This was sent from Baz at the weekend but got stuck in spam for some reason. Hence it’s slightly late. Apologies to Baz especially! Kev
So it begins; the first league home game in nearly 18 months where we, the fans get to go and cheer on the team. We still live in a dystopian world with masks on faces still a common sight and sadly I don’t see that changing any time soon given that the government, the media and the scientists at SAGE have done a great job in scaring the populace shitless with doomsday advice; much of it conflicting. Enough of that though, let’s get back to matters of great import such as the beautiful game. Blues kicked off their campaign with a wonderful win at Bramall Lane against the much fancied Sheffield United last week and despite our paltry 25% possession (it didn’t seem that way!) the boys were good value for their win and frankly it could have been two or three but for a unnecessary push on a defender by Jukey which denied Maxime Colin a second and a poor finish by Hogan. Apart from thumping the post in the first half, I never felt that the Blades offered much danger.
The win in last week in the Cup against Colchester was welcome given that we have made a habit of an early exit in recent times. A complete change of team was made from last Saturday with no less than five debuts made. The youngest, Marcel Oakley, a promising and clearly talented right back was the difference in the end with a well-taken goal from a wide angle. It was good to see a youngster trust himself and shoot since he could have attempted a cut back which in all probability would have failed. A fantastic moment for the young man and let’s hope it augurs well for the future for him and for us. I am bound to say that my mates Chris and Will who both made the game said that there was no way Blues deserved to win but who cares? It was the sort of game we were losing against lower league opposition in recent times (Cambridge United and Portsmouth anyone?) I liked Lee Bowyer’s interview afterwards in which he made no excuses and stated his disappointment in the performances of some of the senior players in the squad that frankly failed to impress let alone stake a claim for a place in the side. One person who did seem to make a difference when he came on was Riley McGree, back for a further loan spell. Good piece of business over the summer in my view and I expect him to play a part against Stoke today.
It’s been a summer of change with several players loaned, sold or released to create room for incomings. We are to expect further releases before the end of the month, possibly Adam Clayton and George Friend but it remains to be seen. Sam Cosgrove left this week for Shrewsbury on loan. One might argue that he hasn’t been given much of a chance since his move from Aberdeen with many of his 10 substitute appearance being a smattering of a few minutes at the end of games. He only started twice and failed to impress so it’s probably right that he find game time elsewhere. I will be surprised if he returns to nail down a place with what I’ve seen of him but one never knows. Neil Etheridge contracting Covid and requiring hospital admission was a blow as he had an excellent season last year. Sarkic on loan from Wolves has done well (the faux pas at Northampton in pre-season aside!) and looks to be a fixture between the sticks for now. The back four is as you were and looks solid but I was disappointed with the ease with which the Baggies scored their goals in the pre-season friendly. Whilst I know it was only a friendly, some of the old frailties from set pieces were on show in that game. It is to be hoped that in a competitive match more determination and concentration would be shown!
The acquisition of Ryan Woods is a good signing and I feel will improve our depth in midfield. He looked sound against the Blades. I think this is the year for Charlie Lakin and Caolan Boyd-Munce to kick on and play a greater part. Suspensions and injuries will surely offer them chances which they must take. Out wide we now have choices. Tahith Chong looked excellent at Sheffield and I like the cut of his jib! Ivan Sanchez and Jeremie Bela will be in the starting line up more often than not and there is competition to be had from Jordan Graham whom I’m looking forward to seeing when fully fit. The one that is frustrating and disappointing me in equal measure is Jonathan Leko. He simply doesn’t do enough for me. There’s a lack of energy and aggression in his play and for the talent he possesses, he short changes on delivery. I am unconvinced that he is a Birmingham City type player. Lee Bowyer clearly likes the lad and has persevered with him to date but both him and Cosgrove, two players that actually cost us money which the club doesn’t have a lot of, have been underwhelming. Neither has mustered a goal between them!
Chuks Aneke has joined the attacking ranks and we await him opening his account. He joins Hogan and Juke. The latter cannot go on playing 50 games a season and the new boy will need to step up and quickly if we are to have a successful season. We still need another striker in my opinion preferably one with pace. Lee Bowyer has hinted that the search for such an individual is on. Let’s hope we see it before the end of August. On balance, I think Birmingham will have a better season this year. The squad has more depth is more balanced and looks stronger but I cannot get carried away. I don’t believe Blues will be in the top six but a top half finish would represent excellent progress. Lee Bowyer is building a solid platform based on sound defence to not concede daft goals and take it from there. It’s rugged, practical and aims to achieve results; the pretty stuff can come later.
I was so looking forward to getting on the train, soaking up the pre-match atmosphere, enjoying some banter and a couple of pints. Sadly, like many other season ticket holders, I was unsuccessful in the ballot caused by the delayed ground repairs and have to miss the game. I have a guaranteed ticket for next Wednesday’s match against Bournemouth which will serve as a clear barometer as to where Blues are in the Championship. I thought we were unlucky against them at their place but when they played us at St Andrew’s last year, they gave us a football lesson so it will be interesting to assess progress this term.
Those of you fortunate to attend this afternoon, enjoy the game and raise a cheer for those of us that can only be present in spirit! I’m not going to predict the score today since I’m as effective at that as I am with my lottery ticket numbers!
Addition – I was happy with a point. Not many teams will take 4 points off Sheff Utd and Stoke this season – and I thought we were unlucky with the offside so could have been even better. I’m not so confident about tonight, I think I’d take a draw – but we’ll see.
KEEP RIGHT ON.
Baz
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