Cotterill Keen To Protect His Players

The City boss has already acknowledged the need to strengthen his squad during the next month.

However, he doesn’t want to be drawn into extended press chatter about business in January so as not to damage morale in the camp.

He told Bristol City Player HD: "I don't think it's very good to talk about any players that could come into our football club because that is the last thing our players want to hear.

"The last thing they want to read, after I’ve spent Monday to Friday coaching them, encouraging them, trying to improve them and give them the confidence to go out on that pitch and keep going, is me saying who I'm bringing in to take their place in the team.

"They are giving everything for the club and what they are taking is tough. I'm with them all the way and they will always have me backing them, no matter what.

"They are a quality group of young individuals who are going through a rough time at the moment.

"But I'll back them, because it is the right thing to do, even if it as at my own expense sometimes. These players are my players and I love them to death. They just need a little bit of help."