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.

Mixed Emotions

After a midweek stumble going down 3-1 at the hands of Leicester, Birmingham got their promotion push back on track with a comfortable and deserved 3-0 home victory against fellow play-off contenders Middlesbrough, who they then leapfrogged into fourth place.

Taking the lead against Leicester midweek through a Wade Elliott penalty, Blues seemed to be along the right lines to gain at least a point from their Midlands rivals. But after having Nikola Zigic’s header hit the bar then Steven Caldwell’s follow-up header being cleared off the line, it seemed to fuel the Leicester side who scored just moments later, with Jermaine Beckford capitalizing on some questionable defending from Blues. Two goals in the second half from Beckford again and then sbustitute Jeffrey Schlupp after more defensive mistakes made sure Blues left the King Power Stadium well and truly dejected, although you’d do well to believe that if you heard the travelling support, who gave their team and manager a tremendous backing throughout.

The midweek loss was just another dampener on Blues’ push for promotion, with their last win coming in February, a response was needed in the home game against Boro, who lost their last game at home to Leeds who played them almost off the park and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

And a response was what the fans got. In a professional performance by all involved, it was Nikola Zigic who got his name on the score sheet early on after connecting with Chris Burke’s cross to send a low header past Jason Steele and into the back of the net.

The away side threatened, but their long-range shots were easily coped with by Boaz Myhill and by the back line; with David Murphy back in the defence in place of the injured Jonathan Spector, a welcome return for the ex-Boro boy who helped his side to a clean sheet.

On top throughout, Blues were almost punished for defensive mistakes again but luckily Joe Bennett’s goal was disallowed for offside. Marlon King punished Boro further; the only man wearing a Blue shirt in the box connected with Chris Burke’s cross to finish from close range, beating several Boro players to the ball.

As the last home game proved – two goals just aren’t enough, and Blues were hungry for more to boost their goal difference up after it took a hit during the week. Keith Fahey, man of the match after a superb attacking and defensive display, put the game to bed on the 60th minute, picking up the ball inside his own half and going on a determined run which culminated in a fantastic goal after a superb solo effort by the Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day.

The result pushed Blues back into the play-off places and in great contention of staying there, with a game in hand on many of those around them.

But the results of the weekend all over the country mattered not, as on Saturday evening an event at White Hart Lane overshadowed football, and united the community of the sport in prayer for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. A great servant to Blues, Muamba came to England at a young age as a refugee, not knowing how the speak the language, and came through the ranks at Arsenal before going on loan and then signing for Birmingham. His commitment, lovable personality and his battling nature meant he soon became a crowd favourite at Blues, helping them to promotion in 2007 before making his Premier League debut the follow season. His final performance for Blues saw him score a long-awaited first goal at St. Andrew's - much to the delight of the player himself and the fans in the stands.

But then he's not known for goalscoring. His style of play is to win the ball and to move play along; a real battling midfielder who loves to get stuck in.

Muamba then then moved to Bolton, where he has been since 2008, and cemented a regular place in the team and continued his strong midfield performances.

It’s always the way that the worst things always happen to the great people, and I speak for everyone when I wish Muamba a speedy recovery. It has taken an event as tragic as this to unite football fans; but let’s all pray for Muamba.

Progression

After a less than exciting 0-0 draw at St. Andrews, last night saw a tightly contested FA Cup third round replay between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City, ultimately ending the Championship side coming out on top courtesy of a single, scrappy goal scored by Wade Elliott. In a game of few chances it was Blues who out-shone the home side, playing the more attractive football in front of a seriously depleted crowd of just over 10,000 at the Molineux, and overall it was a deserved win for Blues. Here are a few points to consider from yesterday evenings tie:

The Goal
Both ties proved to be lacking serious goal mouth action so it was probably a given that the first, and only, goal would come from a goal-mouth scramble in which lacklustre defending allowed Elliot to first hit the post and then score from a few yards out from the rebound. On reflection it was probably a deserved goal; and there can be little complaints for the Wolves faithful. It was also an earned goal for Elliot; the former-Burnley man had a comfortable and tidy game in midfield, and staked a case to be included in the starting eleven on Saturday when Blues host Watford in the league.

Adam Rooney
Playing up front on his own, Rooney received little joy last night and there were plenty of calls for him to be replaced by either Marlon King or Nikola Zigic, who had been rested for the tie. But with that in mind, he did well to make himself a handful for the Wolves defence for the whole ninety minutes, and had a brilliant chance in the first half to put Blues ahead however; going one on one with Dorus De Vries, before taking too many touches and getting tangled in the legs of George Elokobi who arrived on the scene just in time.

Case for the defence
Curtis Davies and Steven Caldwell, two essential cogs in Chris Hughton’s well-oiled defensive machine again proved their worth; keeping Kevin Doyle, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and even Steven Fletcher, coming on as a late second half substitute, at bay. Again they coped with everything that was thrown at them and kept a second consecutive, and extremely deserved, clean sheet. The man in the goals behind them, Colin Doyle, after impressing in the draw against Wolves the first time around, regained his place in the side and showed just why Chris Hughton continues to install faith in the long-serving Blues player. Making comfortable saves when needed, Doyle wasn’t called upon all too much last night, but a sign of a good goalkeeper is keeping concentration: and when the rest of his defence stopped and called for offside, he kept his head in the game and pulled off a magnificent double save late on to deny Wolves an equalising goal – and it was just as well, as the offside flag was never risen.

Overall
It was a resilient and ultimately deserved victory for Blues, whose 2,300 fans who made the short journey to the Black Country went home happy. Confidence is on a complete high now, after consecutive away victories, consecutive clean sheets, and seven goals scored in the last two games. With 36 games played and still more to go, it’s going to be an extremely exciting end to the season for Hughton’s team, who have a real chance of getting into the play-offs, and are in with a shout of progressing further in the FA Cup; with Sheffield United of League One waiting in the next round.

First Europe Points

Obafemi Martins in the 89th minute of the Carling Cup Final. With a little help from Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny, the Nigerian striker made history with that famous goal and sent us soaring into the Europa League. That’s why we are where we are this evening; in Europe. Winning away.

Against the champions of the Slovenian league we appeared to fare well in the opening stages of the game. Marlon King playing up front caused problems early doors, with his headed shot from captain for the night Liam Ridgewell’s cross falling into the arms of the Maribor shot stopper. In the ascendancy early on Blues found themselves with another great chance, after Wade Elliott’s deep corner found the head of Steven Caldwell, and Ridgewell was involved again however his weak header fell straight to Jasmin Handanovic.
The home side began to get a foot-hold in the game however their attacking threat, although prominent, was handled with well by the Blues back-line and covering midfielders, namely Keith Fahey, with his first start since returning from injury, and Jean Beausejour and Morgaro Gomis who assisted with defensive duties too. But the resurgent defence almost conceded eighteen minutes into the game with goalkeeper Colin Doyle, getting a chance in the side after his impressive display against Manchester City, diving brilliantly to his right to keep the game at 0-0.

But luck was to change for the Ireland-born shot stopper when he failed to clear a bobbling back-pass from Jonathan Spector, playing at right-back in the absence of Captain Stephen Carr. He watched in agony as the ball bounced over his foot and into the path of Dalibor Volas who comfortably slotted the ball home to give the home side an undeserved lead, to give the excellent Maribor fans something to really cheer about.

Severely dampening Blues’ spirits, Maribor played with an air of confidence for the majority of the first half, however they still struggled to break Blues down further. Likewise, the Championship side were frustratingly kept at bay, with Chris Burke’s powerful effort being saved by Handanovic, and Spector’s cross into the box also being saved by Maribor’s goalkeeper. Beausejour particularly impressed down the wing causing problems, but still not being able to cause Maribor any distress.

The second half continued in the same manner with Blues unable to break the Slovenian outfit down. That was until just after the half hour mark, in a fantastic move by the away side to put them on level terms. King slipped a perfectly timed ball into the path of Burke who set off on one of his runs which finished in the ball ending up nestled in the back of the net and the Blues fans going mental to the left of the goal.

Nikola Zigic was immediately introduced for King who up until his involvement in the goal had no joy at all in the second half. The tables were then turned in what was previously a more even game. Blues were playing with confidence again and Wade Elliott almost put the Blues ahead but was denied by Handanovic, who was on top form. But he didn’t give up there. With just ten minutes left on the clock the man who sent Burnely into the Premier League hit a magnificent strike, which crept past the keeper and into the corner of the net to put the determined Blues side 2-1 up.

It was a waiting game then as the clock was run down by the away side, and although the mobile Maribor front line continued to press, Blues remained resilient. Finally, the referee blew the full time whistle and a massive roar could be heard from the one corner of the ground that housed the travelling Brummies. A brilliant turn around, a fantastic away victory… and all in Europe!

Just seven months ago we were cheering a Carling Cup Winning goal, and tonight we cheer three points in Europe. It might be a completely different team with new management, but it still feels just as sweet and still feels just as unbelievable.



Full Time: NK Maribor 1-2 BLUES
Goal Scorers: Volas (29) Burke (64) Elliott (79)
Star Man: They all put a shift in but I was particularly impressed with Jean Beausejour who more than made up for poor performances in previous games Nex Up: Nottingham Forest away - Championship

Deadline Day: Ins and Outs

As the transfer window slammed shut at eleven o’clock last night Birmingham City were left to assess the damage after the player exodus continued; with Scott Dann and Cameron Jerome making their way through the exit door. Nevertheless, it could have been worse. Only two went out and two – plus an 18 year old – came into St. Andrews on deadline day, with both departures very much expected ones.

Since relegation former England U21 player Scott Dann has attracted attention from Liverpool, Arsenal and even Chelsea no less. But his deadline day move to Blackburn Rovers raised a few eyebrows, seeing as they are one of the favourites to suffer relegation from the Premier League this season. After his move to Stoke City earlier on in the transfer window fell through – whether that was due to Blues being too stubborn or reported high wage demands we don’t know – but Blackburn came in and Blues seemed to be happy to sell the player for a reported fee of £7.7 million, and Dann himself seemed to welcome a move back to the Premier League. All the best to the young defender who has a big future ahead of him; it was a shame for him to get injured when he did but I wish him the best of luck in the future: a great lad on and off the pitch who deserves success. Always believe in…

The next deadline day mover was striker Cameron Jerome, who has more than divided opinion amongst the Birmingham fans since his arrival in 2006. After seeing the club through two promotions, two relegations and a Carling Cup win, as well as being part of the invincible team of 2009/10, the Huddersfield-born forward has seen it all, and before his departure yesterday he was one of the longest serving players in the current squad. Although not blessed with goal-scoring ability – ironic seeing as he plies his trade as a striker – you can’t fault his work rate, and that goal at Anfield will never be forgotten, nor is it likely to be repeated by Jerome! With Stoke City his new employers – a club on the up I must add – I wish Jerome luck there, though he’ll have to work hard to become first choice striker, especially with the addition of Peter Crouch to Pulis’ ranks also.


Despite late interest from Newcastle United regarding Liam Ridgewell, who had a transfer request rejected by Blues yesterday, Dann and Jerome were the only two movers on deadline day, so it really could have been worse for Chris Hughton and his management team, who already have the mammoth task of bringing in reinforcements for a tough Championship and Europa League campaign. And that brings me to the players coming into Blues yesterday.

The first deadline day addition came in the form of Jack Deaman; an 18-year-old who signed a one-year professional contract with the club, and a clear ‘one for the future’ singing by Hughton. A highly rated centre half, Deaman was realised by Welsh side Wrexham and after a successful trial period at the club was snapped up by Hughton and his management team.

After securing the loan signing of midfielder Guirane N’Daw early last week it looked like that would be the last summer signing, of note, to be made by Hughton. But late on last night the services of first Wade Elliott and then Pablo Ibanez were also secured.

Elliott, scorer of the magnificent goal which took Burnely into the top flight signed a two year deal late last night; much to the dismay and disappointment of Burnley fans who rate him highly. The midfielder spent the last six years at Turf Moor making 280 appearances, and the 32 year old adds a wealth of Championship experience to Hughton’s side.


A late move for Pablo Ibanez saw him leave near neighbours West Bromwich Albion to join Blues on a two year deal. The centre half came through the door just as Scott Dann left, and is an appropriate replacement for the much-loved Scouser. Ibanez, a Spanish International, was signed by West Brom from Atletico Madrid and so has Europa League experience – as well as Champions League appearances under his belt – and will prove a good squad player for Hughton to utilize with so many games to play already this season.

After a transfer window of players coming in on frees, spending money – although ‘undisclosed' so we don't yet know how much was spent – is a welcome change for the fans of Birmingham City, who hope to see their manager secure some loan signings in the next week or two to bolster the squad further.

The two outgoing players were expected, and after all we could have lost Ridgewell, Jean Beausejour – who was linked with a move to Wigan Athletic – or even worse Stephen Carr. So like I said: it could have been worse.