James anticipating City challenge

Former England goalkeeper David James is confident City will be challenging for promotion this season, after finally penning a new one-year deal at Ashton Gate.

The 40-year-old commmited his immediate future to the Robins after returning from holiday earlier this week.

And the former Pompey veteran expects City to be a surprise package, after boss Keith Millen rode out a turbulent period in the club's recent history last season.

"I'm confident we can do good things this season, as I've been assuring City fans whenever I bump into them around the world," James told bcfc.co.uk:

"Despite all the adversities last season, I think on a number of occasions we showed our capabilities.

"The manager is getting a decent squad together with some hungry younger players coming on board, all hoping to challenge for first team places straight away.

"The squad is coming together and we also have a decent staff in place.

"The goal when I first joined was promotion and we had a tough battle, but we should be better for that experience.

"I'm looking forward to the new season and a full pre-season with the club. We should take a lot of heart from the positives of last season and take them into the upcoming campaign."

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