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"It is hard and it does affect everyone in different ways," he said. "I am sure everyone worries about the situation, but they should be professional enough to go about things on the pitch without thinking about it.
"And I am sure they are.
"We want to give people something to be positive about something for a change.
"We made a very good start last season away from home," he added.
"We went to Crewe in our first away match and hammered them 3-0, before picking up decent draws at Barnsley, Stockport and Luton.
"I don't see why we can't make that kind of start again.
"Crewe were big favourites for promotion - and Bristol City are no different.
"They have signed good players and will be a threat - but that doesn't mean we've anything to be scared of."
Dearden ended saying defiantly:
"We want to get a good start to the season - and there is no reason why we shouldn't do so."