With an average of 52 points per season over the last eight campaigns and not a sniff of the play-offs, things have been pretty grim at St Andrew’s. But none of us needed reminding of that, did we? With over a decade passed since the last time the Blues were in the top flight, it seems like a distant dream. Although the results have picked up recently, is a big-money takeover the only way for us to get back up to the Premier League?
Bowyer Most Successful Manager in a Decade – But He Needs Cash
Lee Bowyer is the most successful Birmingham City manager in more than a decade, with a win percentage of 40.7 per cent after 27 games in charge. In comparison, Aitor Karanka had a win rate of 21.1 per cent, while Pep Clotet and Garry Monk registered figures of 27.7 and 32.2 per cent respectively. The hardworking former player is doing what he can, but without financial backing it is hard to see him to taking Blues to the next level.
When Bowyer came in to steer the club to safety at the end of the 2020-21 season, he boosted the hopes of fans somewhat, suggesting that a full season at the helm could bring about progress. After all, he won five and drew two of his first ten games in charge. However, goals were the issue at the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign, leaving Blues at 16/1 in the Championship betting odds to get promoted at the end of the season. The issues behind the scenes do seem to have improved a bit, but a takeover and a cash injection surely is the only way for Bowyer to get the backing he needs to take us up. We are in desperate need of a couple of playmakers with the loss of Chong and McGree leaving in January. It’s difficult to see where the money for those players will come from at the moment.
Newcastle Takeover Can Allow us to Dream
The recent takeover of Newcastle United should give us hope that the same thing could happen in this city. The Magpies have become one of the richest clubs in the world, and they are expected to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea in the years ahead. This is only the latest in several huge investments made into clubs in the Premier League, though, with billionaires all over the world seeing the potential of buying into the thriving competition. While it’s taken some time for it to happen, there is more optimism amongst their fans.
There is no doubt that other investors are eying up opportunities with other clubs, and the decisions could be made on a logistical basis. Newcastle were an attractive prospect because they are based in a massive and historic city with a huge fanbase. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Birmingham is the third-largest city in the UK and the club has a large and dedicated following. This makes them an enticing prospect for investment, but would the richest moguls be willing to pump money into a Championship club?
The way things are looking currently, we are some way of getting back into the Premier League any time soon. So why not dare to fantasise a little?
Third largest city go back to school do not offend Brummie even the Vile ones a few who actually live in Bham.
We are the best city and 2nd City, never forget that
Rather be in the championship if the alternative is to be owned by a murderer, torturer and all round scumbag.
This is the precise reason why we should never pray for relegation. Some suggesting it will take relegation to get rid of the current regime, and that a rebuild from League One is necessary. First of all, relegation to League Two isn’t possible from the Championship. Promotion to the Premier League isn’t possible from League One… So the Championship will always be more attractive to a potential buyer… Not as attractive (but not as expensive) as a Premier League team but we are what we are, and if we’re going to be bought, I’d rather we were bought in the Championship or higher, as I never want to see us drop lower… For any reason. To that end, new owners could be better or worse than our current owners. So we should be careful what we wish for. But if we’re allowed “a wish” why not wish for owners who care, who can afford to pay for success but who can do their utmost to retain our identity.
Prospective buyers cannot get near making an offer for one reason only- the HKSE listing. Should state hear this is my opinion only. Sling multi millions and it wouldn’t make a difference. They keep the club afloat and when League One trapdoor creaks they change manager and hope the new guy just about keeps us up. Hey presto it works. Sad I know.