The 2022/23 season could be one that Bristol City can enjoy with plenty of early season optimism around the place.
Outside of the club, those predict a season where the Robins could be fighting for their Championship status but those with a strong affiliation are optimistic about the next nine months might bring.
City boss Nigel Pearson isn’t ruling out a top six finish which would get them into the play-offs and just three games away from the Premier League.
Bringing in Kal Naismith from Luton Town, someone who was involved in the end of season lottery is the kind of signing that can do that, but there's also some excitement when it comes to the qualities of Kane Wilson and Mark Sykes.
The season begins away at Hull City as for the first time since 2015/16, they play away from Ashton Gate on the opening day of the campaign.
The EFL’s fixture list generator has also put them at Loftus Road in early May so it will start and finish away from the West Country.
But as well as those key dates, what else is there to look forward to when supporting the club this season?
Well there may not be an inter-city rivalry to look forward to but there’s two Severnside Derbies against Cardiff City and Swansea City which is always played with a bit of spice.
Given their geographical location, City are up there at the top for most miles travelled every season but still they take a respectable following on average away from home.
Here’s seven days to look forward to next season. We hope to see you there at these grounds
City boss Nigel Pearson isn’t ruling out a top six finish which would get them into the play-offs and just three games away from the Premier League.
5. Naismith’s Kennilworth Return - Wednesday, 15th March - Luton Town
Kal Naismith will make a return to the team he called home before Bristol City. We’ll see what the Hatters fans think when the two sides play at Ashton Gate, but to get more of a feeling of the general consensus we’ll have to go to March to see whether he’s booed or applauded. There’s always been a bit of needle in games with Luton and Naismith’s move and how it came about in their eyes adds a bit of edge to the game. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
6. Naismith’s Kennilworth Return - Wednesday, 15th March - Luton Town
Whilst this is the secondary Severnside Derby, there is still some spice between Bristol City and Swansea City. A few Robins players have ended up spending time at the Swansea.com Stadium with Liam Walsh and Jamie Paterson moving there last season, whilst Korey Smith and Kasey Palmer were also on their books. Last year this game was played in wet and windy conditions and saw a disappointing collapse with the Swans winning 3-1 despite Andi Weimann opening the scoring. A few players that day were dropped and never really got a look in for the remainder of the campaign. Photo: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
7. Final game - Saturday, 6th May - Queens Park Rangers
City will close out the campaign against Michael Beale, who will be hoping to see out his first campaign in charge of the Hoops. Finishing off the season in West London means it’s not too long of a trip and is a ground that brought happy memories from last year after a dramatic late winner from Nahki Wells. Photo: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images