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Mid-season report: Bristol City

Mid-season report: Bristol City
© PA Photos
Bristol City face a tough second half of the season after a number of unsettled months at Ashton Gate.

Bristol City, who have finished in the middle of the Championship table in recent seasons, were rocked by the sudden departure of manager Steve Coppell after just one game in charge at the start of last year's campaign.

With former assistant manager Keith Millen at the helm for his first full season in charge at Ashton Gate this summer, the Robins supporters were hopeful that they could improve on their 15th-place finish, as well as hold on to their forward Nicky Maynard.

This season has served up a few bumps in the road for the Championship side, so Sports Mole takes a look back at their campaign so far.

August

The Robins kicked off the season on the back foot following a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ipswich Town on home turf. Millen soon learned that his stint as head coach was to be a struggle after suffering a second defeat in their first away match of the season against Cardiff City.

Despite claiming their first victory against Leicester City, more disappointment awaited the Robins as they crashed out of the Carling Cup in the early stages to League Two side Swindon Town.

September

Millen failed to lead his team to victory in September, losing three matches and claiming just one point against Hull City.

Pressure began to intensify on the former assistant manager, with the club's supporters becoming disgruntled with the form of the Championship side.

October

Millen's managerial career at Ashton Gate came to an end three months into the campaign following a 5-0 thrashing by Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, and was subsequently replaced by Derek McInnes.

The Robins' new boss failed to get his managerial stint with Bristol off the ground following a 2-0 defeat to former Premier League side Birmingham City. However, McInnes claimed the side's second win of the season against Barnsley in the final match of the month.

November

As the festive fixtures drew nearer, the Robins began to snatch points from their opponents after a stalemate against West Ham United.

McInnes gave renewed hope to the City fans with a 2-0 win over league favourites Southampton at Ashton Gate, but fears increased over the future of frontman Nicky Maynard as the 25-year-old continued to stall on a new deal.

December

Despite a positive period in City's campaign, McInnes's side dropped down the table after three defeats to Middlesbrough, Derby and Coventry. The Championship side have only claimed one point this month from a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.

It is becoming ever more likely that Maynard will be on his way out of Ashton Gate as reports claim that a January move to the Premier League is imminent for the forward.

McInnes will be desperate for points from the Robins' second half of the season as Bristol hover above the relegation zone, with only goal difference saving them.

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Danielle Joynson
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