Johnson's side has won just three of their first nine league games

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson believes the outcome of their game against Blackpool will be determine how their season has begun.

"If we can get a win on Tuesday it won't have been a bad start but if we lose it will be an average start," Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol.

City are currently 11th in the Championship on 13 points but having not won for four matches.

Their last win came at home to Middlesbrough at the end of August.

"It's the tenth game in my head and it's that game that we look at to see where we're going, what shape and what team," added Johnson.

"Blackpool are going very well and credit to them. Ian[Holloway] has gone there and done well and got themselves into the top six."

Johnson is expecting a warm reception for the Seasider's boss, a former player and manager of City's great rivals Bristol Rovers.

"We know it's going to be a good atmosphere because you've got the Neil Warnock-type scenario.

"I don't think the fans hate Ian as much as they dislike Neil but it always creates an atmosphere.

"When a rival manager who used to manage up the road comes to Ashton Gate they're going to get a bit of stick.

"But he takes it very well and it's what Blackpool do on the day and what we do on the pitch, not what goes on around the periphery."

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