He came on loan to us last season. He had/has potential and showed it on occasions. Howvever he could barely hit a barn door during his stay.

One thing's for sure - he's no Maynard replacement.

Although I suppose it says a lot about how far we've come in the last few years. Not so long ago I'd/we'd have been chuffed to bits to get in a player like Vokes

To be fair to the lad he's still young and I've never seen him play. No doubt the next few weeks I'll be able to form an opinion of him.

Looks like our first game is going to be a sellout. Only limited tickets left now. I CANNOT WAIT til Saturday

Nice one Matty.

As you know we're on BBC1 at 5.15pm. That's no time to start a season.

We might hit 30,000. Would have been more if it wasn't for TV

That'll be our pub after the game, game  You're right, though. Horrible time to start the season. For obvious reasons I've had an eye on Leeds' results over the last, what, decade? Now it has a different complexion. You're that unknown quantity in the same league as us. I see the current betting on many sites has you pretty much neck and neck with us on odds of gaining promotion.

The whole season will be great again, but the first 10 games or so really give you an idea of where you're possibly going to be come May. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas Day  You'd think I'd be above all that sort of thing after 30 years or so of it, but no  There's always something to give you hope to cling onto. This year it's new  high profile manager with a track record of success, David James, some other strong signings. It just feels like a clean slate

BRING. IT. ON!

Coppell laughs off Owen rumours.

"We've tried for Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi, but they haven't returned our calls yet.

Actually, Messi would be quite a useful addition.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/05/2057432/steve-coppell-laughs-off-rumours-linking-bristol-city-with-a

Do you know what the best bit is? There is a Swedish based Bristol City Supporters Club and on their site I think they have got a little lost in the translation of that piece, because they are saying tonight that Coppell HAS actually  discussed signing Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo 

Oh dearie me, that's almost as bad as the 'lost translation' when the Russians claimed they had been 'invited' into Afghanistan.

LOL!

Here's where Bristol City currently stand with injuries. I have only included first teamers in this list, so when you factor in another 4 more from the fringe squad you can see what a dire state we are in:

Lewin Nyatanga (Knee) 6-8 weeks min

Louis Carey (Ankle) 3-4 weeks

Nicky Hunt (Ankle) 3-4 weeks

Kaliffa Cisse (Thigh) 4-6 weeks

Danny Haynes (Groin) 1-2 weeks

Nicky Maynard (Knee) 4-6 weeks, possibly much longer if surgery required

James Wilson (Knee) 3-4 weeks

Christian Ribeiro (Back) 4-6 weeks

Pretty horrendous I'm sure you'll agree. Pre-season completely sucks

Not my predictions. EVERYONE'S predictions

Today marked the start of the season, not the end of Cardiff's woes, but you know that don't you?

There are still enormous bills to pay and no money from the Malaysians to pay them with. This season will be a month to month thing for Cardiff. Always facing the courts, always in finiancial trouble. That's a fact that cannot be denied.

Remember the transfer window didn't shut today either  3 more weeks yet and Chopra and Whittingham the subject of bids from other clubs already.

Only one first team player out? Well, Ledley is a huge loss, but I'm pretty sure they lost Mark Kennedy and Warren Feeney too, who both figured last season

Pee taking and proving you wrong all the time aside for once - How well Cardiff do this season will depend on how they cope mentally with the huge financial problems the club has. If that negativity spills down through the club - which there are hints of with Chopra's outbursts etc - then they'll struggle, no doubt. However, if the team manages to put that all to one side and they somehow manage to avoid administration at some point this season then they could do well again. No one really knows and wont know for a good ten games or so.

The local news tonight did a pre-season review on Portsmouth. I think I heard correctly when they said the team squad totals the princely sum of 14. Cotterell has a huge job on his hands, that's for sure. 

A good win for Watford, Norwich start slowly again. At least it wasnt 7-1 this time

http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,15231_6294277,00.html

Thought i would post Peter Beagries (sky sports columnist) verdict on how the championship will shape up... tho i am not sure i am in agreement with Peter. I dont see Pompey as being a top 8 side and neither do i see Ipswich or Derby being in the bottom 8 !! I think Ipswich will be a more improved team this season.

On another note it will be interesting to see how Boro get on.. Chesney (Strachan) has raided Celtic and Rangers for a quite few players  over this summer to add to the scots that are already there. With regard to Boyd he is an excellent striker can score goals for fun against poor opposition which he did very regulalarly up in Scotland tho his record in Europe and against Celtic was very very poor and he offers very little except goal scoring abilities. Stephen Thompson another Rangers player injury prone and red card prone.. If  Boro arent near the top at Xmas, Chesney will be under pressure. 

'2 teams in Bristol theres only 2 teams in Bristol' and my lot Rovers start off today against Peteborough and our old friend Gary J. A good closed season has seen the arival of sawyer from plymouth hoskins from watford tonnecliff from Brighton Brown from Fulham pell from Charlton and late arrival of Anderson(gk) back again on loan from Reading,a mix of loans season loans and free signings but all capable young players, Im personally quite optomistic. come on you blues.

As for our near neighbours well Im a big fan of coppell and I see a big if not biggest season coming for the dark side of the River best of luck Matty.

Rich WL

Warmley

South Glos

Oh dear Matty, not good 0-2 down

0-3

D James hasn't made much difference has he

Good start by Bostock for Hull. They are very lucky to have him. Good for us too as he gains valuable first team experience. Certainly one for the future, given his contract was extended yesterday through 2013.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07082010/63/hull-v-swansea-7-august.html

Great start for Roy keane and Ipswich 1 - 3 win away at Boro... i dont like Strachan n his band of jocks

Yes a much better start for them when compared to last year