Welcome Cider heads to Three Lions and a Robin five

For more Wurzled English, sentences that seem to have no real meaning and links that fail to work and never will. Anybody wishing to contribute articles to future issues can via

- lionsfanzine@hotmail.co.uk . It will be welcomed as long as it is loosely pro fan, pro East End, pro Cider, pro West Country and does not contain lines like "Boo Johnson, lessun ere ee is only in ums team because ov ee's Dad en all…! Next Three Lions and a Robin tis out in May.

Prior to the Barnsley game played on a day which has which traditionally seen some very poor gates in the recent past the Chairman made some remarks which were little on the disingenuous side. Mr Lansdown used price reductions as some sort of test of City's true support on a day when families often put Granddads socks first, Grannies Bristol Sherry and other bah humbug priorities on the last Saturday before bah humbug like they have for decades. Comments like "This match should be a sell-out and if it's not then it tells me people really aren't that interested and that the price we charge is more than very reasonable, Do not foster good relations with supporters who warned Bristol City had set prices far too high this season for normal match days.

As it was a very healthy 16,588 with only 357 coming from Barnsley turned up. In the last six years gates at the home game before Christmas have been between 9,949 -13414. A realistic estimation for the Gate v Barnsley pre reduction would have been 12500 -13000. Putting an extra 3000 + in the ground has to be a success and similar reductions need to be offered again.

Hardly a week goes by without Gary Johnson mentioning vocal support and his latest remarks underline what sort of club he wants Wurzel City to be-

"We only have 16 games to go and I want to see people giving it everything they've got." That means players, management and supporters doing that extra little bit.

"We've put ourselves in a great position and we now need everybody to give off positive vibes. If we can generate a wave of absolute positivity and total support, we could end up having a very decent season.

"But we're still only three points off the lead and one off automatic promotion. I want people to give it a go on and off the field." If they normally sing 10 songs, let's sing 14. If they sing two players' names, let's sing 11. Psychologically, all those things can help make a difference..

"We have to stay solid for the sake of the team and the club. If they can, they'll find the effect is unbelievable.

"We all want to be in the Premiership and we're close enough to say it's worth whatever it takes. I'm willing to do whatever it takes and everyone else has to have that attitude."

It is quite clear that the manager wants to see more from fans. Fans want to see more from fans but in order for this to become reality we need a club that is willing to do whatever it takes. One simple act of opening the East End for the last seven games would be that statement of intent. City support within the East End is without doubt amongst the very best in the division but its only scratching the surface. An additional couple of hundred would see BCFC have vocal support which is the envy of the division, inspire our team on even further and hopefully sustain this dream season and show exactly why Gary Johnson should stay at Bristol City FC as long as Alan Dicks did.

For the match v Wednesday the Cow shed went International with a visit from fans from Willem II. The club were approached asking for help to get the fourteen fans into their East End . True to form City turned down the opportunity to really start forging some links abroad and emphasised what is wrong with BCFC off the pitch. As it was East Enders rallied round and managed to obtain tickets for the Willem lads. Hopefully City fans will be travelling over to Tilbourg this season and the East End will further strengthen ties by twinning with Willems Kingside.

There is a real prospect here of trips becoming an annual event and if BCFC can become more accommodating the opportunity here to change other fans views of Bristol City are massive.

Despite a few ropey displays in the new year and horrorshows at Loftus road and Selhurst Park City are still in the top six.This is an amazing achievement and a huge testimony to Gary Johnson's managerial acumen. The acquistion of Carle and Adebola has given Johnsons 4-5-1 formation more impetus. For one of the few times this season v Wednesday the ball was consistently held up top by Adebola. What a difference having a true target man who can hold ther ball at his feet for the likes of McIndoe, Johnson & Carle to play off. The early signs are that Mr Adebola is going to be able to bring out the best in the midfield without falling into the team battering the ball long in the air towards the physical prescence.

Time to slap ourselves around the face and appreciate what is happening here at Ashton Gate, this is all a akin to a footballing miracle and then as the manger says "We have to stay solid for the sake of the team and the club. If they can, they'll find the effect is unbelievable.

Forza East End/3 Lions BS3 badges

Small, understated but highly fashionable Forza East End/3 Lions BS3 pin badges are now on sale via the Forza East End forum on http://www.ziderheads.co.uk/ch/. pm user name: north steet

This must have badge is what todays best dressed City Fan is wearing. All enamel badges are made with a die and are a perfectly formed 6 mm round with a real high quality brooch fitting. These badges costing just £3 are for all the traditionalists, Terrace Dandies and East End cognoscenti who expect a badge with a more detailed and intricate design.

You really do need this badge, do not delay, impress the Dear Old Mabel in your life and buy this wanton Ultra Sexy badge. In the words of Mr Colin Sex "the cues will stretch from Ashton to Somerset for this babeee!

Money raised from the sale of Forza East End badges will go towards the cost of repairing George the massive St George flag seen in the East End. This really is not for profit and any money left over from the repair will go towards more fan friendly ideas not fermented apples.