Gary Johnson says he is preparing his players in the best possible way for what he believes is a "big month" in the Coca-Cola Championship season.

Defeat in the opening game of October at Sheffield United has left City in 13th place but after the international break the side face four games in quick succession.

It all begins against Norwich at Ashton Gate on Saturday, before two testing away trips to Charlton and Barnsley. Then comes a rematch with Sheffield United.

Gary told bcfc.co.uk: "We've got some very important games coming up and October could prove a very big month.

"The Norwich game on Saturday now takes on double importance (following the defeat at Sheffield United) and then we've got back-to-back away games.

"After that we end October with the Sheffield United game at Ashton Gate, where we will be looking put things right. It's very similar to last season when we played Ipswich twice in quick succession - losing the away game 6-0 before beating them at Ashton Gate.

"We've got to get our heads down and work hard. I'm doing what I need to do to prepare the players in the best possible way."