Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard will miss at least the first month of the new Championship campaign. And he could face even longer on the sidelines if a sports injuries specialist decides City's star striker requires an operation to cure the knee problem that has wrecked his pre-season. The news comes as a major blow to the Robins and their manager, Steve Coppell, who has been forced to contend with a bewildering array of injuries since taking up his post at the start of July. With the new season just three days away, no fewer than eight City players are definitely out of Saturday's Championship opener against Millwall at Ashton Gate. And strikers Maynard and Danny Haynes, defenders Louis Carey, Lewin Nyatanga, Nicky Hunt and James Wilson and midfield powerhouse Kalifa Cisse could be out for several weeks to come.
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City's capture of England goalkeeper David James has given his team-mates a timely boost on the eve of the new Championship season, according to David Clarkson. The striker has welcomed manager Steve Coppell's attempts to bolster a squad which has been hit hard by injuries and the departure of several senior players. James agreed a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months last Friday in what must rate as the most startling transfer of the summer so far, and the 40-year-old stopper will make his debut in Saturday's Ashton Gate opener against newly-promoted Millwall. News of his arrival served to lift players who had worked hard during pre-season and Clarkson said: "Everybody is really excited."
Bristol Evening Post
Rumours of Lee Johnson's imminent departure from Bristol City, it seems, have been greatly exaggerated. When Gary Johnson agreed to leave the club by mutual consent back in March and accepted an offer to become Peterborough United's manager a few weeks later, many fans thought it was only a matter of time before his son followed him to London Road. After all, claimed the cynics, Johnson's prospects of playing regular first-team football were heavily dependent upon his old man being at the helm and, as such, a move to Cambridgeshire would surely prove more beneficial than remaining in Bristol and taking his chances with new Robins boss Steve Coppell. The truth of the matter, however, is very different. Far from wanting to join his dad at Peterborough, Lee is enjoying a new lease of life in Bristol and has seldom been happier during his 28 years.
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City have offered a six-month contract to former QPR and Peterborough defender Tom Williams. The out-of-contract left-back, who spent last season on loan at Preston, arrived at Ashton Gate on trial less than two weeks ago.
Sky Sports
England coach Stuart Pearce says Bristol City keeper David James still has an international career despite dropping out of the Premier League. The 40-year-old spurned other offers from the top flight to sign for the Championship club last week. "I can't see it affecting Dave,' Pearce said.
Daily Mail
