‘That was amazing, but it’s time to focus on the league’

If you are a supporter of any football team, you know that your role is more than just following 11 well-paid athletes playing every now and again. It’s bigger than showing up on match day or tuning in when they happen to be on the TV or radio.

You’ve most likely been with the side you adore from a young age. There’s every chance they are local to where you grew up or to where you have found yourself spending a significant amount of time. Maybe your bond comes through your family or some other important figure in your life.

When you truly support a team it can be a complex relationship. As Nick Hornby says in magnificent book, Fever Pitch: “I fell in love with football as I was later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no thought to the pain or disruption it would bring with it”.

If I was to sum up my love affair with Bristol City over the past 25 years or so in a word, I think I’d have to choose: tumultuous. To say we’ve been through our ups and downs would be the biggest overstatement since I heard someone exclaim, “the Alexi Sanchez story is getting a bit annoying, isn’t it”.

I know all fans go through the quagmire following their sides, and I guess our team aren’t really an anomaly, but, since I started following my side properly, they have been through three relegations, three promotions, sixteen managers, three failed play-off attempts, two Football League trophy victories and endless woeful attempts in both the FA and League cups.

That last statistic can now be banished after our incredible run in the Caraboa Cup. And what memories we’ve created: the demolitions of both Palace and Stoke; the togetherness shown by an unfamiliar side away to Watford; the last minute winner from Korey Smith to beat arguably the biggest club in the world – Manchester United – and, of course, our brave display over two games with the best side in the land, Manchester City.

In assessment of our side’s heroics in the Caraboa Cup this season, I have to say it that was amazing, but it’s time to focus on the league and the holy grail that could be promotion to the Premier League. But not before I’ve said thank you to Lee Johnson and the side for the most memorable of cup runs. So, thank you.

As we know, this weekend sees Ashton Gate host what many have said is an even more important game: when City host Ian Holloway’s QPR. Our form after the big cup performances have been mixed but given we are now out I hope the focus can be fully on the task in hand and that we can get a much-needed three points.

Our Manchester City exploits would have no doubt taken their toll on a fair few of our side. Chasing the likes of Aguero and De Bruyne around must be exhausting and for this reason I would like to see Johnson make changes to his starting eleven. With Kent, Baker, Walsh, Magnusson, Patterson and Diedhiou all not playing a full 90 minutes, it would make sense to utilise these guys as opposed to starting with those who played a full part in Tuesday’s dramatic events.

City have signed striker Lois Diony on loan until the end of the season, and, hopefully, the Frenchman will provide that focal point for our attack that has been missing in recent outings. It will also give Johnson the option of playing with two upfront in the shape of Diedhiou and our new striker, something he’s not had as an option all season.

Rumours continue to circulate around a number of this season’s heroes. Aden Flint and Joe Bryan seem to be the two that are courting the most suitors, and, let’s be honest, it’s no surprise. I am, however, confident neither will leave before the window closes this month. That confidence does not stem from any insider knowledge or anything, just blind faith. And well, that’s done us well so far this season.