Bristol City's 2-1 victory against Yeovil last weekend looks like guaranteeing the Robins a place in League One for next term, but overall it's been a disappointing campaign for the club, with City languishing in the bottom half of the table for almost the entire season. One of the plus points for manager Gary Johnson though, has been the performances of Louis Carey, who has been outstanding at the heart of the defence. A mid-season switch from his more familiar right back role to centre half has coincided with a string of eye-catching displays, indeed the 29-year-old was named the PFA's Fans' Player of the Month for March. Mark Shail is the man armed with the questions.
Q:HOW DID YOU TO REACT TO RECEIVING THE AWARD?
A:The secretary at City phoned me and told me, I thought it was a wind up at first. It's great though because players always appreciate any award that has been voted for by the fans themselves.
Q:WAS IT A SURPRISE?
A:It was, because most awards usually go to strikers or attacking midfielders, because they are the ones that get supporters on the edge of their seats. I think I'm receiving the award before the home game against Swindon, so that will be something to look forward to.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE WIN AGAINST YEOVIL LAST WEEK?
A:I was pleased with the result, but we didn't play as well as we can. We dominated the first half, scoring two goals, but we then allowed them to get back into it in the second half, which was disappointing. Having said that, at this stage of the season it's all about picking up points and we'll certainly take the win.
Q:DOES THAT RESULT MEAN CITY ARE SAFE NOW?
A:I would say so yes, although mathematically I still think we can go down if we lose all our remaining games and results go against us. So it's important we don't take our foot off the pedal. Apart from a defeat at Rotherham a couple of weeks ago, we've been in pretty good form of late and it's important that we take some momentum into next season.
Q:WHICH TEAMS DO YOU THINK WILL GO UP AUTOMATICALLY FROM LEAGUE ONE?
A:At the moment, Southend are in pole position and they look like winning the title unless they slip up badly between now and the end of the season. As for the runners-up spot, it looks like being a close run thing between Swansea, Brentford, Colchester and Huddersfield. I just favour Huddersfield though, as I was impressed with them when they played us and I think they've got some really good young players.
Q:LOOKING AHEAD TO THE PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS LATER THIS MONTH, WHO IS YOUR IDEA OF THE WINNER?
A:It's really difficult because there are so many quality players to choose from. Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard have had outstanding seasons again and obviously Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard are sure to be in the reckoning. Then there's Thierry Henry of course. I think it going to be a close call, but I would give it to Gerrard, he has been inspirational for Liverpool this season. It's just nice to see so many English players doing so well.
Q:AND YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
A:If Wayne Rooney is still eligible for that he will be a popular choice I'm sure, but there are a few other youngsters who have done well. Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal has had a terrific season and I have also been really impressed with Aaron Lennon at Tottenham.
