Meet the opposition | Bristol City

1st September
First team
Bristol City

As Swansea City prepare to host Bristol City in the final Championship fixture before the international break, we take a closer look at the Robins.

 

What's their story?

Established in 1894, Bristol City, affectionately known as the Robins, initially started out playing within the Southern and Western League, before being admitted to the Football League in 1901. 

The Robins have lifted silverware on three occasions in their history, winning the Football League Trophy in 1986, 2003, and most recently in 2015. 

Their early Football League years coincided with the club's best-ever league finish as they ended the 1906-07 season in second place in the top-flight, behind only Newcastle United.

That came on the back of promotion to the First Division the previous season, while they were beaten FA Cup finalists in 1909 as they suffered defeat to Manchester United at Crystal Palace.

Having gone so close to Premier League promotion in 2008 - losing the play-off final to Hull - they are now in their ninth-consecutive season at Championship level having secured promotion from League One in 2015.

How's their form?

Rob Dickie

The Robins have taken five points from their first four Championship games, winning one and drawing two.

Their win came courtesy of a 1-0 success over Millwall at The Den, while they beaten 2-0 on home soil against Birmingham City.

They have played out draws against Hull and Preston, while they advanced to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 5-1 win over Oxford before 

Who's the gaffer?

Nigel Pearson

Nigel Pearson. Pearson began coaching just a few months removed from his playing career in 1998, taking over at Carlisle United.

After taking assistant roles at clubs like Stoke City, West Brom and Newcastle United, Pearson became head coach at Southampton in 2008.

After a brief stint with the Saints, he went on to land roles at Leicester City - who he led to promotion and Premier League survival prior to their title success under Claudio Ranieri -  Hull City, Derby County, OH Leuven and Watford before replacing Dean Holden as Bristol City manager in February of 2021.

As a player, the centre-back suited up for Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, making 448 league appearances over 17 years.

Who's the captain? 

Andi Weimann

Austrian international Andreas Weimann was chosen as Bristol City’s new club captain by his teammates following the departure of Dan Bentley in February 2023.

Weimann, who has made 196 appearances and scored 50 goals in a five-year spell, is supported by Matty James, his vice-captain.

Weimann joined Bristol City in the summer of 2018 on an initial three-year contract and has been a regular since.

This season, the 32-year-old has made a solitary Championship appearances in the draw with Preston but injury is set to keep him out against the Swans.

Who are the key men?

Sam Bell

Academy product Sam Bell enjoyed a first-team breakthrough last season following his success in the Robins' FA Cup campaign.

The 20-year-old netted three goals in four games in their Cup run - including one against the Swans - and has since scored his first Championship goal for his club, which came against Preston North End in February. 

He has started the season in good form, and netted in their draw against Preston on the opening weekend of the season.

Experienced Championship defender Rob Dickie has joined over the summer and gone straight into the starting XI, although a red card against Birmingham City ensured he had to sit out the Robins meeting with Hull.

Having come through the youth ranks with Reading, Dickie had loan spells with Basingstoke, Cheltenham Town - where he was named in the National League team of the year - and Lincoln City before making a full-time switch to Oxford United 

His time at the U's proved a great success, twice winning the club's player of the year award as he made 113 appearances over two years.

He moved on to QPR and made 129 appearances over three years with the Hoops, becoming a key figure at the Loftus Road club.

Midfielder Jason Knight is another new recruit at Ashton Gate this season, and he has wasted no time in making an impact following his arrival from Derby County.

The Republic of Ireland international came through the academy ranks at Pride Park – having started his career in his homeland with Cabinteely – to make the breakthrough at senior level.

He made his debut while still a teenager in 2017, and his maturity and impressive performances were such that he would go on to captain the Rams.

Knight won plenty of plaudits for his showings during a turbulent time for the Midlands club, making over 150 appearances in total before his switch to Bristol City after Derby just missed out on the League One play-offs last term.

Knight has won 20 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, having previously featured at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 level.

He has two goals and one assist to his name so far this term.