Video: Cotterill Excited For Opening Day

Fresh from a double-winning campaign, City’s manager says Hillsborough is a great venue to begin City’s first campaign back in the Sky Bet Championship after a two-year absence. 

Backed by more than 1,000 fans in South Yorkshire, Cotterill is relishing the opening day tussle. 

“I still get that buzz and I’m looking forward to the game at Hillsborough,” he told Bristol City Player HD. 

“It’s a great venue to kick-off the season and Hillsborough is actually a good venue for me. I’ve not been beaten there so hopefully that will continue.” 

Cotterill was able to watch Wednesday in action during pre-season as they were on tour in Portugal at the same time as the Robins. 

The Owls were beaten 2-1 by Braga, a team City later shared a 1-1 draw with in Albufeira. 

“You don’t learn too much in pre-season,” said Cotterill. “Teams use lots of different players. 

“You get to narrow down what you believe their team will be and I’m sure they’re doing likewise with us. 

“I met Carlos (Carvalhal, Owls boss) at one of the manager meetings the other week and he seemed a very nice man, just like Stuart Gray before him. 

“They’ve changed a lot since last season with a lot of new players. 

“It should be a good game, but as I’ve always said it’ll be about what we do on the day.” 

Mark Little (shoulder) and Scott Wagstaff (hamstring) have returned to training, whilst Kieran Agard is stepping up his recovery from a knee problem. 

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