Gary Johnson admits he faces a huge task to lift his players ahead of Bristol City's probable play-off campaign.The Robins boss has all-but conceded the club's automatic promotion hopes are over following their defeat at rivals Stoke on Saturday.

The 2-1 loss means City have won only once in their last nine matches and Johnson has stressed the importance of stopping the rot as soon as possible.

"This is the time when the club has to be strong. I have to stay strong, the players have to stay strong and the supporters have to stay strong," said Johnson.

"It is very important we snap out of it and get our game back. I have to make sure the lads get their heads around the fact that the season is going to go on a little longer than they thought it would.

"Of course, we won't give up on automatic promotion while it is still mathematically possible, but it now looks as though we will have to try to do it the other way."

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