Lee Johnson’s Bristol City are firmly embroiled in a relegation scrap in their first season in the Sky Bet Championship since 2013.
The runaway champions of League One last season, the Robins have struggled to make their mark on the second tier this campaign, despite some impressive results - including doing the double over promotion favourites Middlesbrough.
Their recent history has put the City faithful through some highs and lows - the gutting disappointment of relegation greatly juxtaposing with the elation of a League and Cup double in the third tier last campaign.
During this period, the Ashton Gate side have fielded some fantastic talent, and FLW’s Archie Griggs takes a look at the best possible Bristol City XI over the past five seasons.......
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE BEST XI!
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GK: Frank Fielding
The Blackburn-born shot stopper arrived at the Gate after a two-year spell at Derby County, tasked with helping City bounce back to the second tier as soon as possible.
But despite a disastrous start to his first season between the sticks - conceding 19 goals in 8 games - he redeemed himself the following season, establishing himself as an everpresent in the title-winning side and keeping 20 clean sheets in the process.
DF: Louis Carey
The Robins legend made over 600 appearances in a red shirt before retiring in 2015, and his commitment to his hometown club should not go unnoticed.
While he parted company with Bristol City in 2014, he was a formality in the side ever since he rejoined from Coventry - and his services to the side warranted a testimonial, a 3-0 win against local rivals Bristol Rovers.
He surpassed John Atyeo’s appearance record in 2013, and his legacy in Bristol will not be forgotten for some time.
DF: Aden Flint
The giant centre-half towers over his team-mates at 6’7, and is quickly earning a reputation as one of the Championship’s finest defenders.
His formidable aerial presence means he contributes to the club’s goal tally, as well as standing firm in defence - he has netted over 20 times for the Robins since 2013.
He didn’t miss a game during last year’s promotion campaign, and endeared himself to City fans everywhere with his now iconic ‘no’ interview, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Lately, his stellar form has seen him rewarded with Premier League interest - Midlands club West Bromwich Albion are said to be planning a £2million move in the summer.
DF: Derrick Williams
The German-born centre-half joined from Premier League side Aston Villa in 2013, and briskly established himself as a key part of Bristol City’s defensive unit.
While he has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place this campaign with the form of Nathan Baker, he started nearly every single game during the Robins’ two years in League One, featuring alongside Aden Flint and Luke Ayling in City’s unique wingbacked formation.
He has already made 109 appearances for Bristol City, and at just 23 years of age, he is only going to improve on his impressive ability, and will certainly enjoy a long and successful career.
DF: Joe Bryan
Bryan, a homegrown talent having come through the academy at Ashton Gate, burst onto the scene during City’s time in the third tier, having spent time away from Bristol on loan at Plymouth Argyle and Bath City.
His first goal for the club couldn’t have come at a better time - netting the opener against rivals Bristol Rovers - and from then on, he was an everpresent in Steve Cotterill’s side, causing all sorts of trouble on the left flank.
The young man, who is equally as comfortable on the wing as he is as a full-back, is proving himself as a very promising talent, and his form in the red shirt is endearing himself to the City faithful as the local boy continues to turn heads.
MF: Korey Smith
The 25-year-old made a name for himself as part of the Norwich City side that won two consecutive promotions, and joined City’s ranks in 2014.
He, like many others in this XI, were key ingredients in the Robins’ highly successful season last year, and his brave and determined style of play will prove crucial in City’s battle to regain their second-tier status next season.
MF: Cole Skuse
Skuse is a product of the Robins’ academy, and spent nine years at Ashton Gate as a professional.
The midfielder or right-back, now at fellow Championship side Ipswich Town, made close to 300 appearances in a red shirt, and is fondly remembered in Bristol as the versatile workhorse he has proved himself to be.
MF: Luke Freeman
Freeman joined City from League Two side Stevenage in 2014, and quickly made the attacking midfield position his own.
He chipped in with 18 assists and plenty of goals to push his side up to the Championship last season, and has carried his great form over to the second tier.
And the 23-year-old is one of a number of players in the current crop at the Gate who looks to have a very bright future in the game.
FW: Sam Baldock
The prolific forward played over 80 times for City, and chipped in with more than his fair share of goals - netting 34 over the course of his two seasons in the Westcountry.
The fomer MK Dons man picked up the League One Golden Boot in 2014, leading the pack with 24 goals to his name.
The 26-year-old also skippered the side during his tenure at the Gate, and his form warranted a multi-million pound move to Brighton and Hove Albion at the beginning of the 2014-15 season.
FW: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Emmanuel Thomas is a product of the Arsenal youth system, and moved to Bristol from Ipswich Town, with winger Paul Anderson going the other way.
He hit the ground running with his new club, scoring on his debut, and made himself a fan favourite with a goal against bitter rivals Bristol Rovers in the Football League Trophy.
He was one half of a dangerous strike partnership with team-mate Sam Baldock, and in 2014 the pair netted 47 goals between them - the most prolific strike force outside the Premier League at the time.
FW: Aaron Wilbraham
The veteran striker flourished under Steve Cotterill’s leadership last season, and was arguably the standout player in a top class side - scoring 21 times to fire City to a league and cup double.
The 36-year-old also captained the side on a number of occasions, and has continued to contribute to the Robins’ attacking threat this campaign, finding the back of the net on six occasions.