Bristol City

LEARNING NEWS: Learn about Bristol City’s notable fans, ranging from a former Formula 1 star to a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe.

Published

4 months ago

March 9, 2024

Bristol City has maintained a stable presence in the Championship since 2015. Despite their promotion from League One, the club’s standings have ranged from 8th to 19th, indicating their consistent performance as a mid-table team in the league.

Bristol City’s last five league finishes
Season	League finish
2018/19	8th
2019/20	12th
2020/21	19th
2021/22	17th
2022/23	14th

While Bristol City’s consistent mid-table status may not be the most thrilling, supporters are likely satisfied, especially considering the club’s history of stints in League One over the past two decades.

The team enjoys strong support at Ashton Gate, with home game attendance averaging over 20,000 this season, highlighting the dedication of their fan base. Situated in the seventh most populous city in England, Bristol City has access to a sizable potential fan following.

Given Bristol’s large population and surrounding areas, it’s not unexpected to find several celebrities who are avid supporters of the Robins. Let’s explore some of them…

Jonathan Pearce

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BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce, known for his distinctive voice in football, is a devoted supporter of Bristol City. Although born in Plymouth, Pearce relocated to Bristol at the age of seven and has since been a passionate fan of the club.

Famous for his commentary on Match of the Day and other television programs such as Robot Wars, Pearce often references his beloved Bristol City even when they’re not directly involved in the match he’s commentating on.

Jenson Button

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While it’s widely rumored, there isn’t confirmed evidence, that former Formula 1 star Jenson Button, born in Frome, Somerset, is a supporter of Bristol City. Button achieved significant success in his career, including winning the 2009 Formula One World Championship, before retiring from the sport in 2017.

Massive Attack

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Members of the renowned band Massive Attack, hailing from Bristol, are said to be supporters of Bristol City. The group recently collaborated on an open letter expressing their concerns regarding Ashton Gate hosting a military conference, showcasing their connection to the club. With a studio located in Bedminster, near Ashton Gate, Massive Attack has produced hits like “Unfinished Sympathy” and “Teardrop,” which gained significant popularity in the 1990s.

Another musical act, The Wurzels, are also known for their support of Bristol City. The band famously penned the club’s anthem, “One for the Bristol City,” and has openly displayed their allegiance to the team. Their well-known songs, including “The Combine Harvester” and “I Am a Cider Drinker,” are often heard echoing throughout the terraces during matches.

Renowned actor John Cleese, born in nearby Weston-Super-Mare, is a notable Bristol City supporter. Best known for his roles in Monty Python films and the TV series Fawlty Towers, Cleese’s allegiance to the club is well-known despite his illustrious acting career.

Former Somerset and England cricketer Marcus Trescothick, born in Keynsham, near Bristol, not only supports Bristol City but also holds the title of honorary vice-president of the club. Trescothick, famous for his role in England’s 2005 Ashes victory over Australia, retired from international cricket in 2008 and currently serves as a coach within the England setup.