Bristol City v Burnley - Peter White's big match preview

JOHN Ward will be aiming to plot the downfall of Burnley at Ashton Gate tonight, when he could so easily have been in the visitors' dug-out himself!

But the former Turf Moor assistant manager knows enough about his old club and their potential to warn his all-conquering Bristol City side they could be on the wrong end of a shock result.

It would indeed be a major surprise if Burnley were to turn over promotion-chasing City who have been knocked into superb shape by Ward after he moved to Ashton Gate from Turf Moor to take charge nine months ago.

In summer, he then became one of Burnley's first targets to return to East Lancashire in the wake of Adrian Heath's shock departure.

Bristol City, however, refused permission for Ward to talk about the job.

They clearly knew they had a top man and so he has proved.

He won the manager of the month award for April last season, as he guided City into the play-offs where they were beaten by Brentford. And his team are currently enjoying an 11-match unbeaten run including winning their last eight games.

That sort of form has reaped unique rewards, with Ward named as Second Division manager of the month for October and now November - the first time a boss has taken the prize in successive months.

Yet he remains realistic and the leadership qualities which so impressed during his time as Heath's assistant at Turf Moor will ensure he has his team in the right frame of mind.

It also means there is no way he will underestimate his former team tonight.

"I won't be fooled by their lowly position because I know what the players are capable of," he said.

"We could be onto a hiding if we are not careful.

"If we are not right, they have too many good players to let us off.

"Cooke and Barnes are two thoroughly good players who can be a big danger if we let them.

"I am also concerned about set plays where Cowans and Waddle can come into it. We will be looking at them closely."

Ward is looking forward to renewing a few old acquaintances this evening and he will no doubt wish Chris Waddle well - but not until after the game.

"I have nothing but happy memories of Burnley," he said.

"They treated me very well. I had several job opportunities while I was there and they let me speak to Notts County, Wycombe and Blackpool. "I wasn't under contract and they didn't stand in my way when City came in.

City did everything above board and Burnley were very good about it.

"I have a lot of good friends there and a lot of the team are still there from my time."

With promotion and relegation issues involved this evening, there is a lot at stake for both clubs and Bristol are eager to stretch their winning sequence to nine which would be a remarkable record.

"I really do want another win because we have a 10-day break from the League," added Ward.

"The cup next Sunday will take care of itself and another win, which I desperately want, would give us a bit of breathing space.

"It would keep the pressure on Watford."

City are cashing in on their popularity as their FA Cup second round tie with Bournemouth is being televised this weekend.

It is all going their way at the moment and it looks a massive test for Burnley.

But that also makes it just the sort of game in which players can rise to the occasion and Waddle will be looking to his players to build on Saturday's vital victory against Northampton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.