Pearce backs City to succeed

England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has tipped City to be “there or thereabouts” come the end of the Championship next spring.

Pearce, who brings his young Lions to Ashton Gate for a friendly with Uzbekistan next month, also had words of praise for new manager Steve Coppell.

“I think in Steve Coppell, Bristol City have got an experienced manager who is more than capable of steering them successfully towards the top end of the Championship,” Pearce told the Bristol Evening Post.

“There’s no reason in my mind why they won’t be challenging, and the squad he’s got down there are more than used to the rigours and demands of the division, that’s for sure.

“Bristol City are always likely to be one of the teams there or thereabouts in that league. They have that competitive experience of being there, and I see this season being no different.”

Tickets for the August 10 friendly are on sale now from the hotline number 0871 222 6666, in person at Ashton Gate or online via www.bcfc.co.uk, priced at £10 adults, £5 kids.