Eight years ago Bristol City experienced heartbreak of the highest order, but in the end it was important for them to grow.
The 2008 Championship play-off final is considered a special one by many, with both Bristol City and Hull City aiming to reach the Premier League for the first time. Many were favouring the Tigers but you could not count the Robins out, as they were aiming to secure consecutive promotions following their move up from League One.
Unfortunately, the footballing gods smiled down on Phil Brown’s men as Dean Windass’ strike sent Hull into the top flight, leaving Bristol City to lick their wounds.
A few years later and Bristol City returned to where they came from down in the third tier, with the hopes of an appearance in the Premier League seeming oh so far away. Whilst that may seem disappointing to many, it was actually pretty essential for their development.
Nick Barmby – Hull City (R) in action against David Noble – Bristol City
League One has long since been considered a rehabilitation league for teams. Wolves, Southampton, Norwich and Leicester have all made the drop down and have all come back stronger for it.
Plus, if Bristol City had won on that fateful day at Wembley who knows how prepared they would have been. They were riding some serious momentum, and there is a very realistic possibility of them pulling a Derby in terms of their points total.
This time round, they have learnt their lesson. As they push for the top six again they have grown into a side who have some more experience, know what it feels like to come so close to winning it all and are ready to challenge once again. Their team is stronger, their manager is stronger and now they will know what it takes to get the job done.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson
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