David James says he would far rather pursue promotion in the Championship with Bristol City than spend the season in a mid-table position in the Premier League. City's audacious capture of the England goalkeeper stunned the football world when it was announced last week. But James, who makes his debut in this afternoon's opening-day clash with newly-promoted Millwall, insists his decision to drop down a division and come to Bristol is less of a surprise than is generally thought. "My reasons for coming here are sound," insisted James, who chose City ahead of Scottish giants Celtic and Premier League clubs Fulham and Sunderland.
Bristol Evening Post
What odds might you have got earlier in the summer on a punt suggesting that the next competitive fixture faced by an England international after that World Cup encounter with Germany would be in the Championship for Bristol City against Millwall? Enormous ones, probably, right up there with those suggesting Louis Oosthuizen would walk the Open. Or that Cesc Fabregas would still be at Arsenal come the big kick-off. Mind you, even if a bookie had offered such a bet, the comedian Mark Watson, a lifelong City fan, would never have dared take it. "Such things don't happen at our club," Watson insisted. "Signing someone whose last game was in the World Cup? Come on, no, it's not that kind of place."
Daily Telegraph
Bristol City goalkeeper David James insists Premier League fans haven't seen the last of him. Despite being England's No1 in the World Cup, he has chosen the second tier of English football this season after answering a 'cheeky' call from City boss Steve Coppell. James said: "There were opportunities in the Premier League and in Scotland but Bristol City did well last season and there is the chance to be successful here."
TribalFootball.com
Steve Coppell has warned his new-look Bristol City side to expect a rough ride against Championship newcomers Millwall today. Promoted via the League One play-offs at the end of last season, Kenny Jackett's team are accustomed to winning and will arrive at Ashton Gate brimful of confidence. City will feel equally upbeat following the signing England goalkeeper David James and defeating Premier League Blackpool 2-0 in their final pre-season friendly. But Coppell knows better than to read too much into that result and performance, no matter how encouraging. He warned: "Playing Millwall will be a totally different kettle of fish. There is no way they will have a pre-season mentality, and we have to prepare ourselves for a very tough game."
Bristol Evening Post
If past events can be regarded as an indicator of probability, Bristol City fans could do worse than back Albert Adomah to mark his debut with a goal this afternoon. Signed from Barnet during the close season, the 22-year-old winger boasts a remarkable record and is not afraid to divulge the details. "I always seem to score on my debut," said the Londoner, without a hint of self consciousness. Should Adomah make his first Championship start in City colours against newly-promoted Millwall at Ashton Gate today, the bookmakers may be well-advised to shorten the odds against the livewire winger getting on the scoresheet.
Bristol Evening Post
Marcus Stewart has backed Steve Coppell to do for Bristol City what he did for Reading. The former City and Rovers striker has supported the Robins since childhood and still follows their fortunes with interest. City have had a mixed pre-season, with several defeats and injuries to key men contrasting with the remarkable acquisition of David James. But Stewart is experienced enough to know friendly form can be disregarded. And he feels City have made the right choice of manager in the former Manchester United winger, who took the Royals into the Premier League. "I think it is a good appointment," said the striker. "He is quite proven. He did a good job at Reading in a similar-sized club. Everyone will hope he can do a similar job and I am sure he can."
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City entertains Millwall in their opening game of the new campaign. The Robins enter the new season in poor shape, with mixed pre-season results and an injury room full of players. At one point earlier this week only 13 players were able to train. Steve Coppell admits it's the worst injury crisis he's ever faced.
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