Hi guys!

Listen, not that any of you are out there crying for my return, but I promise this blog (or a fresh blog) will become consistent after Friday. I have said this before but I mean it, I promise. Peace and love!

Squad Additions

New signing Lloyd Dyer showing David Davis his pace

Already making the permanent signing of Michael Morrison and Lloyd Dyer on loan, Gary Rowett is looking to make some more additions to his squad.

With David Edgar’s departure to Huddersfield because of a seeming desire to play in midfield, Rowett is left with a lack of rotation at the back and if Robinson or Morrison were to pick up and injury, Rowett would be left lacking in options. 

For this reason, the blues are looking to add a player at the heart of the defence to ensure no squad crises.

Rowett himself explained that Edgar sees himself as more of a “holding midfielder” and Blues need another “out and out centre-back”.

Although I agree that we certainly need another centre half, a back up centre midfielder wouldn’t go a miss either.

Rowett argues that with Jonathan Spector and young Charlee Adams who is enjoying a successful spell at non-league Lincoln, we have enough depth to be able to cope with injuries.

I feel that with the departure of Guy Moussi, having Edgar as a back up could have been of great use because of Spector’s painful inconsistency and Adams lack of experience. With the system we are adopting, our two centre midfielders are hugely relied upon to win the ball and retain possession, without forgetting their need to pick a pass to the wide men and forward to create goals. For this reason they are very key to our success. If an injury crisis struck and both Gleeson and Davis suffered from injuries, either Adams or Reece Brown who has enjoyed 7 games in the blue shirt would have to step in. 

Young Charlee Adams impresses Rowett

I trust Rowett very much and if he believes Adams has the ability to be a success for the club then he is probably correct. I just find it a little worrying that our back up centre midfielders are talented but teenaged and Jonathan Spector.

If the worst was to happen and both Gleeson and Davis were side lined, Spector would certainly have to show some of his better performances to ensure Blues could get a foothold into games.

With Robo reaching his twilight years and Gavin Gunning still suffering from a long-term injury, one thing is for sure at S.T. Andrews, an extra defender would certainly be of use.

And... We're back!

Gary Rowett looks on at his side

Apologies for the absence, I have been busy with university applications, college work and all sorts of things but I’m back!

So first of all I thought that after a long break I would review what’s happened this season so far. However, after thinking on it, I realised I had done the Clark stuff to death and instead ill give a brief summary and review of the Rowett era so far. Football is a funny old game and this season really has proved that to the ST. Andrews faithful. Overall, this new beginning has been fantastic although not without its shaky moments. 

Taking charge against top of the table Wolves, I was shocked by the change in the team. The game wasn’t without its concerns, far from it, however Rowett managed to completely sure up the back four who had conceded an embarrassing eight goals the previous week. I said at the game the tactics were far more improved however I was reluctant to give in to Rowett’s persuading charm in case this was just a new manager giving the team a lift. I’m sure not even the most optimistic fan expected us to keep a clean sheet against top of the league at Molineux and then three days later face top of the league Watford and dominate the game, winning from a superb Cotterill cross which met the head of a towering Clayton Donaldson. 

With impressive performances against Cardiff, Rotherham and Forest, Blues were able to extend their unbeaten run to five games with a 0-0 against Cardiff and winning the other two games. Beating forest meant that we had won two home games in the space of a month, a feat that Lee Clark couldn’t manage in a whole calendar year. So when the fixture list showed we’d be playing Lee Clark’s Blackpool next, surely we would be certain of a win? Wrong. As a Bluenose, even with the massive lift Rowett had given to both the players and the fans, something didn’t feel right. Too many times have I seen former players come back to bite Blues and I felt exactly the same about former manager Lee Clark. The Blues stayed true to my pessimism and due to a slip from Paul Robinson, Davies was able to capitalise and give the tangerines and Lee Clark a 1-0 victory. 

Young star Gray finds his shooting boots

Strangely, my usual pessimism had disappeared and I felt as though it would all be different next week. It was hard to swallow a defeat to bottom of the league Blackpool but we had to lose at some point and I honestly expected us to slip up against a weak side like Blackpool. Although I had a newfound positivity, I certainly did not expect to see Birmingham slot six past Reading. A first half hat-rick from Demarai Gray and a well-practiced free kick routine that Caddis fired home saw the blues 4-1 up at half time. If I had one criticism of Gray before this game it would have been that his end product was lacking. With three very tidy finishes, Gray completely disregarded my thoughts with a great showing of composure and ability in front of goal. If Gray can consistently show that kind of finishing, the eighteen year old may have an incredible career before him. But what a time to do it Demarai, with only a few weeks before the January transfer window opened, Gray has rightly earned himself a lot of attention from Premier League sides and a two million pound offer has already been rejected for the teenage winger to join Bournemouth. Holding on to Gray until the end of the season could be vital to ensure we continue to progress the way we are and also to ensure we get the right amount of money for him. I feel it’s also important for the player’s development too. Rowett has put a lot of faith in him and seems to be progressing massively under Rowett’s guidance. This is no disrespect to Jack Butland who is a great keeper but moving to a premier league side too early often slows down a career and Butland is an example of that happening directly from Birmingham City. Nathan Redmond has impressed in parts but has also found himself back in the Championship after a short time away in the Prem. I think Demarai is massive for the club moving forward but also the club could play a massive role in the player moving forward. 

Jordan Ibe and Will Hughes celebrate together

One moment of magic from a David Cotterill free kick against Huddersfield is the only reason I have to mention the game itself. Slow paced, dull performance from both sides saw a 1-0 away win for the boys in blue. On paper, a 4-0 defeat to Derby looks a little embarrassing but watching the game it certainly didn’t feel that way. The Rams came to St. Andrews and played outstanding football. Its difficult to know how good a performance Bournemouth put in as they were facing a weak, poorly organised team under the management of a care taker but for me, Derby were superior. The free flowing, attacking football was a joy to watch, especially outstanding performances from the likes of Will Hughes, Chris Martin and Jordan Ibe. In all honesty, Derby were simply a far better team than us.  Perhaps we could have stopped a goal going in or got one back ourselves but they were simply just too good. This defeat certainly didn’t have me in a negative state of mind and I felt confident ahead of our second meeting with Forest this season. 

After the 4-0 defeat the blues managed to keep a four game undefeated run, which they’re still holding onto, even If one was a narrow victory to non-league Blythe Spartans. I can’t believe how nice it is to be a blues fan right now. Even with all the back room confusion still going on, with no one really 100% sure who exactly runs the club and how little money we have left, watching the team has gone from a chore to a joyful pastime. We’ve even made the addition of Lloyd Dyer on loan, a man who played a massive role in getting Leicester to the premier league but turned down a new contract in the summer. He then joined Watford but hasn’t enjoyed as much success. When the Foxes came to St. Andrews last season, Dyer showed true class and was one of Leicester’s best players on the night. With his blistering pace and strong left foot, Dyer gives the Blues some much needed diversity. Dyer will be Blues’ only left footed winger and will mean Gray has chance to be rested and rotated instead of burning him out before the last few months of the season.

Thank you Gary Rowett for all that you have done and all that you are going to do for the rest of your time at Blues. We are not worthy.

The Missing Men - Birmingham City

Last season saw the introduction of some bright young players from the clubs Youth Academy and teenagers that were already around the squad playing bigger roles in the first team. However, we are seventeen games into the new season and we are yet to see their return.


Suspect number one: Mitch Hancox
Fan favourite for being a true Bluenose, Mitch Hancox made an impressive 38 appearances in the last two seasons, considering his age, a solid amount. Now 21, Mitch is yet to make an appearance this season. If rumours are to be believed, Hancox only began training with the first team this season when new boss Gary Rowett joined the Blues. With his impressive, passionate performances last year, I can only assume the reason for this was that he had a personal spat with Lee Clark. With Hancox only just being brought back to first team training, I wouldn't have expected to see him in Rowett's first few games, however, I am hopeful that Mitch will pull on the royal blue shirt regularly by the time this season comes to an end.


Suspect number two: Reece Brown
Brown was introduced last season and played eight games in total. He looked sharp, hungry for the ball and had outstanding technique. After making one appearance in the first five games of the season, Brown was loaned out to League One side Notts County. His time there seemed promising and he earned himself Man Of The Match in a game against Mansfield Town before his loan spell was cut short due to an injury. Brown is a player that has an abundance of technical ability and I hope he heals quickly and isn't overlooked by Garry Rowett for a chance to prove himself this season.
 
Suspect number three: Will Packwood 
Unfortunately, Packwood struggled with serious injuries last year but still managed 13 appearances for Blues and 8 whilst out on loan to Bristol Rovers. Packwood impressed even when played out of his favoured centre back role. With a lengthy absence to the injured Gavin Gunning and a leaky defence, it’s a surprise that Will wasn't called upon. However, Rowett has begun to block up the leaky defence without Packwood’s assistance.

Rowett vs Clark - A New Era

Under the management of Lee Clark, my heart and soul was sucked out of the club and going to watch the team under perform every game became a chore. With Gary Rowett now in charge, I find myself falling in love again. 

Haway Clarky

 I really should stress that I am not one of Clark's enemies. It was clear to me that his heart was in the right place and his passion was unquestionable after his emotional celebration against Bolton on the last day. That day is something that cannot be taken away from Clark, a day of celebration and a showing of girt and determination from the players.

I still believe that last season's job was a good one and by keeping the club battling in the Championship, I am grateful. With the financial constraints, the squad available to him and a number of his favoured players being loanees who returned to their parent clubs at different points in the season. I feel the job he did was at the very least acceptable. 

This season however, Clark had to leave. Our inability to hold on to a lead was simply awful. Repeatedly taking the lead and then gifting the other team a share in the spoils or even all three points was sickening to watch. By the end of Clarks reign, I dreaded taking the lead because I was so sure that we wouldn't be able to hold on. For me, the additions made this season made the squad far stronger and we recruited very little loan players to depend on. This meant that Clark had a stable squad that he could build as a team and not have to change half the side come January. But by the closing days of October it was clear to see that he couldn't get the best out of the players and by the 60th minute, all of the players were burnt out. It was time for a change. 

Although it seems an impossible job, I wish Clark all the best with Blackpool and I'll never forget that fateful day away at Bolton. A day where all Bluenoses rejoiced together and strangers held each other and screamed in one another's faces as Caddis nodded home a 95th minute point to rescue the Blue side of the city. I'll always hold that in my heart.

The first thing I noticed about Gary Rowett is his charisma. Blues fans fell in love with Rowett's charm across social media. One of my close friends summed it up for me well. He told me that he could "listen to Rowett talk to him for hours". Listening to Rowett's interviews and press conferences are so refreshing. He's a man who is clear in his vision, he knows what he wants and he's clear about it. After games, Rowett always talks about what could be improved, rather than just telling us that the players tried their best and we were unlucky. Rowett pinpoints exactly what needs to be addressed and how he's improving the squad one step at a time.

New man Rowett

I'm also incredibly impressed by the football that Rowett is playing. I was expecting to play defensive football and I'm happy for him to do so against the teams that are likely to out play us. However, when the ball is at the back, there is no panic. Instead of knocking the ball long, or smashing the ball out of play, the back four hold the ball and attempt to play out of the back. By passing the ball in triangles, drawing attackers in, they create space for the midfield and allow the team to start an attack, rather than letting the opposition keep coming for more.

Confidence is a huge factor in football and to come in after an 8-0 hangover and get four points from two games is a fantastic start, especially considering before each of the games he’s been in charge, the opposing teams were top of the league. Rowett also appears to have restored Paul Caddis back to the player he was last season and has started brilliantly under Rowett. Clayton Donaldson and Andrew Shinnie both put in impressive performances against Watford, something that we hadn’t really seen at all under Clark. Players look more confident and composed with everything they do. With Rowett at the helm, I feel optimistic for the rest of the season but its important that we do not get carried away and admit this will still be a tough season.

England National Side: Squad Selection

The England team training at this summers world cup

With the upcoming matches against Slovenia and Scotland, the England squad was released earlier today.

The first thing that struck me after looking at the selection was that Roy has decided to pick three left backs. Not that I dislike any of these left sided defenders, I’m just unsure if they’re needed. The centre of the defense needs more cover, especially considering that with one injury to our main center backs, our first choice is Chris Smalling, who in my opinion isn’t good enough. Its difficult to pick out a player at centre back who has consistently performed this year but players like Curtis Davies who clearly display better performances should be given the chance no matter what stage in their career they may be at.

Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne

I’m hopeful that this time around, Nathaniel Clyne will get his chance to earn his first cap for England. During the last international qualifiers, Clyne failed to earn a cap and was beaten out by Calum Chambers, who wasn’t even selected into the main squad until John Stones picked up an injury and meant Roy called Chambers up from the backups. As talented a player Chambers is, I cannot understand how he is preferred to Clyne. Last season, none other than Nathaniel Clyne kept Calum Chambers out of the Southampton starting line up. Clyne consistently performs to the level he did last season and Southampton currently sit second in the Premier League. Since moving to Arsenal, Chambers has played a lot of his games as a center back to fill in for injured or suspended players. I can’t understand how Roy can select Chambers over Clyne, who in my opinion is the far better player and his performances have been consistently brilliant for the last two seasons and he is the most talented English right back around at the moment, with the exception of perhaps Kyle Walker who seems to have disappeared all together from the footballing world. According to the player performance index, Clyne ranks as the third best performing defender in the premier league and 24^th best when including all positions. Calum Chambers only just makes it into the top 100 highest performers in the league at 94. If Clyne isn’t given his chance this time, I don’t see the use in consistently calling him up without giving him a chance.

I am happy with James Milner’s inclusion and am a massive advocate of his. (For more on Milner, written earlier in the season, click here: http://footballthoughtspot.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/james-milner-worker-or-footballer.html).

Theo Walcott (right) makes it back into the England side
 with Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left)

 Despite playing only one short role as a substitute this season due to a sustained injury, Theo Walcott makes it straight back into the squad. If he is selected over James Milner, Raheem Sterling or Stuart Downing, these players will feel hard done by as they have proven themselves this season and deserve to be consistently picked for the national side. Michael Carrick has made one appearance this season and if he starts in the middle, I think it would be extremely unfair on Henderson or Wilshere, similar to the Walcott situation. After Downing’s spell at Liverpool, some may forget the ability he actually possesses. I’m very glad that Roy looked over regular players or experienced England players and selected Downing who has been in fine form this season. Downing has played every minute of every game (10 matches) for West Ham and created 4 goals for his teammates.

 

There are no major surprises with the Forward selection. Regulars Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Rickie Lambert slip into the squad with no real competition for places with Sturridge being injured. Due to this vacancy Saido Berahino has been rewarded for his performances and deserves his spot. With an incredible seven goals in ten games, it’s impossible to ignore the twenty one year old.

Overall, I am impressed with Hodgson’s selection as long as he has the intention of playing some of the new players he has called into the squad, rather than just leaving them on the bench and relying on players with minimal game time this season like Walcott and Carrick. With this squad, I don’t think we should have a problem beating Slovenia or Scotland and for that matter qualifying shouldn’t be too difficult. I’m really excited to see if Downing will start either game and how he slots into the national side. With Harry Kane’s Europa league heroics, some will be disappointed not to see him in the squad over an under performing Lambert. In years to come I think Kane would make a great addition but he isn’t yet starting premier league games and I feel its probably best for his development if he’s nurtured in the under 21’s a little longer. English players are exciting me again, I just wish Roy would really attack a team, rather than sit back when were confident our team is stronger than the oppositions. A win against Scotland would definitely keep a huge smile on my face and will hopefully be a very convincing performance and hopefully the same against Slovenia.

Birmingham 2-1 Watford: Match Report

Gary Rowett's home debut promised to be an exciting one and it sure did deliver.

After Clayton Donaldson fired the ball home, helped by deflection, Blues took the lead after 80 seconds. 

It didn't take long for Watford to hit the blue boys back and in the 7th minute Forestieri leveled up the scoring with his second attempt from a Lloyd Doyley cross.

The boys in royal blue were not done just yet and Clayton Donaldson managed to nod one home from close range after a wonderful ball in from David Cotteril, meeting Clayton's head and then the net. 

Donaldson's 85th minute header knocked Watford off of the top spot but failed to lift Birmingham City out of the relegation zone. 

I must admit, I was one of the first to criticise Clayton Donaldson's lack of goals, penetration and general talent but tonight he proved his worth. Not only did Donaldson give Birmingham the win with his brace, he also held the ball up and won long balls extremely well all night.

Lets not be too rash and proclaim Rowett to be the greatest manager in history, however, he deserves a lot of praise. What a wonderful change it's been so far. Players are working harder, team line-ups are effective and make sense and above all we won a game. The style of play was far more attractive and we really tried play out from the back, rather than hitting it long up field. 

Wolves away 0-0 and a home win against Watford, what a start for Gary Rowett. Long may it continue