Johnson Relishing ‘Special Occasion’

Bristol City gaffer Gary Johnson is anticipating a ‘special occasion’ when he takes his side to the Toon tomorrow.

Arrangements have been made for City to fly up to the North-East tomorrow, ahead of our first visit to Newcastle in 14 years.

Despite suffering a humiliating relegation from the Premiership last season, the Tyneside club have taken to the second tier like a duck to water and currently sit top of the table.

But Johnson isn’t fazed by the task ahead and insists we can go there with no pressure following a return to winning ways on Tuesday.

“This is the first game any of us looked for when the fixtures came out in the summer. Newcastle away is something special for our club,” Johnson told the Bristol Evening Post.

“It’s what I call one of those special occasions, one of those days we and the supporters look forward to and get excited about.”

City will be backed by 2,800 official travelling fans, with more expected to have tickets in the home end, as the Zider Army starts descending on the Toon from today onwards.

“They are a team of millionaires and most of them are established Premiership stars.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show what we can do against a top side and we have to go there and be positive and give them a game.

“There are 3,000 people going from Bristol and we owe it to them to give it a right go. I’ve told the lads they have to enjoy the whole experience and show they can handle that Premier League challenge.”