--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T19:41:22.128Z last_updated: 2026-07-23T16:42:53+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bristol-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpc3RvbHBvc3QuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9icmlzdG9sLWNpdHktZGVmZW5zaXZlLWdyZWF0cy1jZWxlYnJhdGVkLTExMDczNjA4 --- # City defensive greats to be celebrated as work underway on new mural - **Source:** - **Published:** 23 Jul - **Club:** Bristol City - **Original URL:** https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-defensive-greats-celebrated-11073608 Art4Fans, an independent fan group that raises funds to pay for huge murals, are already responsible for four pieces of artwork around the Reds' ground. Last summer, the group unveiled their latest project, the 'Pride of the West' mural, stationed on the outside of an Ashton Road house. The artwork, which can be seen near the Dolman Stand entrance to the ground, features Paul Cheesley, Joe Jordan, Steve Cotterill, Alan Dicks, Terry Cooper, Scott Murray, John Atyeo and Billy Wedlock surrounded by the words 'Pride Of The West' and 'City Till I Die.' Now, the outside of the house directly opposite is getting the same treatment, with Bristol street art legends Inkie and Jody once again involved in the painting of what is set to be the biggest Robins-related mural yet. "That brings its own problems," Neil Palmer, founder of the Bristol City former players' association, tells Bristol Live when asked about the size of the latest effort. "But we've been really fortunate with the weather. "Last time, the weather was awful, but we got through it. It seems to be the bigger, the better. We had a great reaction to the last mural, so hopefully the fans will enjoy this one. "We always wanted these two houses when we started the project," he adds. "That's the entrance where the first team coach goes on a Saturday, and I've had various players say to me, 'I love that mural on the side of the house,' because that's where the bus usually stops when the guys are bringing the bollards down. All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE "More importantly than that, it's where the away teams come in, and we wanted them to get that sense of this is Bristol City, hence why we have, with this new one in particular, celebrated some of our great defenders. "They were all hard men, but also great, great players for the club," Neil continued. "I know it's really subjective and I know fans will say to me, 'What about so-and-so?' To that I always say, we can do other walls. "This time, we've got Mike Thresher, and we've got Adriano Basso in goal. Then we've got Aden Flint, Shaun Taylor, Tommy Doherty, Norman Hunter, and Gerry Gow. Around that, we'll have a pointing hand coming out from a very stormy sky, which says, 'Thou shall not pass' with those players lined up. "Between the two of them, Jodie and Inkie are doing a fantastic job. I also have to mention that this is an Art4Fans project, which I started with Chris Bradfield and Adrian Ashby. I have to mention Adrian because he's been incredible. "He's been going out, reaching out to people to get funding for it from supporters. It's been a collaboration of all of us, and yet again, it's for the fans, by the fans." The players represented on the mural cover the majority of the last 70 years of Reds history. Mike Thresher joined the Robins from Chard Town for just £100 in 1954 and went on to play 415 times for the club, while Norman Hunter made the move to Ashton Gate from Leeds United in 1976 and spent three years on City's books. Gerry Gow joined the Reds in 1969 and made his debut at just 17 years old. He went on to make 375 appearances in City colours over the course of 11 years to become one of the Robins' most popular ever players. Shaun Taylor spent four years with the Robins, helping them win promotion to Division One in 1998 alongside Bedminster-born Tommy Doherty, whose association with City spanned some 17 years. The Northern Ireland international was also captain when the Reds won the LDV Vans Trophy in 2003. Adriano Basso was part of Gary Johnson's side that secured promotion to the Championship in the 2006/07 campaign and remained first-choice goalkeeper when the Robins came within a game of the Premier League the following year. Of those included on the mural, Aden Flint wore City colours most recently. The now 37-year-old played 246 times for the Reds across League One and the Championship and is perhaps best remembered for scoring 15 goals in all competitions as Steve Cotterill's side won the League One and Johnstone's Paint Trophy double more than a decade ago. All of those featured, or in the case of those who have passed - their families - have been invited to attend the unveiling. While an exact date is yet to be confirmed, Neil is hopeful his, Inkie and Jody's and Art4Fans' latest effort will be a hit with supporters. "The family of Mike Thresher, the family of Gerry Gow, the family of Norman Hunter have all said that they will try to come down for it when it's launched," Neil explained. "Aden Flint was blown away by it. He said, 'I can't believe somebody who played for Swindon Town and Cardiff City is getting this much attention.' But he was deeply touched, as was Tommy Doherty; Tommy's a local boy. "I even spoke to Adriano Basso, who said he will definitely do his best to come down for either the launch or a game next season to see it. Shaun was blown away by it really. "It is great to see their reaction; it's a bit awkward because they don't really know what to say when they see themselves eight feet up on the wall. "It gets me whenever I see maybe a grandad with their grandchild pointing up at people like Alan Dicks to explain who he is," he continued. "That's just lovely, to be honest. I always say with anything I do like this, if the fans are not behind it, then it just doesn't work. I will always be grateful to the fans for what they do. "This club means everything to the people who support it, and there's something quite touching about being able to put these great players up and leave their mark, hopefully forever." 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Fans will, when a date is confirmed, be able to attend the unveiling of the new mural. For those eager to get their hands on another piece of Robins history, though, one last copy of a signed print version of the 'Pride of the West' artwork remains available. "For the Newcastle United friendly, we're holding a draw at the Coopers Arms," Neil explains. "We did 12 prints of the 'Pride of the West' mural which were signed by Joe Jordan, Alan Dicks, Scott Murray, Steve Cotterill, and Paul Cheesley, and we have one left. "That will be auctioned off at the Coopers Arms, or if somebody is willing to give us a bid for whatever they wish to pay for it, that money will go towards this mural as well."