Was this a one-off or the shape of things to come?

Scott Twine 'looked like a £3.7m player'

City returned to Bramall Lane, the ground where their play-off hopes were crushed in May, and pulled off the result of the day as the new season got under way.

So emphatic was Sheffield United's dominance over the two-legged play-off semi-final that many City fans, me included, saw this as a free hit for new coach Gerhard Struber's first competitive game in charge.

A point would have been seen as a fabulous result but to run out 4-1 winners is right up there amongst the best opening day results City have ever had.

Although it might be overstating it by some to suggest it was on a par with beating Arsenal 1-0 at Highbury in 1976 in the club's first fixture in the top flight after a 65 year absence.

There was little sorrow amongst the Ashton Gate faithful when Liam Manning left to join Norwich where he has been spending money like confetti – doubtless those funds, compared with the tight budgets at Bristol City, was the attraction.

Little was known of Struber but his appointment seemed to unite the fanbase unlike when Manning had come in for Nigel Pearson.

Front-foot attacking football is what the fans have been craving and Manning certainly didn't deliver that with his possession-based style, even though it delivered play-off participation for the first time in 17 years.

There was enough evidence in friendlies against Plymouth and Real Valladolid to suggest that Struber's approach will be markedly different and so it proved at Bramall Lane.

City played with an air of fearlessness against their opponents, themselves under the guidance of new coach Ruben Selles, and took the lead with a typical long range free kick from Scott Twine.

In this game he looked like a player worth the £3.7m City paid for him and went on to provide an assist for the well-crafted goal that put the visitors in front after the Blades had equalised, then grabbed the fourth goal that put City in total control with only 50 minutes on the clock.

Was this a one-off or the shape of things to come?

We shall see in the coming weeks, but without spending big City have that all important "new" spine to their side with Man Utd loanee keeper Radek Vitek, whose debut saves and all round command of his box earned him man of the match.

Emil Riis will lead the line in a way City have needed for a very long time and Rob Atkinson in defence is like a new signing after more than two years of injury.

Find more from David Pottier at the Forever Bristol City Podcast.