Johnson To Pass On Derby Day Experience

The former midfielder faced Cardiff City five times in a red shirt, losing only once, and scored in the last of those in 2011.

Now City head coach, Johnson is keen to stress the importance of his team not being overawed by the sense of occasion in front of another sell-out crowd in BS3.

“It’s a great game and a local derby that’s normally aggressive,” he told Bristol City Player HD.

“There have been some excellent games in the past, ones I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, and I’ll be trying to pass that on to the players – make sure you go out there, give your all and come away with no regrets.

“Sometimes that does happen if you freeze or you’re like a rabbit in the headlights, and you go home and really despise yourself.

“But if they give everything, no matter what the result, they can look in the mirror and say ‘I’ve had a good game’.”

Johnson has mixed memories of playing in the fixture.

“I’ve got some good ones,” he said. “We won 3-0 at home and I scored one of the goals, which was nice. It was a 40-yard tap in, but an important one at the time!

“Then I remember going away when we were really poor. We changed the shape a little bit and I was slightly out of position, and I think we got beaten 3-0.”

The visiting Bluebirds have lost only one of their last eight matches, while City have won four of their last five.

“They’re just next to us in the form table, so I think it’ll be a good game,” Johnson added.

“They’ve got a Premier League hangover with some really good Premier League quality players still around the group, but they’ve lost a few as well.

“Russell Slade has done a great job. He’s gone in there and settled everything, and they’ve been consistent this season.

“There’s always been a fierce rivalry between the two clubs and I’d expect no different tomorrow. It’s a big game for us, but one we can win.”

City supporters are reminded the Cardiff match is now sold out, but tickets remain available for the following home game against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, March 19th. Call 0117 963 0600 or buy online.