorie but the keeper again didn't dominate his area in the way Vitek has made us accustomed to. Max, along with Tanner did not defend the goal well enough for the home side's strike which meant for a nervous finale, even more dramatic as Grant hit the bar with the very last kick of the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Rob Rees