A curse or a blessing?

If I could pin-point the moment where my life took a dramatic turn for the worst, it would be just hours after my birth.

We still have the photograph somewhere. Me in the hospital in a cot beside my mother. A Birmingham City scarf draped around me.

A lot of the time we don’t have a choice in life and this was one of the moments I had no control over. First born and landed with the curse of supporting the Blues; there was no way I was ever going to get out of this one, not if my dad had anything to do with it.

But over twenty years on and, despite the tears I’ve shed, the copious amounts of money I’ve spent and the times I’ve been let down, again and again, the curse has, in my eyes, become more of a blessing.

Sometimes you wonder, when you’re in places like Burnley and Leeds and you’re watching your team being played off the park and being taught a good little footballing lesson, why you do it.

But then you look around you to your friends beside you. The ones who were born into the same tradition as you, the ones who you share the same experiences with every week, and the ones who make the losses that little bit more bearable.

And it’s not been all gloom and doom either. There have been happier times. The wins over the top teams, the battling performances where you’re left feeling as proud as you ever could be of those eleven players on the pitch, the promotions, the Premier League survival, playing in Europe, even winning a trophy.

Even yesterday, as I saw my team get beat by Brighton in a somewhat frustrating match, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I spent it with some brilliant people, had a laugh and watched some football. I wouldn’t want to spend my Saturdays, or often my Tuesdays, doing anything different.

Because as much as I joke about Blues having a negative impact on my life – and probably my health too – I wouldn’t be without them.

As much as I berate my dad for passing down the curse, I thank him for it too.

As much as I complain as a trudge out yet another ground after yet another loss, I smile at the same time.

Because Birmingham City, despite all its faults, has given me some of the best days of my life, allowed me to meet some fantastic people, and taken me to places I never would have gone to were it not for football.

So in a sense I suppose while in those first hours of my life I was condemned to a lifetime of supporting a mediocre football team who will seldom achieve anything special; it’s opened my eyes to making the most out of bad situations and laughing in the face of adversity.

It’s not that I can’t find a way out of this; it’s that I just don’t want to.

Home and Away

The nose-bleed territory of fourteenth in the table was reached by Birmingham City on Saturday, following their 2-0 away win against Bournemouth.

The victory marked the team's third win away from home on the bounce, making it six games unbeaten in the Championship for Blues. Despite dropping down one place the day later after Wigan's win against Bolton, spirits are high in the Birmingham camp, following a nervy start to the season in what has been deemed as a relegation battle for Blues from the off.

However recent results have pushed Lee Clark's men slowly up the standings and in order to put further daylight between themselves and the relegation trap door, Blues are going to have to start replicating their impressive away form back at St. Andrew's, a place which has only seen two league wins all season. 

Performances on their home turf have been exceedingly lacklustre; chalking up four losses already at what used to be renowned as 'fortress St. Andrew's' where not so long ago the Midlands side completed an impressive twelve months unbeaten at home.

The fortress now resembles a mere sandcastle, and Blues go into Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest desperate to pick up three points at home, in what would be their first league victory at their Midlands base since 1st October, when they embarrassed Millwall by four goals to nil.

But Forest, who sit just one point outside the play-offs despite winning only once in their last five games, will be looking to take advantage of Blues' questionable home form, and return to the East Midlands with points a plenty for their promotion push.

It's a real head-scratcher trying to figure out just where it goes wrong for Clark and his team at St. Andrew's. Although goals were pinpointed as the problem at the beginning of the season, that can't be said as much now, having scored nine goals in their previous five games.

The defence too has impressed greatly. Darren Randolph, man of the match at the Goldsands Stadium on Saturday, has pulled off multiple astute performances between the sticks, whilst his defence in front of him have put their bodies on the line on plenty of occasions this season; with Paul Robinson and Kyle Bartley standing out of late. The latter is also making an impact at the other end of the pitch as the club's second top goal scorer on five goals, just behind Jesse Lingard who has netted six times since joining the club on loan at the end of September.

Confidence and team spirit should not be a problem either, with the full time celebrations in Bournemouth showing just how tight-knit this group of player are; a far cry from last season, where many accused Clark of having lost the dressing room.

As the seasons reaches its half-way point, Blues need to be looking at creating an even larger gap between themselves and the drop zone and with games coming thick and fast over the festive period it gives them ample chances to chalk up the points.

Hopefully they can continue to push towards the top half of the table, which seemed an unrealistic aim when the season began. Clark and his team will have to put their heads together and solve the St. Andrew's puzzle first however, with the weekend a fine opportunity to do so and to continue their recent run of results.

The Football Bug

I’ll be the first person to admit that last season I somewhat ‘lost’ the football bug.

It was my first year an university, and I didn’t want to miss out on anything, so football unfortunately took a back seat.

That being said, part of me didn’t really want to go either. Disregarding the fact I didn't want to miss nights out and spending time with my new friends, I felt spending my money on watching some of those performances last season, well, just couldn’t be justified.

It was the first time in my life I’d had to fend for myself; meaning food, bills, and all the other important life essentials had to come out of my own money. Football just didn’t really come into it in my first term. And I don’t regret it.

In fact, I’m glad that my first year at university coincided with a pretty awful season for Blues, because it meant I didn’t miss out on nights and days out, nor did I miss out on many memorable games. It was a win, win situation looking back on it.

But this season, with everything a bit more chilled out in second year, it’s made me wonder how I could have missed as many games as I did last season. I suppose you never know how you'll feel until you're in a certain situation, and even though this year I have less money (the real world is not fun) I'm finding myself going to pretty much every game.

Tonight will be the fourth league game I’ve missed so far, and sitting here writing this it’s killing me that I’m not on a train to Birmingham. A culmination of work (which I really should be doing right now instead of this!) and lack of funds mean the game against Doncaster tonight is out of the question. But after my previous record of games I’ve missed so far (Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Barnsley – I know…) people will probably be relieved that my bad luck won’t be making an appearance tonight!

I’ve seen us win twice, at Yeovil and Huddersfield, but despite that so far I’ve enjoyed this season so much more than last already – and it’s only the start of December.

As much as I’ve always loved following the Blues win, lose or draw; last season did put a dampener on it. It’s hard to motivate yourself to spend money you don’t have and time you can’t really give up to support your team at every single game when what you’re getting back is abject performances and a close-call with regards to a relegation battle. The first half of last season for me was very much 'pick and choose.'

But with that being said I’ve never completely lost my love for football, and I know I never will. Last season was definitely a blip, but a blip I will never regret.

Despite some of the performances this season, especially our home form, and those games at Leeds and Burnley, I’m really enjoying following the Blues this season, and that fact makes me happy.

I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep doing this for, so I’m definitely going to make the most of the fact that my weekends for the foreseeable future are occupied by football once more.

The only thing that’s complaining is my bank balance, but since when has that ever stood in the way of anything?! (An interest free overdraft, by the way, is a dangerous thing when you have a football addiction.)

Roll on Saturday.

Surprise Swoop

Stop the press and hold the phone. Forget the end to the ongoing Gareth Bale saga, Marouane Fellaini pushing a move to Manchester United, and Mesut Özil's impending transfer to Arsenal, because the shock of the day in the footballing world has most certainly come in the form of Birmingham City paying a transfer fee for a footballer.

Paul Caddis has completed the switch from Swindon Town to Blues, after some sort of minor miracle on the money front, and for which Lee Clark deserves an almighty pat on the back.

After his successful loan spell at St. Andrew’s last season, Caddis was a summer target for Clark which ultimately fell on deaf ears, after Blues after not being able to stump up the £250,000 Swindon wanted for the defender.

But out-of-favour Caddis has finally completed the surprise deadline day move to the Midlands for a knock down fee of £150,000 – presumably with Swindon taking what they could get for a player who is surplus to requirements at the County Ground after being ‘frozen out.’

With Neal Eardley’s knee ligament damage at the weekend due to sideline him for some time, Clark has managed to get Caddis in as an astute replacement for the player, who will be expected to slot straight into the starting XI.

In terms of optimism the news has certainly galvanised the fans. Although many are calling for Clark to have spent the money on a decent striker, we also lack creativity; but if Caddis can reproduce the performances he put in his loan spell last season then it’s looking more promising than it did at the weekend.

The way I see it is with Eardley’s injury Clark was able to convince the board to free up the small sum to bring in a replacement, and one which we know will do a good job for us. Hopefully Clark can utilise the emergency loan window, which is set to open a week from now.

As stated by Colin Tattum in an article in today’s Birmingham Mail, this is only the forth player for which we have paid a fee for out of the last forty-three players brought in since relegation from the Premier League in 2011. A sign of the times, indeed, but a refreshing change to say the least.

Welcome back Paul Caddis. Image: BCFC.com

Bar 8 Launch

After the Q&A on Thursday night, my ‘behind the scenes’ Blues week continued this weekend as I was one of five media socialites recruited to cover the launch of Bar 8 - the re-vamped Trevor Francis suite at St. Andrew's.

Upon arrival we were treated to a free pint and pork bap as we all took in the new surroundings. For those who were worried about it losing the Trevor Francis vibe, you'll be pleased to know the whole bar is dedicated to the man: it's covered in pictures and stats about the Blues legend, as well as a signed shirt taking pride of place on one wall of the bar.

As the launch event got fully into the swing of things, Tom Ross introduced an abundance of former players who had been invited to the launch, interviewing both Kenny Burns and Bob Hatton, who then went on to cut the ribbon to formally open Bar 8.

The layout of the bar itself is really quite impressive. Blues along with Fosters have done a great job of keeping the tradition of Trevor Francis and combining it with a completely modernised look to make for a great pre and post-match bar – not forgetting half time too!

As for the game itself it was the only damper on what was otherwise a brilliant day! I, along with the other four competition winners and our guests, was treated to a box in the Main Stand; our faces when they asked when we wanted our hot food delivered to our box said it all! It was definitely a different match day experience and one I’ll definitely remember; although the game itself left a lot to be desired with Chris Burke’s goal the only real saving grace of a poor ninety minutes from Blues.

Post-match the bar wasn’t as full as it had been before the game which is something I think Blues will have to work on with incentives to get the bar full after the game. Although granted it was invite only today, so obviously more people should be there for the Sheffield Wednesday game and for the games thereafter.

However, Paul Robinson was in attendance after the match, having a short interview with Michael Johnson before signing autographs and having pictures taken. Although a hard nut on the pitch he was a pleasure to meet, and topped the day off nicely. I think the post-match player appearance is something Blues are planning to do, so it's definitely worth heading the after the match if they decide to make it a permanent fixture at Bar 8.

Bar 8 really was a great match day experience and I will definitely be going there again, and I’d like to thank Blues for the opportunity to cover the launch and for the VIP experience – definitely a day to remember.

Blues v Ipswich Town: Q&A with Hark Now Hear

I was contacted this week by Ipswich Town fan Billy Walker, regarding answering some questions ahead of this weekend’s game against the tractor boys.

I talked about how our team is shaping up, our start to the season and my hopes for where we’ll finish in the table, amongst other things.

You can read my Q&A, as well as an in-depth preview of tomorrow’s game, here: http://harknowhear.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/128/

Three Men and a Mic

Last night I attended the question and answer session at St. Andrew's with manager Lee Clark, assistant manager Terry McDermott and first team coach Derek Fazackerley.

All in all it was a great night. Clark once again proved why he is growing on people; in that sort of situation – an “informal chat between friends,” quipped Tom Ross – his humor shone through, but above all what I got from the night was the chance to see once again just how determined and passionate Clark is about getting the best he can out of this group of players.

The night produced a mix bag of questions. The careers of Clark, McDermott and Fazackerley were reminisced, revealing the best players they had played with and against, as well as ex-Blues players they’d sign given the chance.

They also delved into academies, and how the bigger clubs pluck young players from clubs at will, citing Foday Nabay as a recent example, where the 15-year-old's head was turned by Fulham despite being in Clark's plans for this season.

But the main questions, as expected, were asked to the manager; mostly about the current squad, and how the strain of the financial situation is affecting us.

I myself posed the question about the 352 formation; when did he realise he wanted to use it and were Watford and Hull inspirations, showing how well it could be utilised last season. He said he wanted to use it last season, but now we have all the right personnel who can implement it. Pre-season was about getting players confident in the new system, as to many it was alien as it’s a more foreign formation.

 He also said – something many will be happy about – that he won’t be using it all season. It just gives us another option which has actually made us more solid but not worked quite as well in other areas.

Clark was very honest (if you were in attendance last night you’ll know just how honest!) and when asked if, knowing what he knows now, would he still have taken the job, without hesitation he said “of course.”

 He believes he can make us successful. He doesn’t want to make excuses, and just wants to get on with what he has at his disposal and see what he can do; hopefully being able to mold them into a team the fans are proud of.

He talked the squad up quite a bit, which I believe after performances this season is deserved praise, mentioning the maximum effort they give each time they ‘cross the white line’ and if they keep going like they are he is confident things will turn around.

As for what he has in terms of players in the squad he spoke of the obvious mix of youth and older, more experienced players that the younger ones can learn from. Above all he spoke of their hunger; they want to play higher than this division and although that means they might make mistakes, he can see them responding and learning all the time.

Some of his last comments just gave the message to the fans to “stick with us” – and I think that can be seen from the fan reaction in the games so far this season. We can see that the team is putting in the effort, and hopefully this means the results will come sooner rather than later.

This was the first in what Blues have said will be many manager/player events across the season, exclusive to season ticket holders, and it was definitely worth the money (£7 for an individual ticket, £10 for a pair).

"It's only a game" they said..

It's a depressing, March evening at St. Andrews. We're 6-0 down – soon to be seven – against Liverpool in an FA cup tie. It’s getting heated; already there’s been a fan on the pitch to confront Steve Bruce. My dad turns to me and says we should leave. Turning round to him, I flat out refuse. No. We have to stay till the end.

I've never lost that, which is probably one of the only ways in which I consider myself stubborn; I'm not one for giving up. That, and years of watching Blues has probably made me begin to lose my mind. I think it helps to be a little bit gone in the head, that and drinking lots of alcohol.

I'm also a great optimist. I love that quality in people and see it as something to admire. When it comes to Blues, you'd think it'd waver, but for me it just gets stronger (no, I don’t get it either!)

You see, I love that club to death. It's a love hate relationship at the best of times, but when it comes down to it, there's nowhere I'd rather be on a Saturday, a Tuesday, or even the odd Wednesday, than watching them play.

Don't get me wrong. I'll call a spade a spade; when we aren't doing well, when something's going wrong I'll voice my opinion, and criticise whoever deserves blame – which I did last season.

But for me, whatever is going on at the club; the financial uncertainty, the corrupt ownership, even not agreeing entirely with the appointed manager, I’ll never stop going to watch them.

In Bruges - one of the most memorable couple of days in my lifetime

I've always been one to back the team as a whole, the manager, and the players as individuals. I've never booed a player or a manager and I can't see myself ever doing so. It's just how I'm built. I don't profess myself to be Lee Clark's biggest fan, but I also think the guy deserves a break. He's put together a good squad with the (severely limited) tools he has at his disposal.

But I also get why people do get on his back and the backs of the players too. It's a way to vent your frustrations, your anger, at them not trying hard enough or being good enough despite you paying all that money. Just like I get the stay away fans, who have boycotted for whatever reason (the manager, the financial problems). I don’t agree with it, but if you’re way of making a point is by doing this then fair play to you. It’s just not in my nature to do it myself.

And if I can see the other side, surely it’s not too much to ask that people should be able see my point of view as well. After yesterday's game we saw a marked change in the side. They looked much improved on last season, and one game into the new season that's really all you can ask for, considering the circumstances.

Of course, there are more improvements yet to be made. The quality in the final third is lacking, but I'm optimistic they will get there. And if they don't? That's when I'll come out and criticise the team, because for me, one game into the season, getting on their backs isn't productive.

I live by the mantra that negative thoughts produce negative outcomes. If you drill it into yourself that the team are useless, you won't enjoy going to watch it, even when we do perform well because you'll still pick out the negatives instead of focusing on the positives.

I like to be positive, and take it one game at a time. I enjoyed watching an improved performance yesterday, seeing my friends, having a laugh, singing my heart out for my team. And next week I'll be doing the same. You can moan all you like, but I can’t see that as an ideal way of life. Surely it just gets a bit depressing?

Being optimistic doesn't making you unrealistic either, like I said even the most positive amongst us like myself isn't afraid to call a spade a spade and dig into the players and manager when they get it wrong, such as my two previous blogs mentioning the 352 formation and its faults, and some of our lacklustre performances in pre-season.

But jumping the gun so early on, for me, is counterproductive.

Yesterday every single one of those players showed pride in wearing the shirt, which was reciprocated by ardent support from the fans and one of the loudest renditions of KRO I've heard in a while. And if they continue to do that I'll continue to support them; in the one game they've played this season they've given me nothing to be angry or completely negative about. Of course goals win games, but performances win over fans, and the good performances have to be there in the first place to produce the goods in the shape of scoring goals and winning games.

Promotions, relegations.. it's part and parcel of football

It's hard to find many optimistic Blues fans given our current situation, but what Lee Clark has put together on no budget at all is working for me, and I look forward to seeing what this bunch of young and hungry players can do for my club.

As the song goes, there'll be joys and sorrows too; we've had to endure worse but we've also had some great days out along the way, more than I imagined anyway (my dad’s idea of introducing me to Blues as a child was “you have to get used to the fact that we’ll never win anything...”)

And as long as there's a club to support, I’ll be with them every step of the way. Even if I do completely soft in the head.

One down, forty-five to go..

Birmingham’s Championship campaign failed to get off to a winning start this afternoon, with last year’s play-off finalists Watford running out 1-0 winners thanks to Brummie-born Troy Deeney’s first half strike. Yet there are positives a plenty for boss Lee Clark to take from the opening fixture, after an encouraging performance from his side.

Remembering Chucho
Before the off, however, it was time to pay respects to Christian Benitez, who tragically lost his life earlier this week. The impeccably observed minutes silence made the tragedy hit home further, and watching the montage of Chucho’s finest moments in a Blues shirt it was hard to believe such a young person has been so cruelly taken way before his time. Rest In Peace Chucho.

A minutes silence for Chucho. Image: BCFC.com

Starting on the front foot
Last season we failed to get into first gear early on in games meaning before we knew it we were either 1-0 down or being outplayed, especially at home. But today saw a change; although Watford had most of the early possession we looked really up for it. We chased down every single ball, with Matt Green doing some superb running up front. We got right up in the faces of Watford and the crowd responded duly, making for a decent atmosphere at St. Andrew’s throughout the game: if the players look like they want it, the crowd will always respond.

The Visitors
There’s no denying Watford's class, and they will definitely be vying for a promotion place this season. They cut us apart at times, especially in the first half, and their early goal was cruel but a reward for their precision in the final third – something which we desperately need.

However, their time wasting and various other antics put a slight dampener on their otherwise great performance. They’re an enjoyable team to watch, but no one wants to see drama queens, time wasting or moaners – and unfortunately that’s what we saw from them today.

This all culminated in their bench getting very heated after a throw-in mishap, and players from both sides ended up squaring up to one another – not something you expect to see in the first game of the season! However the six minutes added time at the end of the game was justified, and I’m sure that won’t be the first time we see that this season in a Watford game.

Back to Blues
On the Blues front, as I said, there were many positives to take from the game. Darren Randolph looks like an astute and confident number one to replace Jack Butland, making some smart saves and controlling his area well.

Dan Burn and Paul Robinson also looked very impressive; with the former being awarded man of the match and the latter putting in some real crunching tackles. I was worried about Burn’s height and giving away fouls with his long legs; but he certainly knows how to use his height to his advantage and manages to time it well.

Both Andy Shinnie and Wade Elliott were also two players who impressed me today. Despite a wayward pass early on in the game, Elliott commanded the midfield well and picked out some brilliant passes, whilst Shinnie looked excellent going forward and a really strong player to boot.


The new number one. Image: Getty Images

Picking Faults
It’s hard to pick a fault any of the players today as for me they all played well and deserved something out of the game. I think you’d have to be quite the pessimist to complain too much after what we saw today.

Nevertheless, our finishing – or lack of it – must improve. Green and Lee Novak ran the front line well, but we didn’t look sharp in front of goal and that was one of our only downfalls in what was an otherwise positive performance.

As well as this, the formation isn't ideal. 3-5-2 looks to be favoured by Clark, but it means leaving out Chris Burke, and surely one of your best players cannot be sacrificed for the sake of a formation.

Which brings me onto the wing backs. Playing a team with the attacking threat of Watford meant both Shane Ferguson and Neal Eardley had to keep one eye on their man all the time, meaning they didn’t get forward as much as they could have and therefore our attacking play wasn’t as good as it could have been. 4-4-2 with Burke in the side, for me, is a more ideal formation when playing a team of Watford’s caliber. But then again, I’m not the manager, and I have faith in Clark that he's making the right decisions.

Clark now has his stamp on the team. Image: Getty Images

Shaping up for the season
All in all it was a very positive performance by Blues and a huge improvement from last season can be seen already. This is completely Clark’s team now; he has built a strong, youthful squad with a great team spirit – something which we seemed to lack a little last season, which bodes well for us enduring another season in what is an incredibly tough division.

The players showed today that they are a team of real fighters, who will work not just for the shirt and their place in the team, but for each other as well. If we can just get it right in the final third I can see us improving on our 12th place finish last season.

Pre Season Report

Today marked a positive end to pre-season for Birmingham City, with a much improved performance from previous games to take forward to next weekend when the 2013/14 Championship season kicks off.

And despite some lacklustre performances, overall pre-season for Blues has thrown up more positives than it has negatives.

Consecutive wins in our first two fixtures against Alfreton Town (3-1) and Shamrock Rovers (4-0) respectively, was followed by a behind-closed-doors match against MK Dons in Dublin where we suffered a 4-1 loss.

A 3-0 win back on English soil against Swindon, a 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium, home of Oxford United, and an unfortunate 4-2 loss against Shrewsbury concluded the away fixtures, before a 2-1 win against Hull City back at St. Andrew’s to round off the pre-season fixtures quite nicely.

But as anyone will tell you, pre-season isn’t about results, it is about the two Fs: formation and fitness, and in today’s 2-1 win against Premier League Hull we looked a much more polished team than a few days previously in the loss to Shrewsbury.

3-5-2 seems to be Lee Clark’s preferred formation and even though we looked somewhat unstable in games prior to today, the formation worked well against Hull: a side that were promoted using the same system last season.

The only real problem with this however is the defence getting caught out, with both Paul Robinson and Dan Burn not being blessed with pace – Burn getting caught out against Oxford last weekend frequently and subsequently giving away fouls. Thankfully today we looked much more solid, with the wing-backs tracking back as and when to give that much needed cover.


An overall positive pre-season. Image: BCFC.com

As for the fitness side, you could tell we were a couple of weeks ahead of Hull; we looked confident and composed both on and off the ball and chased them down into making several mistakes. We also passed the ball about impressively, which should give the team more confidence ahead of a tough opening fixture next Saturday.

In terms of the players themselves, it’s been all change since last season. A revolving door would have been useful (if we could afford it) with a host of players leaving the club as well as, thus far, eleven new faces arriving at St. Andrew’s in the form of either loans or free transfers.

Clark seems to have done some good business, however, on what can’t even be labeled as a shoe string budget. Andrew Shinnie has looked particularly impressive and is my stand out player of pre-season, but the likes of Matt Green, Neal Eardley and Scott Allan have all looked impressive too, and getting Shane Ferguson back on loan is a terrific move by Clark.

As for the state of the ownership of the club, I think anyone would be lying if they said it’s not affected what’s going on on the pitch: the Marlon King situation being a clear example of this, with both him and Peter Lovenkrands being forced to train and play with the reserves. Yet having being given squad numbers, I for one hope this means they will be involved in the team, especially King. No one is going to buy them, even on a free, so involving them in the team can only be a positive for us; we have to pay them the same wages, so we might as well be getting something in return.

Overall, as pre-seasons go it’s not been disastrous. It should be taken with a pinch of salt, as it’s not a great indication of how the real season will pan out; the constant chopping and changing of the players to make sure everyone gets enough minutes clearly brings about instability, however I expect the starting XI today to be more or less who starts against Watford.

Granted it could have been more inspiring on the whole, but today’s game was encouraging, and the real talking will be done next Saturday when the season begins, hopefully with more positives to talk about and most importantly a win.

Green scores in the 2-1 victory against Hull. Image: BCFC.com

End of Season Reflections

A week ago today saw the end of the Championship season and all the promotion and relegation decisions were made; Hull gained the last automatic promotion place, Leicester beat Nottingham Forest in the last minute to leapfrog both them and Bolton Wanderers, who could only draw at home to Blackpool, into the last play-off place. They joined Watford, Crystal Palace and Brighton, whilst at the other end of the table Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Huddersfield all fought off relegation, condemning Peterborough and Wolverhampton Wanderers to League One alongside already relegated Bristol City.

And amongst only three matches which didn’t have a deciding factor on the race for promotion or the battle to beat the drop, were Birmingham City.

It’s been an indifferent season for the Blues to say the least. Wins were few and far between at the beginning of the campaign, and a 5-0 home defeat to Barnsley made many question to managerial abilities of Lee Clark, who was going to have a hard job as it was succeeding the much loved Chris Hughton.

Lee Clark had a tough act to follow. Image: Getty Images

But with only four wins under his belt by the end of October, Clark definitely had a lot to prove. The team were lacklustre, the defending questionable and we seemed incapable of both starting and finishing a game of the front foot. The team from last season seemed to have disappeared; even player of the season Chris Burke had lost his touch.

Injuries didn’t help Clark, especially the loss of top goal scorer Marlon King. The youngsters were drafted in, and although they managed to step up to the demands of a tough league, things were looking bleak and Blues had a definite relegation battle on their hands going into the second half of the season.

Fortunately things slowly picked up. Blues ended January in winning ways which sparked a fantastic away record, winning against the teams around them such as Peterborough as well as chalking a 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, live on Sky, which won performance of the season at the end of season awards – and rightly so.

Players celebrate the fourth goal at Crystal Palace. Image: Getty Images

Three consecutive wins at the end of March left Blues mid-table and slowly creeping away from relegation, but points picked up in April – most notably a hard-fought win at Bristol City followed by a 1-0 home victory against Leeds – saw Blues safe, and ironically quite close to the play-offs, which had seemed a distant memory of the season before in December.

The end of the season could have been better. Three goals down at Ipswich Town in the penultimate match of the season wasn’t a place we deserved to be in after recent performances, but 3-1 seemed a fair result after the first half defensive display.

The final game of the season saw a 1-1 draw against Blackburn, and the end to a less than enthralling season for the Blues. It was a change in scenery having nothing to be too excited or nervous about at any point during the season; only last season we saw a play-off campaign and European Tour, and previous seasons saw promotions, relegations, a Carling Cup win, and a top half finish in the Premier League.

Although it was relieving not to be involved in last-game-of-the-season drama for once, I admit I missed it. Watching the final games on the Football League Show made me miss being involved in something big for the club, and although in the end we weren’t a million miles away from the play-offs we still weren’t convincing enough, not by a long way.

The home form needs to improve drastically, as going from one of the best in the league to one of the worst is a massive change in fortunes. Ironically we have never been very good away from home, but 2013 has seen Blues flourish in away fixtures something which, if replicated at St. Andrew’s, would stand us in good stead for play-off contention next season.

Things will change between now and then. Stephen Carr has already announced his retirement, whilst the option was not taken up to retain the services of Keith Fahey – after four and a half years at the club and one of the only remaining Wembley winners – with Morgaro Gomis, Pablo Ibanez and Steven Caldwell all leaving the club too.

A host of players have been offered new deals or had their options taken up, including Chris Burke, Wade Elliott and Paul Robinson, showing that Clark wants to keep the old guard to influence the crop of young players coming through, who will also have a major part to play next season after stepping up to the first team and doing so well. Keeping hold of players like Curtis Davies, who won both player and players' player of the season, will be Clark's task before the start of the 2013/14 season, as well as building a squad fit for a play-off campaign.

Even with the financial mess still impacting the club and the team massively, hopefully next season will be a better one for Blues, and with any luck come the last game of the season, it’ll be a little more interesting with a lot more to play for – at the right end of the league of course.

 

Lee Clark will look to build on a 12th place finish. Image: Bcfc.com

Captain Carr

While Lee Clark today delivered the news that he had activated the option on Chris Burke’s contract to keep the winger at the club for another year, he also brought the blow that many had guessed was the case already: the retirement of Stephen Carr.

After being out of action for the whole of the 2012/13 season with a knee injury, an unsuccessful series of operations and one-on-one sessions with the medical staff at Blues have forced Carr to make the decision to call time on his career.

As we all know it’s not the first time the former club captain made the call to quit the game. Back in 2008 after he was released from Newcastle United and unable to find a club that would sign him, Carr announced his retirement from football. But less than a year later in February 2009, Blues took the leap and offered him an initial one month contract after a short trial with the club.

The powerful defender impressed then manager Alex McLeish and was rewarded with a contract which took him until the end of the 2009/10 season, where he was an integral part of a side that gained promotion to the Premier League.

Things just got better for Carr, being named club captain the right-back lead his side on a fantastic run, culminating in a ninth place finish – the highest Blues have ever finished in England’s top flight and a great achievement for a newly promoted club.

The following season saw the day the club will never forget; the Carling Cup victory over Arsenal, a game in which Carr excelled himself, and proved to be a true leader – as if we didn’t have enough proof already.

Although Blues couldn’t manage to stave off relegation that season, Carr’s achievements cannot be overshadowed by that feat. In his four and a half years in the team he has allowed himself to become a club legend. He is a man we have missed since he was sidelined last summer, and a figure that epitomizes the club’s passion and belief.

His blazing runs down the flank, his infamous 'wave' to the Villa fans, his match winning tackles and clearances: Carr is a model professional who gave his all to the club and I can only thank him for what he has achieved in his time here, and the new heights he took the club to.

 

A Sorry State

The financial crisis of Birmingham City is more than common knowledge. It has this season escalated to a great big neon flashing sign that we can’t ignore, even when we try to concentrate on what’s actually happening on the pitch – which is also considerably bleak of late.

We know that “no one is for sale but everyone is available” and if we have to lose players like Jack Butland, Curtis Davies and Nathan Redmond to keep our club afloat then so be it. We will support the team – what players we have left – and we will continue to voice our grievances, and wait, with baited breath, in the hope that one morning we will wake up to news of our club being sold, or some other minor miracle.

But when the news that Marlon King would be available on a free transfer broke yesterday – which Blues have since denied – it seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Some immediately turned to the idea of a protest which seems to be gathering some pace and attention, but in my opinion that will have little effect on whether we sell our club or not, or whether anything changes regarding the running of Blues.

There's no question that Pannu and co. need to find a way to sell up, and if they are to be believed (said with no hint of irony), then a protest outside St. Andrew's won't speed this process up. They've already heard the chants, they've seen our messages, and they know how we feel.

The fact remains that both on the pitch performances and off the field proceedings are getting more and more difficult to stomach and it remains a waiting game. But that can only last so long; fans can only put up with so many kicks in the proverbials before they say enough is enough. This, it seems, is beginning to happen.

I'm a great believer in optimism, but I'm finding it hard to find anything to smile about when it comes to my football club anymore. The solidarity that has kept us marginally sane as a fan base over the years is wearing thin, but the one thing we still all agree on is that we, as a club, need saving. Our club is becoming more and more fragile by the day and I honestly can't see it getting any better before it has got a whole lot worse.

New Season, New Start, New Blues

With the opening fixture to a new season less than a week away, and a cup tie against Barnet to play first, Blues can look back on a promising pre-season campaign ahead of another promotion push after last season’s unsuccessful attempt.

It was all change at the top, as Chris Hughton departed and in stepped ex-Huddersfield manager Lee Clark, yet the surprising, albeit most promising, situation was the lack of departures from the club; with Ben Foster and Jordon Mutch the only two walking out the exit door thus far – although, I shall try not to tempt fate, as the transfer window is still open.

As for the review of pre-season, let’s start with;

The Manager
It was the polar opposite of the reaction to Alex McLeish leaving the club of summer 2010, with praise galore surrounding the departure of Chris Hughton, who left for Premier League club Norwich taking his backroom staff and, eventually, goalkeeping coach Dave Watson with him; which was another sad loss to the club after he’d done so well with the goalkeepers in previous years. After Hughton’s departure the board, namely Peter Pannu, appointed Lee Clark, meaning we the fans got the man that the majority wanted – for the second year in a row. Since the appointment of Clark, the attacking mentality of the team certainly has not changed if pre-season results are anything to go by, and the players brought in show a statement of intent for the new season ahead.

The Players
Comparing the squad to last seasons, the only player we have lost is Jordon Mutch, as Ben Foster spent the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion. With that in mind, we have bolstered our squad considerably, bringing in David Lucas as a goalkeeping replacement, Darren Ambrose and Hayden Mullins to shore up the midfield, as well as Peter Lovenkrands up front who has already impressed in pre-season friendlies. The addition of Ravel Morrison on loan from West Ham, and most recently Ben Gordon from Chelsea provides Clark with a wealth of options as well as some youngsters to choose from when making his team selections.

The Results
As well as the promising signings off the field, the results on the field in pre-season have been equally as pleasing. A 0-0 draw against Mönchengladbac in the only game of Blues’ pre-season tour to Austria was built upon on the squad’s return to England with a 2-1 victory against Shrewsbury Town, quickly followed by a 1-0 loss at the hands of Cheltenham Town. Yet back to back victories against Bury and Plymouth Argyle were both high scoring – winning 5-1 and 5-0 respectively, showing that Blues have not lost their eye for goal. The visit of Royal Antwerp to St. Andrew’s saw a disappointing but not particularly disheartening 3-1 loss in the last of Blues warm up games. The presence of former Rangers team mates Peter Lovenkrands and Chris Burke on the score sheet throughout their friendly games is a trend that they will hope to repeat throughout the season.

The Expectations
Ever since the arrest of Carson Yeung and the unfolding money troubles, many a Bluenose has reduced their expectations of the club, even a heavy optimist like myself. And with last year's close, but ultimately failed, promotion attempt, I believe that the expectations of this season should be lowered again; a top half finish, no less, but we must aim for promotion - not expect it.

Image: BCFC.com

So with a new manager, a new shirt sponsor, and new players, it’s time for a new season. I for one can’t wait to watch this new look Blues in their first proper competitive match tomorrow night, and although a win or a loss won’t have that great an impact on the Championship season, it should give us a relatively clear idea of who Clark sees as his strongest starting eleven.

Last year we had a European tour, the season before we won the Carling cup and in 2009 we finished in the top ten of the Premier League and had a magnificent unbeaten run. No pressure 2012/13.

Remaining A Constant

There aren’t many constants at a football club. Manager, players, boards, even fans leave. Even, as Cardiff City have found recently, your club colours and badge may change given certain, unwanted, circumstances.

Today, twelve months since our last manager left, Chris Hughton departed for Premier League Norwich City. There is a certain irony about the team we beat in the play-off final a decade ago have poached our manager, and left us in the lurch to some extent.

It was one whirlwind of a season and I’d like to thank Chris Hughton for that. His enthusiasm, his excellent man management and his motivation we’re a constant, not to mention bringing the attacking football to St. Andrew’s that we’ve craved for so long, and for that I thank him. But now it’s onwards and upwards; we need a new manager, but the question is: who would want to come to us? We’ve been linked with Ian Holloway – but we’d need to pay money for him, money that we can’t afford to spend – we’ve also been linked with the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Lee Clark (the favourite to take over) and Mick McCarthy to name but a few.

Laying it our bare, we are a club in turmoil. A thread bare squad that Premier League teams may look to poach from (Hughton will definitely be looking at players like Curtis Davies), a transfer embargo (that may well be lifted in the coming days/weeks but at present is still weighing us down), corrupt owners who, to put it plainly, don’t have a pot to do their business in, and to top that little mess off; an owner facing money laundering charges.

It sounds bleak, and I don’t know how many more times we can rise above the controversy, like a phoenix out the ashes, and overcome the adversity. One thing us as fans can do though is make sure we support the team, and support the club. The thing we can all agree on is that we are being run extremely poorly and as fans we don’t deserve to be treated like this – no one does. But we’ve survived many a kick in the teeth before yet we stand back up, ready for the next sucker punch, because that’s what we’re used to and that’s what we’ll do, for the love of our club.

Out of all of this, we need to make sure that we are the one thing that remains a constant: managers depart, players leave, but the fans – the loyal fans – are there forever. It may be hard to pledge yourself to a club where you don’t know where you money is going, but in times of adversity sticking together and pulling through is the best thing, and the only thing, us as fans can do.

At The End Of The Road

If you think back to June 2011, Birmingham City faced an extremely certain future; manager gone, players departing and Carson Yeung arrested for money laundering. The future looked bleak, that’s if there was a future, and the impending doom surrounding St. Andrew’s was hard to take. So at the start of the season, with Chris Hughton at the helm and an army of bosman free transfers at his disposal, most were expecting a top half finish, if that.

No one could have predicted just how incredible the 2011/2012 journey would be; indeed we knew we would have the excitement of a European Tour, but even the most optimistic amongst us couldn’t have imagined such an adventure. Qualifying for the group stages with an emphatic win, two away wins, a memorable night in Brugge, coming back to draw 2-2 in the reverse fixture at St. Andrew’s, and giving last year’s finalists Braga a run for their money in their own back yard. It culminated in Blues finishing just short, although acquiring a respectable tally of ten points which any other year would have seen them progress.

It was then time to turn to the league, where a swift rise up the table saw Blues finish in fourth place. A 6-0 demolishing of Milwall, an FA Cup run which saw Blues hold Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and take Sheffield United apart by four well-crafted goals, as well as fantastic end of season run in which saw multiple important away wins, and ended in a 2-0 win over champions Reading. Those were just a handful of highlights from a season where there was next to nothing to complain about. We came out of each game smiling; we supported the manager throughout; we were able to see young talent like Nathan Redmond flourish; we saw plenty of goals and attacking football, and as a result got a deserved play-off place.

But after a mammoth 60 games, their 61st and indeed their 62nd seemed one step too far. It could be labeled typical Blues that in our two most important games of the season we forgot to turn up. Yet we can most definitely call the last thirty minutes of last night’s encounter typical Blues; not giving up until the last and just when we thought they were down and out, they came back fighting like they always do with some thunderous support from the fans to drive them on. But credit to Blackpool who deserved their victory, and were the team who deserved it over the two legs.

The devastation on the players’ faces at full time was plain to see; they wanted it just as much as we did. Player of the season Chris Burke applauded the fans in floods of tears, whilst the ardent supporters applauded their team non-stop, singing loud and proud to salute what has been a fantastic season that no one could have imagined would be this good. The one thing this team, manager and all his staff have done this season, without fail, is make us proud of supporting them. Last night should not been seen as a setback, but a missed opportunity that will be there for us again next season if we work just as hard to achieve it. Players will depart, and so may the manager, but the club will always be there. A club I am – and always will be – proud to support.

Half Time: Blackpool 1-0 Blues

Just like it’s hard to be negative after witnessing some of our brilliant performances this season, it’s hard to be positive when you’ve seen something so lacklustre in one of our most important games so far this season.

But I’m going to try and be positive.

You can’t escape the fact that we were poor last night, but take nothing away from Blackpool who deserved their victory and could of – should of rather – scored two or three more. And that’s one of the positives we can take into the second leg; Blackpool only have a slender one goal lead, which manager Ian Holloway has commented upon stating that he hopes they don’t rue the day they missed their chances.

So Blues can count themselves lucky it was only one. In truth, we never really got started. Jordon Mutch had a terrible game, Guirane N’Daw stood stock still in the middle of the park for most of the game, only moving to put in half-hearted tackles, and Peter Ramage is the only player to come out the game with some credit, especially for his terrific block early in the second half to deny Blackpool their second goal of the game, which looked to be going in until Ramage flung himself in front of the ball.

Our midfield was missing. Completely. Chris Burke never really got on the ball, so the lone striker Marlon King didn’t get the service he had been hoping for – yet whenever he did, he failed to stay onside, and the one time he beat the trap he managed to hit the post when it seemed easier to score. Tom Ince, man of the match and deservedly so, ran us ragged all game; and his deflected goal, although extremely cruel, was nothing more than he, and the rest of his team, deserved throughout the ninety minutes.

The overriding positive I suppose is that we cannot play any worse than we did last night in the second leg. Surely it is impossible and the fact that Blackpool only have a one nil lead – despite having the ball in the back of the net another three or four times – is a huge advantage for Blues and shows just how important being at home in the second leg may prove.

We all know what can happen when St. Andrew’s is packed and everyone get behind the team. If 2,000 fans can create that kind of noise last night, what can St. Andrew’s create on Wednesday? Let’s make another memorable atmosphere and another memorable night. Think the late victory over Villa in the Carling Cup; think Nacional in the Europa League; think the second leg against West Ham last season, where we needed one goal to get back on level terms.

It’s only half time…

We're So Happy Following The Blues

A fantastic end to the season with a victory over Championship Champions Reading on Saturday was made even better by results elsewhere going our way, meaning Birmingham City finished fourth in the league and have the major advantage of playing at home in the second leg. Goals from Adam Rooney and Wade Elliott sealed a well-deserved three points that just saw Blues finish above Blackpool, their opponents for the two-legged play-off semi-final, in what has been an incredible season that isn’t over just yet.

A strong crowd of over 25,000 turned out to see the Blues march on to victory, helped by a following of 4,000 Reading fans who bought just as many inflatables to celebrate their return to the Premier League after a four year absence. But it was Blues who were the ones celebrating when man of the match Nathan Redmond put on a delightful performance and helped to set up the first goal, sliding the ball into Rooney’s path who scored after just five minutes of being on the pitch, after replacing Nikola Zigic who limped off with an injury. A well-earned lead for the side who stayed on top for most of the first half.

The away side almost got themselves back into it in the second half when Pablo Ibanez climbed over Alex Pearce and a penalty was awarded. But confident Colin Doyle smartly saved Ian Harte’s penalty; not the first time this season the Ireland born shot-stopper has stepped up to the mark and saved Blues.

Blues were then awarded with their own penalty just ten minutes later for a blatant hand ball. After some discussion Wade Elliott grabbed the ball and took the spot kick, sealing victory for Blues with just fifteen minutes left to play. Another penalty was than awarded but this time Elliott couldn’t get the better of Adam Federici, just before the full time whistle was blown.

As Reading players and fans celebrated what has been a mammoth season for them, Blues were also in the party mood after news came through of a 2-2 draw at The Den, meaning they had finished 4th in the league.

With off the field issues and a cloud of financial uncertainty over the club since last summer, the team has done remarkably well to pull off a fantastic season all round. From the group stages of the Europa League, to a marvelous FA Cup run – most notably drawing at Stamford Bridge – as well as a steady league run where they peaked at just the right time to finish in the play-off places, Chris Hughton deserves all the plaudits he gets for getting everyone to pull together in the right direction.

On a shoe string budget – and that’s seriously shoe string; the only money spend was on transfer deadline day for Ibanez and Elliott – Hughton and his staff have managed to exceeded expectations and put together a team oozing with attacking finesse and astute defending. In fact, it was our goal difference which helped us mathematically seal the play-offs against Brighton last week: when was the last time our goal difference helped us do anything positive?

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable season for all; I can’t think of a season where there’s been next to nothing to moan or complain about, and that’s solely due to the wonderful football we are watching and the committed players who are doing everything to try and get this club back in the Premier League. I have no idea where the club will be this time next month but you can bet all the money you have that they will fight for promotion, like they have been doing all season, to the very last. Starting with an away trip to Bloomfield Road on Friday, where earlier on in the season Blues managed a 2-2 draw with a late Nikola Zigic goal earning his side a deserved point.

The play-offs are the cruelest way to lose but the best way to get promoted; so let’s take a chance and see if we can have another memorable date at Wembley.

Success On The South Coast

Saturday saw Chris Hughton’s team surpass expectations set at the start of the season when they finally secured a play-off place with a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. They almost collected all three points but a late equaliser for the home side meant Blues went back to The Midlands with just the solitary point, but still smiling as they finally booked their place in the end of season lottery that is the play-offs.

After drawing mid-week the home side had blown their chances of getting into the play-offs and therefore the game was more important to Blues, who ideally needed at least a point. In a game that lacked clinical finishing and some questionable refereeing decisions, it was Brighton who just about edged the ninety minutes, but it was Blues who took the lead. Minutes after Andros Townsend came close with a shot that flashed across goal and went just wide of the post, substitute Nathan Redmond managed to find the back of the net, firing a shot past Peter Brezovan to put his side on course to victory with just twenty minutes remaining.

But in the 83rd minute after some serious pressure on Colin Doyle’s goal, Brighton finally got the goal they had been searching for when Ashley Barnes fired home from close range to put a slight dent Blues’ hopes of finishing fourth. Nevertheless, a point was enough to seal a play-off place with just one game of the season remaining against the Championship Champions Reading.

Blackpool also secured a place in the play-offs with an emphatic 4-0 win against Burnley, leaving them fourth place and just one point ahead of Blues, and a tough away fixture at Milwall left to play. Cardiff’s 1-1 draw with Leeds leaves them one point behind Blues and in fifth place, in need of a result against Crystal Palace at the weekend who may be looking to avenge the Carling Cup semi-finals when Cardiff defeated them. After Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Southampton they are left with an outsider’s chance of getting into the play-offs; needing to better Cardiff’s result to finish in the top six.

Blues can’t rest on their laurels as they now play for positions in the play-offs; bettering Blackpool’s result will mean they take fourth spot and have the advantage of being at home in the second leg. However we all know Reading will prove tough to beat, and will want to finish their incredible season on a high before leaving for their Premier League adventure, which Blues will hope to be part of.

Image: BCFC.com

So Close But Yet So Far

Two points in two games have left Birmingham City agonizingly close to confirming a top six finish, with just two games to go away to Brighton and at home to Reading in the last game of the season. Blues were given a scare at the weekend in a game where a win would have seen them all but seal a play-off place.

In the battle of the BCFCs it was relegation threatened Bristol who took the lead with Stephen Pearson beating Colin Doyle, in goal after Boaz Myhill picked up an injury in the warm up. Bristol doubled their advantage soon after, this time Jon Stead scoring a peach of a goal to give the visitors an almighty boost in their quest for survival, and to send shockwaves throughout the Birmingham side reminding them that in this league, no game is easy.

Just before half time Marlon King halved the deficit, thanks to a deflection, and Blues went in at the break with work still to do. The second half saw Blues finally get the equaliser they had been searching for; defender Peter Ramage and player of the season contender Chris Burke worked together on the right hand side before Burke sent a low ball into the box which Nikola Zigic, just yards out, duly slotted home.

Blues only have themselves to blame for letting vital points slip at an all-important home fixture, in which miss placed passes were unfortunately all too common throughout the ninety minutes, culminating in Blues being the masters of their own downfall.

Tonight’s midweek fixtures presented Blues with another opportunity to cement their play-off place but a lacklustre start from the away side meant that it was a very nervous forty-five minutes, especially with the news that Cardiff were 1-0 ahead and, as it stood, on level points with Blues.

Ipswich caused problems for the Blues back line and Colin Doyle had to be called upon several times to prevent the tractor boys from taking the lead. Blues were then hit with another injury blow, with Captain Steven Caldwell having to go off with ten minutes left of the first half.

Just before half time Blues took the lead against the run of play, with a goal that was equally well constructed as it was well taken, with that man Chris Burke finishing a move that saw Peter Ramage, Marlon King and Andros Townsend all involved. It was a perfect time to score a goal.

Blues began the second half with impetus, looking bright on the counter attack with Ipswich, mid table and with nothing to play for, not as committed to the cause as their opponents. But Ipswich pressed on to enjoy heavy spells of the game, with Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas causing countless problems and keeping Doyle on his toes.

And the latter equalised for his side with 75 minutes on the clock, sending his low effort past Doyle and piling pressure on Blues who up until that point were fifteen minutes away from sealing a place in the play-offs.

The game continued to be an end of end affair, with Blues coming agonizingly close late on with Zigic’s shot being cleared off the line. Ipswich piled on the pressure but the away side held on, all but confirming a play-off place after tonight’s result, but wins for Cardiff and Blackpool mean Blues are clinging onto fourth place by a single point.