City fans can roar us to Wembley says Gary Johnson

Posted on 2008-05-13

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has called on the Robins' fans to roar their side to victory in the second leg of their Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final on Tuesday night.

A stunning stoppage-time strike from David Noble gave City a 2-1 first-leg win at Selhurst Park on Saturday, making them favourites to reach Wembley.

"We went there, we had to compete, we had to make sure we kept possession of the football and we had to create chances, and that's exactly what we did," Johnson told the club website, www.bcfc.co.uk.

"Thank God we got the one in the 92nd minute because that puts you a goal ahead going into the second leg.

"You'd like to be more goals up but we know Crystal Palace are a strong side - it was their home ground and coming away with a one-goal advantage means your tactics have usually worked.

"When you're a goal up you're in the driving seat but we're also mindful of the fact that they've only got to come to Ashton Gate and get a goal to get back in the game and that's what they'll be telling their players.

"And we only need a goal or two. It's going to be a fantastic atmosphere and we're asking everybody to get Ashton Gate rocking and create a cauldron of positive noise, which they can do.

"No-one should leave Ashton Gate at the end of the game with their voice intact - including myself."

Johnson's opposite number Neil Warnock slammed the way City celebrated Noble's last-gasp winner but the Robins boss felt he had misunderstood the true meaning of their celebrations.

"Neil likes to hog the headlines doesn't he? And if they get beaten he's usually moaning at something," added Johnson.

"The lads didn't celebrate the winning of the game they celebrated the timing of the goal and the spectacular side of it. That was what we were really celebrating."

Asked about his tactics for the second leg, Johnson simply called for his players to be strong as they look to keep their lead.

"We'll play the momentum of the game. If we have to defend we'll defend and if we have to attack we'll attack. We'll take it as it comes," he said.

"At times you look to attack more than defend, especially at home, and that's when the crowd comes in as well.

"Our support is such a confidence boost for the lads on the pitch and our players respond to the home noise unbelievably.

"We have got to show a fantastic display of strength both on and off the field."

On the prospect of gaining promotion, Johnson added: "I want to get myself, this football club and more importantly this group of players to the highest level they can play at, so it's that burning ambition.

"That's the carrot and that's what we're striving for. We've got to really focus on the game."

 

Sourced From : SportingLife.com