Skuse was voted City's player of the year

Bristol City midfielder Cole Skuse says automatic promotion to the Premier League is the Robins' aim this season.

The 24-year-old Bristolian told BBC Radio Bristol: "We've had meetings about our expectations and what we need to achieve.

"We want to get promoted, not by the play-offs, but by getting ourselves into that top two.

"I'm pretty sure everyone knows what we want, it's been our objective for a number of years."

Skuse, who was voted City's player of the year last season, is set to play an important part in new manager Steve Coppell's plans.

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And he is ready for the challenges ahead: "We know what we have to improve on from last year. There's also three good sides who have come down and big clubs have been promoted.

"It's not going to be easy."

City begin a pre-season tour in Sweden against Gothenburg on 13 July but, in the meantime, Coppell is getting to know the players he inherited from former boss Gary Johnson.

"He's a very nice guy," added Skuse. "He hasn't got too involved with training so far. He's been watching and getting to know the lads.

"It's hard for us to judge him, too. He's watched the sessions and taken in what we do and I'm sure he'll get more involved as time goes on."

Under Johnson, City reached the Championship play-off final in 2008, where they were beaten 1-0 by Hull City. The Ashton Gate club have finished in 10th spot for the last two seasons.

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