Bristol City v Middlesbrough - Why Neil Warnock wants to hear the boos again

It was at the West Country venue where Warnock, then in charge of Crystal Palace, was confronted by scores of City fans who invaded the pitch after their side’s play-off semi-final win over the Eagles in 2008.

But amid the hostility of that day and others since, how Warnock is missing walking into the equivalent of a cauldron with baying home supporters amid a sterile atmosphere of soulless, empty stadiums at the minute.

After all, it was Warnock who memorably once said: “When I pass away, I don’t want clapping or a minute’s silence, I want a minute’s booing at Bristol City.”

The Middlesbrough chief, who will not be greeted with the usual catcalls from Bristolians tonight, said: “It will not be as tough as when the fans are in.

“I get some right stick down there. It will be a nice quiet day in that respect.

“But having the fans around me, home and away, makes my day if I am honest, from arriving at the ground. It is so different and I hope we can sort it out sooner rather than later.”

Despite the absence of home followers, Warnock is under no illusions about the extent of the task against high-flying City, who eased to a 3-1 victory on Teesside in July.

He added: “They beat us without breaking sweat at our place at the end of last season and it was quite one-sided and I hope we can give them a better game. We know how difficult it will be, but we think we are a better side as well.”

Warnock, scrutinising a number of free agent options in his search for another forward, will assess Britt Assombalonga.

The Boro captain is ‘a little bit sore’ after Saturday’s draw with Reading, according to Warnock, who has been pleased with his overall input, despite him not scoring this season.

Warnock said: “Strikers thrive on goals and he is no different. But he is taking so much off Chuba (Akpom) as he is taking all the stick.

“No wonder Chuba is playing with a smile on his face, because poor old Britt is taking all the battering from the centre-halves!”

Last six games: Bristol City WWLWWD; Middlesbrough LLDDWD.

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex).

Last time: Bristol City 2 Middlesbrough 2, August 31, 2019; Championship.

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Thank you, James Mitchinson. Editor.