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Bristol City

Odds: 6/1

Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 9 (League One), 2004/05 - 7 (League One), 2003/04 - 3 (League One), 2002/03 - 3 (League One), 2001/02 - 7 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup First Round vs Notts County (h) - lost 2-1. Carling Cup First Round vs Barnet (h) - lost 4-2. Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Barnet (a) - lost 3-2.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Steve Brooker (striker) - 16 goals.

Players In Phil Jevons (Yeovil Town - Free), Jamie McCombe (Lincoln City - Free), Liam Fontaine (Fulham - Free), Enoch Showunmi (Luton Town - Free), Chris Weale (Yeovil Town - Free).

Players Out Luke Wilkshire (FC Twente - Free), Steve Phillips (Bristol Rovers - Free).

After a dire start to last season which saw them exit all Cup competitions at the first hurdle, lose 7-1 at Swansea City and go on a seven match losing streak between October and December, Bristol City ended last season well and finished in ninth position.

This season, manager Gary Johnson wants to build on the solid form shown in the second half of last term and has set his side a target of 90 points. This figure should see the club claim automatic promotion to the Championship following several years in and around the play offs. The bookmakers make City second favourites to win the division outright behind Nottingham Forest.

Johnson has signed striker Phil Jevons who netted 45 goals in his two seasons at Yeovil Town and sees him as the ideal foil for last season's top goal scorer Steve Brooker. Brooker himself has signed a one year contract extension and is tied to the club until the end of the 2008/09 campaign, ending speculation he was a target of Championship outfit Norwich City

Goalkeeper Chris Weale is the second arrival from Johnson's former club Yeovil Town and after signing an initial one year deal, this will extend to two years once he has played 10 games next season. Other new faces arriving this summer ate Fulham defender Liam Fontaine, who had a loan spell at the club last season and Luton Town striker Enoch Showumni. Both players have agreed two year contracts at Ashton Gate. Showumni has started 40 league games for Championship side Luton Town and has scored 14 goals.

One player on his way out is Australian international Luke Wilkshire who represented his country in this summer's World Cup. The 24 year old joined the Robins from Middlesbrough in 2003 for £250,000 and made 103 appearances for City.

Verdict If City can recreate the form that saw them win eight out of their last 12 matches last season then an automatic promotion spot is within their grasp. Johnson has plenty of fire power at his disposal but the Robins need to get off to a good start to avoid disappointment.

About the Author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.