Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - An Independent Voice
Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - An Independent Voice
Same Again Please
After finally ending our goal scoring drought against Swansea last Saturday, our next match against Middlesbrough must surely carry this simple message – same again please. Winning at last brought joy and new belief to supporters, and those who I have seen are still smiling. We don’t ask much, but when we do get happy our smiles are as wide as the River Thames.
Troy Deeney came good and giving him the captaincy proved a shrewd move by Lee Bowyer, although consistency still needs to be achieved. As far as the squad is concerned, I still hold serious doubts, particularly the midfield and its best pairing. Strike force, likewise, especially with the continually mis-firing Hogan. However, this is probably not the time to start pondering who is best suited to start a game. Bowyer has his squad and he knows its limitations and its strengths.
Against Middlesbrough he really needs to think hard as to his approach to this game, with Warnock usually being their twelfth man barking from the dugout. No doubt Bowyer will even this up with his own vocal retorts. My guess is safety first with a solid back four and four midfielders, which wouldn’t surprise me to see the return of Woods to basically toughen things up. Middlesbrough have their defensive injuries, so Bowyer may opt for a front foot attacking lineup, but I feel the cautious approach will be the option he goes for.
After a fairly drab October with paltry points on the board, a point or even three would certainly lift the whole club and us supporters come the final whistle on Saturday. Building on from Huddersfield and Swansea is important for the better atmosphere around B9, as we experienced very low confidence after the Forest debacle. At times it was bordering on despair, questioning everyone and everything including the wisdom of the manager. Newly appointed captain has helped and generally approved of by most, but the proof of the pudding will be whether mid table and beyond is achieved in November.
Mitchell Bray
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6 Comments
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You’re right about consistency Mitchell. Talking of which, we currently find ourselves in exactly the same position as last year, albeit with a slightly worse goal difference. 14 games, 16 points.
I think the game on Saturday and the eight that follow up until Christmas will largely define our season. Having already played the top three (and probably the stand out sides in the division) we should look forward to the next 9 games with confidence. If we are serious about making progress then we should certainly not fear what is coming up.
Nothing is easy in the Championship of course, but our next batch of opponents are all beatable. After the improved and encouraging performance against Swansea, I hope we have a right good go against them all.
It was nice to enjoy that winning feeling last Saturday night. As you say, more of the same please!
KRO
There’s absolutely no doubt the performance, especially the second half and subsequent result against Swansea gave all us Bluenoses a massive lift. Football for me has always been about confidence and application.
I hope we arrive at the Riverside full of it. For sure be aware of an opponent’s capabilities, but let them worry more about us. Lee Bowyer has proved even with a limited squad he can get the lads buzzing.
I feel for Scott Hogan, yes he should be putting more of his chances away, but at least he’s getting into the positions to get those opportunities. If we can come away with something, we then have a run of very winnable games, with the potential to go on a mini run up the table. Two or three wins or defeats can lift you or drag you down as we have seen. I much prefer the feeling of winning. KRO
Banking on Bowyer keeping them on top alert. No let up, no easing up, and nobody letting the team down with any daft moments. Sure if Hogan can grab a winner all the better but keep the point we have so far got.
We have everything going for us – a let down will be a disaster. A litmus test for Bowyer. KRO.
Agree Walter. Warnock loves a battle and we as BCFC suit his nature. That’s why it wouldn’t surprise me to see Dean return for this one.Not for any other reason but for the purpose of toughness. As you say a zero points return would be a real let down.
Great result today against Middlesbrough. Bowyer was asked to keep us tight and tough plus a goal opportunity should it arise. Hey presto we got our wishes. Joy and smiles marching on!