Johnson hails team spirit

Robins boss claims self-belief has made the difference

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Gary Johnson Bristol City Championship Play off Ashton Gate Crystal Palace

Johnson: Belief

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Bristol City boss Gary Johnson believes it is his players' spirit that has guided them to the brink of the Premier League - and now he wants to put the city on the football map.

The Robins edged out Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace side 4-2 after extra-time in the Championship play-off semi-final on Tuesday night and are now 90 minutes away from top-flight football.

Many have been surprised by the club's success after gaining promotion from League One the previous season, but Johnson feels his side's self-belief has made all the difference.

"The boys have rallied round," he said. "Never once did you hear any of us saying we're not good enough and we're not going to make it.

"We knew that we had a spirit that can take us all the way and we just have to get through that one more game."

Map

Should they win their next game, Johnson believes it will give the city the recognition it deserves.

"It's a big football city, isn't it? They all understand the game.

"Bristol Rovers have done well over the couple of years as well - they had a good cup run this year.

"Bristol is a fantastic football area and if one of the teams can take off then the area will take off as a football area.

"If we can get ourselves into the Premier League, and we have got one more game to go, then Bristol will be well and truly part of the football map for at least that season."