Read More...Read More...Following the signing of David James the transfer rumour mill has been at overdrive. There was one which at first I just laughed at and said absolutely not, no chance. That was the loan signing of Manchester United and ex England striker Michael Owen that was being speculated. However on further thought there are a couple of factors which I have thought anbout which may not make this move seem stupid but I still don't think it will happen.

The new 25 man squad Premier League rules are my main train of thought. Sir Alex Ferguson may not want to risk 1 of his squad picks on Owen who may not actually make the start of the season due to injury and as a result may not be fit when the squads have to be announced. Now if your Alex Ferguson does it make sense for you to send Michael to a Championship club where he can play regular first team football or leave him in Man United's reserve side until January where he is not likely to get competitive football.

There is also the whole David James and new stadium club on the up situation. Steve Coppell already has links with Man United through his playing career and with the developments at the club of recent times it shows that we are serious about going for promotion and that our stature as a result is climbing at the moment by the day last season would be linked with players such as Emile Heskey, Michael Owen or David James. I am still very sceptical myself about this loan deal for Michael Owen being completed but if you dig deeper than just scratch at the surface there are some rather interesting factors that do come out.Following the triple swoop last week it seems City are on the verge of another exciting signing, albeit this one on loan. Danny Welbeck from Manchester United has been spotted by a Bristol City fan at the Ashton Gate ground at about 4:00 this afternoon, with another spotting at 1:15 of the young striker in his Audi R4. The signing would be the latest in a string of outstanding City signings in the last week. The signing of England goalkeeper David James being the headline one. James who has signed a 1 year contract, could easily be considered the biggest signing in the recent history of the club, if not the biggest ever club signing. Nicky Hunt from Bolton has also come in and that is a good transfer for City as well, with his Premiership experience and is seen as a replacement for Bradley Orr who has joined Neil Warnock at Q.P.R. Damion Stewart also provides needed cover at centre back as he went in the opposite direction to Orr and joins us from Q.P.R.

The Steve Coppell factor is certainly attracting a high calibre of player to the club and if City can steal Welbeck from under the noses of Sunderland and Blackpool it will be another major step towards a side that can compete for promotion the the Premier League.Peter Styvar has made a return to Bristol City. I speculated last week that the Slovakian striker could be back at the club and I can now reveal this is true. Pictures taken from today's training session show Styvar wearing the number 36 training top. The striker made 12 appearances for City during the 08/09 season and could add to that tally this season if new manager Steve Coppell likes the look of him. Prior to joining City Styvar scored 30 goals in 57 appearances for MSK Zilina.City have won their first pre-season friendly on U.K shores with a 3-1 victory at Yeovil's Huish Park. Things didn't start well for City when Klaifa Cisse conceded an early penalty. Sam Williams stepped up and put The Glovers ahead beating Dean Gerken from the penalty spot. Cisse would come off injured soon after to be replaced by Cole Skuse. City would get a equaliser following good work down the left by John Akinde, left Ivan Sproule with the simplest of tap-ins at the far post.

City would score 2 in the 2nd half with David Clarkson scoring his 4th of pre-season from the penalty. Youngster Marlon Jackson sealed the victory with just under 15 minutes to go with a well taken effort to ensure City would get the win they had been looking for. The calf injury to Kalifa Cisse and an injury to trialist Tom Williams overshadowed what was a better performance from City compared to the last 3 fixtures.Since being back in the U.K, City have played 3 friendlies, losing all 3 against weaker opponents. The first test was a trip to Plainmoor to take on League Two Torquay in which City lost 2-1 after David Clarkson put City in the lead. We travelled to Hampshire to play Aldershot, also of League Two, with City going down 3-0, David Clarkson striking the post in the 2nd half and a Cole Skuse effort hitting the post in first half. The third trip saw City travel to play Exeter and there was yet another defeat this time by 3-1 with John Akinde netting the City goal. It has been a disappointing pre-season to date but City take on Yeovil tonight at Huish Park hoping to get a first win for our U.K pre season.It has been speculated today that City's Slovakian striker Peter Styvar could be back at City and could play a part in the friendly tonight at Yeovil. Styvar who was signed in January 2009 from MSK Zilina has been out on loan at foreign clubs including gGreek side FC Xanthi  after not settling in England. With City having a striking crisis at the moment though, it is something that could happen. With Steve Coppell not having a chance to watch Styvar play, he could be given a second opportunity at City should he wish to take it.

I wrote my last blog prior to our friendly against Torquay and since things have gone downhill. I went to Plainmoor full of anticipation and looking forward to seeing City in action for the first time this season. Had a few ciders in Torquay before heading to Plainmoor.

Bradley Orr played in what is likely to be his last game for the club and it had the feel of a traditonal friendly, with City being put under pressure right from the start with a smart save from Hendo in the first minute keeping it at 0-0. Torquay peppered the City goal with a few near misses and clearances saving our blushes. City were not producing much as an attacking force and the game was 0-0 at half time. 2nd half saw City take the lead as David Clarkson put us in front, we couldn't keep the lead to my frustration as City let 2 goals in and lost 2-1. I ended up spending the night in Torquay drowning my sorrows in Mambo's nightclub until 3AM.

The second trip saw a trip to Aldershot, I enjoy going to Aldershot as I know a few lads who are Shots fans and it is a good atmosphere there. I went on the train with Alex and we took the drum with us, to try and get an atmosphere going. Got there about half 11 and had a walk around and had a couple of Strongbows before going to the EBB Stadium.

The EBB Stadium reminds me of Ashton Gate the East Bank where City fans were stood i like The East End with the low roof and atmospheric. The team unfortunately couldn't perform and a 3-0 defeat was the result. Was not one of the best games I have seen by far.

Exeter was the next match on the South roadtrip. Went to Dawlish Warren and on the go-karts and mini golf before heading off to Exeter. There was no segregation and big queues outside managed to get in through a 2nd turnstyle which had just been opened was a more encouraging display than the previous 2.

The defence seems very disjointed at the moment and that would need to be one of Steve Coppell's main concerns. David Clarkson has stood out for me, he looks sharp and has a few goals in pre-season and should be the main striker until Maynard is fit unless we bring another striker in.

My friendly tour continues tonight with a trip to Huish Park as City take on Yeovil, hope we can get the win we need!

COYR

Dan

City have made an audacious bid to sign England goalkeeper David James. James who played a part in England's dismal World Cup campaign has been offered a 12 month deal. James 39, was poised to complete a move to Celtic but pulled out due to family reasons. Steve Coppell has offered the keeper a one year deal. With James being from the Westcountry, City are putting an offer in which will enable James to have first team football plus be local to his home. There is also reported interest from Chelsea and West Ham for the signature of England's number 1. This would be some transfer if it happens and will be one of the biggest coups in the history of Bristol City FC. City need goalkeeping cover with just Dean Gerken and Stephen Henderson the only 2 senior keepers at the club. City's last minute bid for Sheffield Wednesday's Lee Grant was rejected earlier in the week.