‘We’re continually setting ourselves new standards’ – Beard.

It’s been over two weeks since City were last in action due to the recent international break, and Beard has been using the time on the training pitch to fine-tune and improve his squad with a big month ahead. 

“We've really put in some good work over the last two weeks,” said Beard.

“We’ve picked up points which has been fantastic, we’ve got to the Cup Final, but we've also really got our heads down. The players have worked hard, the staff have worked incredibly hard, and everything is beginning to fall into place in training, and it is great to see. 

“I've used these last two weeks to try and hammer points home, and it’s been the first time from the first ball kicked to the last ball kicked that I have seen consistency in our defensive strategies in our attacking strategies. We've been playing some really good football, so it's been really pleasing to see and that has to continue. 

“We're now setting ourselves standards that are getting better every day, every week, and we need to continue on that path.”

The Robins hit a purple patch of form before the international break in both the league and the FA Continental Tyres Cup, with a string of wins in the latter rewarding the squad with a place in the final of the competition. 

Since his arrival at the club, Beard has consistently praised the attitude and togetherness of his squad, and following the club's good run of form, the 43-year-old is enjoying the feel-good factor around the camp. 

He added: “We’re seeing some really creative players come to life and we’re seeing players play with smiles on their faces, but we're also seeing them doing the ugly side of the game really well, also with a smile on their faces.”

“It just makes me so happy to see that and knowing that they're grasping this opportunity. 

"I know that we will fight for absolutely every single point left that we've got to stay in this division."

The next game for Beard’s side will be in BS3 as City host an in-form Reading side on Monday night at Ashton Gate.

It will be the first game of the season at Ashton Gate, and it’s an opportunity the players should relish, says Beard. 

“The Reading game is going to be a great occasion for the group and one to hopefully seize with both hands. 

“We just need to concentrate on ourselves, we’ll have a game plan for the night and obviously it's fantastic to play at Ashton Gate, it’s going to be great for the players and it's a great surface for us to play on so we're looking forward to it.

“We've got eight games left, so we need to be picking points up. March is going to be a big month for us to try and get as many points on board as we can, so it's a game that we feel we can get something out of.”

Bristol City Women take on Reading at Ashton Gate on Monday, March 8th (8:15pm KO) live in front of the BT Sport cameras. 

Author: Lewis Barton