Bristol City FC chairman Steve Lansdown has blasted the decision-makers who have hung a massive question mark over plans for a new £92-million stadium. The decision to turn down planning permission to build a Sainsbury's superstore at the Ashton Gate ground has delayed hopes of a start on the new 30,000-seat stadium at Ashton Vale for at least several months. The club had hoped to begin using the new home for the Robins at the start of the new season in 2013 but it is now hard to see how it could open before the following year. Mr Lansdown, who is on holiday, said: "It is fair to say I am disappointed and annoyed by this decision. I am perplexed why this city cannot get its act together when we are trying to do something constructive."
Bristol Evening Post

Bristol City striker David Clarkson is determined to make the most of the unexpected opportunity that has come his way. Sidelined by injury, fellow forwards Danny Haynes and Nicky Maynard are engaged in an increasingly desperate race to be fit in time for the start of the npower Championship season, which begins 15 days from now. City open their campaign with a home game against newly-promoted Millwall and Scottish raider Clarkson having played second fiddle to Haynes and Maynard for much of last season, is a prime candidate to lead the attack. Time is fast running out for Haynes and Maynard, who have yet to feature in any of City's four pre-season games so far and are not expected to resume training until next week at the earliest. Without Haynes and Maynard, last season's 21-goal top scorer, City manager Steve Coppell has precious few attacking options and may be forced into the transfer market to bolster a squad which has been hit hard by injury. In their absence, Clarkson has done his level best to press his own claims for a place in the starting line-up, scoring twice against Swedish minnows Vallens and helping himself to a third goal in the 2-1 midweek defeat at Torquay United. "It's up to me to make an impression, especially as the other two lads are out injured at the moment," said Clarkson. "It's unfortunate for Danny and Nicky and, hopefully, they will be back soon.
Bristol Evening Post

Bristol City legend Brian Tinnion insists the club must have a new stadium. And if they harbour any ambitions of becoming a Premier League club, the stadium development is vital financially. The former midfielder and manager was astounded to hear of the news that City's planned new ground is now in doubt. Plans for a new Sainsbury's supermarket on the Ashton Gate site were refused by the city council's Development Control Committee on Wednesday night.
Bristol Evening Post

Bristol City manager Steve Coppell says he may need to return to the transfer market before the start of the Championship season on 7 August. The Ashton Gate boss continues to be frustrated by injuries to key players. "I've got 20 players following all the injuries and we're a little short," Coppell said.
BBC Sport

Bristol City are interested in Chelsea fullback Ryan Bertrand. The Daily Mail says City have expressed an interest in Chelsea's England Under 21 left-back Bertrand.
Tribal Football

Wigan flop Jason Scotland, 31, is being lined up for a return to the Championship by Bristol City boss Steve Coppell.
The Sun 

Scott Murray said he is looking forward to taking Bath City "to the next level" after completing an eye-catching move to Twerton Park this week. The vastly-experienced Bristol City legend made his debut in black and white stripes during Tuesday's 4-0 defeat to Exeter City after being unveiled as manager Adie Britton's most high-profile signing of a busy summer. And Murray, who made more than 400 appearances during a 15-year career in the Football League, insists he is not dropping down to the Conference just for one final pay-day. "I'm here for the right reasons," said the 36-year-old. "It's not about money or anything, I am on the same as everyone else."
Bath Chronicle

West Ham are lining up a move for Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale. Leicester are reluctant to lose Weale, but could find it difficult to reject a sizeable offer for the former Bristol City keeper.
Sky Sports

Terry Brown has praised Andre Blackman's application since his arrival at AFC Wimbledon. The talented left-back, 19, has had difficulties at previous clubs and, despite being widely acknowledged as possessing huge potential, was released by Arsenal, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Bristol City. But his new manager at Kingsmeadow says he has been more than happy with Blackman, who has impressed in pre-season. "He's a boy who has had some issues in the past and he is still fighting those issues," said Brown.
South London Press