Johnson To Reset City Body Clocks

The Severnside derby will kick-off at the earlier time of midday due to a Police request, throwing both players and supporters out of their comfort zone. 

To get his charges ready for the noon start, City’s head coach has plans to amend the training schedule. 

Speaking at his pre-match press conference – available now in full on Bristol City Player HD – Johnson said: “I’ve toyed with it in my mind (the early kick-off). 

“I want to get the players’ body clock adjusted to it - that’s important. 

“Normally we’d train at 10am and be finished by around midday, so that’s about the time when your body goes into rest mode. 

“I think if we adjust that training time for Friday then we could just get that extra one per cent come the weekend.” 

Neil Warnock’s side beat City 2-1 on home soil back in October, a defeat that started a “slump” of just two wins in 16 fixtures. 

“It was the first time someone really shut up shop against us,” Johnson recalled. 

“We couldn’t cope with it, but I don’t think – with the additions to the squad we’ve made – that we would be bullied like that again.” 

Tickets remain on general sale for the Severnside derby, with a crowd in excess of 18,000 guaranteed. Call 0117 963 0600 or buy online.