Johnson: Stern move does not rule out Akinde

Last updated : 31 October 2008 By Smallsy
GARY Johnson has been once again discussing his offensive options as City prepare to face Reading this weekend.


Bristol City's forward line have come under-fire in the last two games for failing to find the net and some supporters have voiced concern that the 1-0 win's City picked up last campaign are failing to materialise in 2008/09.

Typically open and honest in his opinions Gary Johnson shrugged off any concerns about his forward line and also dismissed reports linking John Akinde with a loan spell after Stern John arrived.

19-year-old Akinde joined from Ebsfleet United in July and althought he was involved in several senior games when he arrived he has failed to make the squad for the last couple, being replaced by loan signing Stern John so joined from Southampton last week.

Johnson was quick to back his striker in this morning's pre match press conference,

"People like John Akinde, although he has not been on the bench recently, we still need him around because we want that competition at any moment.

"He scored two good goals in the reserves against Tottenham in midweek, so it puts him in the fray again."


On the goalscoring situation itself Johnson was paticularily bullish over his teams options and said he 'wasn't concerned' about recent blanks,

"(Lee) Trundle scores goals from all angles, Dele (Adebola) does and Stern John's got that in his game.

Nicky Maynard got one of the hardest shots I've ever worked with we have a great selection."

"Strikers know they stand or fall by the goals they score of course, but it's not to get too down about it. When someone scores one or two goals the confidence will begin to grow and they can go on and score a lot more.

"We've also got to get our strikers in dangerous positions more often, then if they miss one chance we know there will be another three or four where they can take an opportunity."