Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown believes Gary Johnson has played an integral role in helping the city become a potential 2018 World Cup venue. Bristol was yesterday chosen alongside 12 other cities to host matches if the Football Association is successful in its efforts to bring the World Cup to England when FIFA make their final decision next December. And City chairman Lansdown believes that the recent on-the-pitch success brought about since Johnson took charge at Ashton Gate in 2005 has been one of a number of factors in yesterday's 'fantastic' achievement. Johnson has led the team to the Championship via promotion in 2007 and then just 12 months later guided City to a play-off final that saw them just 90 minutes short of earning a place in the Premier League and Lansdown said: "Gary Johnson has helped put the club on the map with improved performances on the pitch. That has all helped to give Bristol and football in the city a higher profile and has also played a part in giving us the chance to bring the World Cup here in 2018."
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City assistant boss Keith Millen believes the notion that playing wingers guarantees more crosses is a myth. The former centre-half has noted recent supporter criticism regarding the lack of natural wide players in the Robins' team. And the absence of Northern Ireland international Ivan Sproule through injury brings the issue into sharper focus. Millen insists he and manager Gary Johnson will continue to select the side they feel is best-equipped to win each game. He said: "Before every match, we look at the opposition, at the players we have available and at the tactics we think will win us the game. Every team is different in the Championship and you cannot pick the same side every week."
Bristol Evening Post
Reading manager Brendan Rodgers has left the club by mutual consent and Darren Ferguson has emerged as the favourite to replace him. A club statement said: "Following a meeting this afternoon, the Chairman, the Board of Reading Football Club and Brendan Rodgers have agreed by mutual consent that Brendan Rodgers will leave his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect." It is believed that assistant manager Dean Austin has also departed the club as has experienced football consultant Frank Lampard senior who came with 36-year-old Rodgers from Watford just over six months ago. Chief scout Brian McDermott will take care of the first-team for this Saturday's trip to Bristol City and the Reading Post understands that former Peterborough United manager Ferguson is the front-runner for the Mad Stad hot-seat.
Reading Evening Post
Brendan Rodgers has left his position as Reading manager by mutual consent. The Royals have made a poor start to their Championship season and are floundering just above the relegation zone. The Chronicle tried calling Rodgers on Wednesday night but he was unavailable for comment, as was Director of Football Nick Hammond. A statement on the club's website read: "Following a meeting this afternoon, the chairman, the board of Reading Football Club and Brendan Rodgers have agreed by mutual consent that Brendan Rodgers will leave his position as first team manager with immediate effect.
Reading Chronicle
