'Heart says play-offs' - 12 Bristol City fans reveal their hopes and fears for the season ahead

A new season always brings fresh optimism but there is strong justification for the feeling of confidence emanating from south Bristol as the 2022/23 campaign approaches.

Bookmakers may be considering Bristol City among the likely strugglers, while objective Championship commentators mostly envisage a repeat of last season’s lower mid-table occupation, but those who will be taking their seats at Ashton Gate and around the country, see potential for considerably more.

Nobody is getting ahead of themselves, there are clear and present limitations within this squad but some smart recruitment this summer and the fact the talent has been retained, and should improve, means that in such a tightly contested and often anarchical division such as the Championship, very clear and visible improvement is achievable which should translate to an improved league position.

To get a flavour of what the City fanbase is thinking ahead of the season opener against Hull City on Saturday, we spoke to 12 Robins supporters for their opinions on the squad, the transfer market and some of what we can expect over the next nine months…

“Having everyone ‘on the bus’ as the manager would say really feels like an important point for this new season. If money were no object and the team could plug in superstars, maybe it’s less of an issue.

“Since City can’t do that, they need a collective effort, true teamwork, to pick up the wins needed to show improvement this year. The subtractions over the summer have left Nigel Pearson with what I would assume is the team he wants to fight with every week. That alone makes me feel more hopeful.”

“I'd say I feel marginally more optimistic than last season. That being said, I couldn't tell you wholeheartedly