Bristol Fan's View On Cardiff Clash

Vital Cardiff City spoke to an ardent Bristol City fan ahead of this weekend's derby game, the first in a long time. We spoke to Gavin Mapstone of the Bristol City Supporter's Trust - you can find their website here .



Were you happy with your departures / signings ?


Johnson made some excellent signings. McIndoe & Marvin Elliott arrived on frees. McIndoe offering balance on the left wing that had been missing since Aaron Brown left several seasons ago and Elliott proving to be a lower-league Mascherano. Trundle has yet to prove he was worth the money spent but there were few alternatives.

The only 'first-team' player to leave was Dave Partridge. The only regret being that he didn't go sooner.



Lee Trundle is obviously well know to us, how's he been getting on ?


Trundle took time to find his feet and apart from a couple of wonder goals against Scunthorpe struggled in the first third of the season which led to him being dropped to the bench and coming in for stick from the less patient elements of the Ashton Gate faithful. To be fair in the early days our passing game was yet to fire and whooshing it up to him didn't play to his strengths.

Recent appearances from the bench have been encouraging and he helped revitalise us in the second half against Plymouth. Further improvement will go some way to justifying his price tag.



A great start, thoughts so far?


This is a great time to be supporting Bristol City. Team going well, good chairman and new stadium in the offing. At the moment anything seems possible. Given that football has a nasty habit of biting you in the arse i'm going to make the most of enjoying this feeling. Johnson has instilled a great team spirit - strong work ethic and some good football, losing him to another team would be a major loss. Luckily there are no signs of that at present.



Aspirations for this season?


Originally it was to avoid relegation but given the start we've made and the form shown - its no fluke that we're fourth - then it has to be the play-offs. If we make it then that would be a massive achievement.



BFC player to watch, how will they hurt us?


On current form our goalkeeper Basso who kept Ipswich at bay and is a great shot-stopper. Still hopes to make the Brazilian national team and given that he was playing for Woking before Johnson snapped him up who can blame him. Certainly wouldn't go to the ground as easily as Dida!



If you could have one Cardiff player on a free, who and why?


Probably Chris Gunter. Bradley Orr is a solid right-back who you'd hold up as a role model for those wanting to make the most of their talents but he's not Premier League class and that's what all Championship clubs need to aspire towards. Few would argue that Gunter has immense potential.



Is this a big derby game, or just another league game for you?


Bristol City versus Cardiff has taken on increased significance due to the decline of Rovers and the improvement of Cardiff over Swansea. Before Cardiff sneaked out of League One both sides were quite closely matched making for some entertaining games. Tinnions goal at Ninian Park being particularly enjoyed by this fan. Both sets of supporters will be desperate for the victory.



Prediction for the game?


Bristol City have had the edge in form and anything over than a home win will be a disappointment. Cardiffs mini-revival has been against mediocre opposition so i'll go for 2-0 to Bristol City.




Thanks again to Gavin, let's hope we're in for a great derby game, and of course that Cardiff City come out victorious!