Bristol City begin life in the Championship after a two-year break, but with their stadium looking radically different from when they left the second tier of English football.
Ashton Gate is undergoing a revamp into a 27,000 all-seater stadium at present. The Williams main stand was demolished this summer, meaning tomorrow’s fixture will be played with only three sides of the stadium open.
They romped home with the League One Championship Trophy, to add to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy secured earlier that year at Wembley Stadium courtesy of a 2-0 win over Walsall. Aaron Wilbraham finished top scorer for The Robins with 21 goals, after his move from Crystal Palace last year.
Their summer transfer activity has been relatively quiet, with only two permanent signings made so far. Defender Ryan Fredericks [who had a spell on loan at Brentford in 2012] from Tottenham Hotspur and forward Jonathan Kodjia from French side Angers.
Manager Steve Cotterill has delved into the loan market, signing forward Callum Robinson from Aston Villa and Leicester City goalkeeper Ben Hamer – who had a record four separate spells on loan at Brentford from Reading. Both players will stay at Ashton Gate for the entire 2015/16 campaign.
Existing squad members Marlon Pack, Aden Flint, and Joe Bryan all signed extended contracts in the summer.
City made a bid for Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace, which was accepted, but the player has made the decision to decline their contract offer. Through the outdoor, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas [Queens Park Rangers], Wade Elliott [retired], Dave Richard [Crewe Alexandra], Greg Cunningham [Preston North End] have all departed.
The Gaffer
Steve Cotterill has rebuilt his managerial reputation after steering Bristol City to a League One and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy double last season. The 51-year-old started his managerial career with Sligo Rovers before five successful years with Cheltenham Town, leading them into the Football League. An abortive spell with Stoke City followed, with later spells as manager at Burnley, Notts County, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest.
He was appointed Bristol City manager in December 2013, succeeding Sean O’Driscoll.
Ticket news
The match is all-ticket and none will be on sale to Brentford fans on the day of the game. You can hear live match commentary on Bees Player from 2.30pm Saturday.