Bristol City chief executive Charlie Boss named the owners, the board, sporting director James Ellis and the players as sharing supporters’ frustration after the 5-0 defeat by Norwich City, with Michael Skubala absent from that list.
Boss was asked how disappointing Saturday had been after home fans made their feelings clear at Ashton Gate. The manager’s name came up in the same answer, at the point when Boss turned to the need for improvement.
“It was hugely disappointing, and a lot of the fans made their feelings known loud and clear at Ashton Gate on Saturday. I want them to know that everyone shares their frustrations, from the owners to the board to James Ellis, the players. Every single person at this club feels that frustration. Michael Skubala, more than anybody, knows that we need to improve.”
Boss said the frustration was felt by “every single person” at Bristol City. He named Skubala in the very next sentence, but singled him out when he spoke about the response required on the pitch, rather than his frustration. The undertone was very much ‘everyone is frustrated with Michael Skubala’, even if it was merely implied.
Bristol City went in a goal down at half-time and were booed off by home supporters. Norwich added four after the break, with some of the home crowd chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning” in Skubala’s direction. Skubala apologised after the match and said both he and his players had fallen short in the second half.
Ellis had a hand in bringing Skubala to Ashton Gate on a three-year deal in May. When the appointment was announced, Boss pointed to the leadership Skubala had shown in winning League One with Lincoln City, while his long-time friend Ellis highlighted his record of improving players and teams in a short space of time.
First-Team Performances: The Priority At Ashton Gate
The defeat followed another home loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek. Boss said the Norwich performance fell a long way short of the club’s standards and described the discussions around the club in the days that followed as “tough and honest conversations”.
Boss said the board met earlier this week and agreed to give Skubala the opportunity to turn Bristol City’s home form around. Asked if he was confident the club could improve, he explained what the board’s decision meant and where he saw the priority for his own role.
“We wouldn’t have made this decision if we didn’t believe that together we could get through this difficult period. My job as CEO is to look for improvement in every area, and that begins and ends with first-team performances.”
Boss closed with a message for the supporters who had followed Bristol City home and away. He mentioned Skubala by name again when he spoke about how much that backing meant inside the club.
“I’d like to thank them for all of their support home and away. I know it’s hugely appreciated by the players, and I know it’s hugely appreciated by Michael.”
