In brief: Pre-Aston Villa press conference
Posted: Thursday, August 24th 2017
Let's raise our game - Smith
Friday, August 25th 2017
Korey Smith admits it’s only natural that City will raise their game for the visit of Aston Villa to Ashton Gate tonight (7.45pm).
A first 20,000-plus crowd of the season awaits in BS3 as City welcome the Sky Sports cameras.
Midfielder Smith believes victory over a rejuvenated Villa side would represent a positive start to the season going into the international break.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he told BCTV. “It’s a Friday night under the lights on Sky Sports – we’ll get a lot of energy from that.
“When you’re on Sky against a big club you do lift your game.
“Obviously you should do that in every game and we do try, but I’m sure the boys will be really up for it. We want to impose our game on them and show people what we can do.
“It’s always good to go into the international break with a win.
“If we do get that win, it will be a really solid start to the season and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
WHAT HE SAID
"I’m sure the boys will be really up for it. We want to impose our game on them and show people what we can do."
Smith is City’s only outfield player to have played a part in both Carabao Cup ties this season on top of every minute of every Sky Bet Championship match.
“It does feel like there has been a lot of games and I’ve played in all of them, but I’m enjoying it,” he added.
“Last year I had an injury so I didn’t get a pre-season and missed the start, so I’m not complaining!
“It’s nice to get a real confidence in the squad and keep everyone nice and happy.
“That’s what it’s all about because we’ve got a lot of tough games coming up after this break, so it’s important everyone is ready.”
A crowd of 20,000 is already guaranteed at Ashton Gate tonight. The match is pay on the night for home supporters.
Latest News
MansionBet Match Preview: Aston Villa (CC R3, H)
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020
Holden relishing Aston Villa test
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020
Mawson taking the lead
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020
WATCH: Pre-Aston Villa training | Failand Uncut 005
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020
Also from Bristol Sport
Lam says Bears must level up for semi final
Pat Lam says his side will need raise their game to the next level when they take on Bordeaux-Bègles in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup on Friday night.
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020 • Rugby
Press bitesize: Bordeaux-Bègles (h) - Challenge Cup semi final
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam and captain, Steven Luatua faced the media ahead of Friday's Challenge Cup semi final clash with Bordeaux-Bègles at Ashton Gate.
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020 • Rugby
Twinning: the Bristol - Bordeaux partnership
On Friday night, Bristol and Bordeaux will be on opposing sides, but away from the rugby pitch, the two cities have enjoyed a close association for more than 70 years.
Posted: Wednesday, September 23rd 2020 • Rugby
Focused Luatua eyeing maiden European final
Steven Luatua is eyeing a maiden European final, as the Bears prepare to take on French Top 14 giants Bordeaux-Bègles at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
Posted: Tuesday, September 22nd 2020 • Rugby
Statement: Leicester Tigers pilot fixture
Bristol Bears regret to confirm that, following government advice, the Gallagher Premiership fixture versus Leicester Tigers will now be played behind closed doors.
Posted: Tuesday, September 22nd 2020 • Rugby