Meet the opposition | Bristol City
As Swansea City prepare to face Bristol City at Ashton Gate, we take a closer look at the Robins.
What's their story?
Established in 1894, Bristol City, affectionately known as the Robins, initially started out playing within the Southern and Western League, before being admitted to the Football League in 1901.
The Robins have lifted silverware on three occasions in their history, winning the Football League Trophy in 1986, 2003, and most recently in 2015.
Their early Football League years coincided with the club's best-ever league finish as they ended the 1906-07 season in second place in the top-flight, behind only Newcastle United.
That came on the back of promotion to the First Division the previous season, while they were beaten FA Cup finalists in 1909 as they suffered defeat to Manchester United at Crystal Palace.
Having gone so close to Premier League promotion in 2008 - losing the play-off final to Hull - they are now in their ninth-consecutive season at Championship level having secured promotion from League One in 2015.
How's their form?
Up and down. The Robins recently claimed eye-catching wins over Middlesbrough and Southampton, but followed those up with losses to relegation battlers Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.
They have won one home league game since the end of December, although they did also knock West Ham out of the FA Cup in a replay at Ashton Gate during that time.
Who's the gaffer?
Liam Manning. As a youngster Manning had spells on the books of Norwich City and Ipswich Town before spending his playing career in non-league.
He made the early decision to move into coaching and held academy roles with Ipswich and West Ham United - playing a part in Declan Rice's development with the latter - before joining City Football Group and working at New York City FC and Lommel SK in Belgium.
After making a positive impression as head coach with the latter, Manning was appointed MK Dons boss in the summer of 2021 and led them to the League One play-offs in his first season in charge.
Following a tough start to the following campaign he left stadium:mk and had a spell in charge of Oxford United before being tasked with replacing Nigel Pearson at Ashton Gate.
Who's the captain?
Matty James. The midfielder was signed by former Robins boss Nigel Pearson having previously worked under him during a long spell with Leicester City.
The Manchester United trainee moved to Ashton Gate in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer, ending a nine-year stay at the King Power Stadium.
He made 117 appearances for the Foxes in total, and had loan spells with Barnsley and Coventry before joining Bristol City.
Since moving to Ashton Gate, James has made 110 appearances and scored four goals. He stepped up from vice-captain to become club captain following Andi Weimann's move to West Bromwich Albion.
Who are the key men?
Midfielder Jason Knight is another new recruit at Ashton Gate this season, and he has wasted no time in making an impact following his arrival from Derby County.
The Republic of Ireland international came through the academy ranks at Pride Park – having started his career in his homeland with Cabinteely – to make the breakthrough at senior level.
He made his debut while still a teenager in 2017, and his maturity and impressive performances were such that he would go on to captain the Rams.
Knight won plenty of plaudits for his showings during a turbulent time for the Midlands club, making over 150 appearances in total before his switch to Bristol City after Derby just missed out on the League One play-offs last term.
Knight has won 20 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, having previously featured at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 level.
He has seven goals and four assists to his name so far this term.
Academy product Tommy Conway is Bristol City's topscorer this season with eight goals so far.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the Robins to make his senior debut in April 2021.
Conway quickly made his mark, scoring his first goal against Millwall before the end of that season, and his lively movement have made him a handful for defenders.
He netted in each of this season's FA Cup games against West Ham, and has 22 goals in 81 appearances at the time of writing.
Experienced Championship defender Rob Dickie joined last summer and went straight into the Robins team.
Having come through the youth ranks with Reading, Dickie had loan spells with Basingstoke, Cheltenham Town - where he was named in the National League team of the year - and Lincoln City before making a full-time switch to Oxford United
His time at the U's proved a great success, twice winning the club's player of the year award as he made 113 appearances over two years.
He moved on to QPR and made 129 appearances over three years with the Hoops, becoming a key figure at the Loftus Road club.