A look ahead at how Bristol City are preparing for the forthcoming season in League One.
LAST SEASON
The Robins endured a tricky campaign last season after suffering relegation from the Championship the previous season. With massive debts, it was really a season to consolidate things but they suffered a disastrous start to the season going 12 matches without a win under boss Sean O`Driscoll.
The first win came at the end of October when they beat Carlisle United 4-2 but O`Driscoll`s days were number and he was replaced by Steve Cotterill in November.
Cotterill turned their fortunes round as the Robins moved away from the relegation battle to finish in 12th position with 58 points.
THE MANAGER – STEVE COTTERILL
Steve Cotterill carved a name for himself in management while managing his home town club Cheltenham Town in the late 1990`s. He enjoyed plenty of success with the Gloucestershire side; winning the FA Trophy in 1998 and winning the Conference a season later.
In 2002, Cheltenham won the Third Division play-off final under Cotterill before he moved on to manage Stoke City.
He only spent six-months in the Potteries before having spells as boss at Burnley, Notts County, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest prior to moving to Bristol last December.
During his playing career, Cotterill played for Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Hereford United.
VISITING THE GROUND?
Ashton Gate has been the home of Bristol City for 110 years! The ground is another big one with a capacity of nearly 21,500.
Posh supporters are expected to be placed in the Wedlock Stand, which is behind one of the goals. Around 2,800 fans can be housed in this part of the ground.
Post Code for SAT NAV: BS3 2EJ
Distance from London Road: 172 miles
SUMMER BUSINESS SO FAR
Louis Carey has been released by Bristol City, along with Liam Fontaine, Marvin Elliott and Stephen Pearson. Carey is the Robins record appearance holder having made 646 appearances for the club. Youngsters Mitch Brundle and Kevin Krans also left the club, while goalkeeper Elliott Parish has been made available for transfer.
Fellow keeper Dave Richards has agreed a contract extension until the summer of 2015, while Joe Bryan, Bobby Reid and Wes Burns have all signed new two-year deals.
The Robins look to be forming a decent looking squad which should be up near the top come the end of this season. Former Posh attacking right-back Mark Little has signed a three-year contract with the club as has Luke Freeman who has attracted the interest of Posh over the past few seasons.
Ex-Birmingham City midfielder Wade Elliott has joined them having signed a one-year contract while City have paid an undisclosed fee for Oldham captain Korey Smith.
Aaron Wilbraham has also signed for the Robins following his release by Crystal Palace while former Yeovil defender Luke Ayling has arrived on a three-year deal at the club in a deal which sees right-back Brendan Maloney moving in the opposite direction.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH
Current Posh striker Tyrone Barnett spent the end of last season on loan at Bristol City scoring just one goal but he`s not the only player to have played for both clubs.
Amongst the other former players to have played for both clubs include Hogan Ephraim, Danny Rose, Wayne Andrews, Darren Caskey, Errington Kelly, Lewin Nyatanga, Lloyd Opara, James Quinn, Miguel de Souza, Keith Waugh and Tom Williams amongst others.
PAST MEETINGS
The Robins have far the better head-to-head record with a total of 24 competitive wins compared to just 14 wins for Posh. There have been 6 draws in all competitions.
It`s closer in the League win 19 Robins wins to 14 Posh wins. Five League matches have ended in a tie.
The last time these two sides met was last season when the visiting team went away victorious on both occasions.
City won 2-1 at London Road in March despite being reduced to 10-men after only 20 minutes. Posh were already 2-0 down by that point of the match thanks to a brace from that man, Sam Baldock. Michael Bostwick pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time but Posh couldn`t make their numerical advantage count.
The reverse fixture came in September when Posh were in a good run of form and that form saw them come away from Ashton Gate with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Tyrone Barnett started the scoring after 24 minutes with Britt Assombalonga scoring a second half brace.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
Bristol City are third favourites to win League One in 2014-15 and are priced at 9/1. They are 3/1 to gain promotion.
UP THE POSH
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