Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is facing a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship curtain-raiser at Blackpool. With just three days to go to the big kick-off, Johnson is still undecided as to who will play in goal at Bloomfield Road. Adriano Basso, the first-choice during the past two seasons, was expected to take the goalkeeper's jersey when the serious business began. But the Brazilian has endured a troubled pre-season, missing several friendlies through injury, and is short of full fitness. Chris Weale, who recently signed a new one-year deal, has excelled in Basso's absence and is pushing for a place in the starting line-up on Saturday. And Johnson admits he is still in two minds. "It's a big decision for me," conceded the manager. "Basso has had one or two problems in pre-season and is not as fit as he would like to be, and Chris Weale has come in and played really well."
Bristol Evening Post

Gary Johnson is happy with his Robins squad and won't add any new faces before the first game of the season at Blackpool on Saturday. The Ashton Gate boss has been busy all summer working on deals for Emad Meteb, Michael Mifsud - and then successfully acquiring ex-Crewe striker Nicky Maynard. And, following his £2.25m club record splash, Johnson says he is happy to open the campaign with the squad that he has got. He said: "I don't think there'll be a new player come Blackpool. The boys have worked hard to get their spot in the team."
Clubcall

Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton rates the club's chances of landing Bristol City wideman Kevin Betsy before the end of the week as 'better than evens'. Swindon are understood to have agreed personal terms with Betsy, and are waiting to see whether City will agree to compensate the player for accepting a lower-wage contract at the County Ground. Betsy was a guest of the club at the County Ground for Monday night's friendly with Plymouth, and Fitton rates the chances of the deal being completed before Town open their league campaign agaisnt Tranmere on Saturday as '60/40'. He said "Things are progressing and I am more confident that it will get done than I was the other day. I have had a conversation with the Bristol City chief executive (Colin Sexstone) and we both know where the other is coming from. He is away in America at the moment, which is slightly holding things up, but I think there is a better than evens chance it will get done before Saturday."
Western Daily Press

Alex Russell believes Cheltenham Town can follow in the footsteps of his previous club Bristol City by becoming a surprise package this season. The 35-year-old creative midfielder was in the City squad that won promotion from Coca-Cola League One in 2007 before taking the Championship by storm. Russell has made the permanent switch to Whaddon Road following his impressive but injury-hit loan spell last term. After saving themselves on the final day of the campaign, Keith Downing's Cheltenham are once again favourites for relegation, but Russell says a strong start can provide the impetus for a much-improved season. "At Bristol City we didn't always have the best forwards or score the most goals, but we achieved promotion and then almost made the Premier League," Russell said.
Gloucestershire Echo

New signing Crystal Palace Nick Carle is hoping Neil Warnock's formation can help him finally find the back of the net in England. The Aussie midfielder turned plenty of heads last season with his impressive displays for Bristol City but failed to score in 20 appearances, a statistic he is determined to improve. "I was playing really well," he said. "But I didn't get on the score sheet and that's a part of my game I feel can be improved."
Croydon Guardian

Maltese club Valletta FC have denied they are interested in signing restless Coventry striker Michael Mifsud. Mifsud has handed in a transfer request, and the Sky Blues had reached an agreement with Bristol City for the sale of the Malta international. However, Mifsud failed to agree personal terms with the Robins and the move did not materialise.
Sunday Mercury