Formed in 1894 as Bristol South End Football Club before changing its name to City we now know today when they merged with rivals Bedminster FC - the former played at St. Johns Lane and the club alternated between their and Ashton Gate until 'The Gate' became there permanent home in 1904.
Being so close to the Welsh boarder it is unsurprising that Bristol has a large Rugby community as well as supporting two Football Clubs (City and Rovers), with Bristol Rugby using The Gate several times since 1920's with their most recent in December 2006 pulling in a full capacity crowed against Bath.
Visiting supporters to the stadium are housed in the Wedlock Stand behind goal, which was originally built as a standing covered terrace before; in 1990's seats were installed following the 'Taylor Report' which was commissioned after the Hillsborough Disaster.
In 2005 the club announced that the away end will be redeveloped but this has yet to happen, no doubt if they become an established Championship club the ground may soon see some changes.
Club Guide
Team: Bristol City |
Stadium and Pitch: 9/10
Ashton Gate is small and compact ground, but is in need of a revamp - at the moment the ground is suitable for Championship football but would look out of sorts in the top flight.
Programme: 8/10
Small and compact the programme 'Well Red' can only be given an average rating but was rather happy with the visitors section which is to date unique from what I've seen before; with only Watford producing the best looking programme to date.
It was interesting to read two match reports from past games with the Robins and the Blades with City focusing on their 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate in May 1988 whilst the other was the Blades 3-1 home win at the back end of the 1998-99 season.
The 'Championship Review' which was featured in Scunthorpe United's programme was also an interesting read and gave you a decent catch up on the events about the league we currently play in.
Performance and Result: 3/10
Bristol City 2-0 Sheffield United: There was very little good words to say about this performance by Sheffield United other than 'shoddy' with David Noble (45) and Michael McIndoe (70) finishing off mistakes made by club captain Chris Morgan.
Atmosphere: 7/10
It's unclear as to why Bristol City fans took to consistently chanting 'Cider, Cider...' at every annoying convenience but they were loud and proud of their team and unlike some grounds I've been to were worthy of the high score they were given for atmosphere.
Overall: 25/40
:: Previous Visits to Ashton Gate ::
- 06.10.2007 - Bristol City 2-0 Sheffield United