Nigel Pearson admitted he has no “answers” to the penalty problem surrounding Bristol City ahead of their game against Birmingham City.
It has 433 days since the Robins were last awarded a penalty and 720 days before that with several appeals turned down in their FA Cup game against Swansea City last Sunday.
“I don’t intend in a press conference to pour petrol on my head and get fined for making comments about this as a situation we feel to be unfair,” said Pearson.
The Englishman respected the visit Kevin Friend, PGMOL’s Championship referees manager, paid to the club in recent times but has stressed the pressure is on those who make the decisions to change things now.
He said: “Authorities need to find out what the problem is.
“It is something players, managers and officials need to work together to find consistency.”
Away from the officials, also on his radar for Saturday’s game is the success the Blues had with set pieces earlier in the season.
He added: “There’s only been a couple of games this season where we have not been present and Birmingham away was a low point for us.
“It is about making sure they get the performance right on Saturday.”
One player who will likely feature in the manager’s starting XI on Saturday is Alex Scott and Pearson lauded him with praise amid speculation surrounding his future at the club.
He added: “He’s made great strides in his own development and dealt with the physical and mental demands of the Championship.
“He’s a very accomplished performer for his age.”
Scott’s flatmate and teammate Tommy Conway won’t be available for Saturday after a hamstring injury he sustained on Sunday against Swansea that is set to rule him out for a period of time.
The Scottish forward has netted six times in the Championship this season after breaking through from the Under 21s side last term.
Another player benefiting of the pathway from academy to first team currently is Sam Bell, who has made six appearances.
The English striker has scored XX goals for the Under 21 side this season and that has seen him linked with a loan move to Cheltenham Town.
He added: “Sam (Bell) is the type of player and personality who has gained benefitted more from staying with us.
“He will get more opportunities between now and the end of the season.
“It is not really a possibility for him going out on loan.”
