Blues Showing Bottle
When the final whistle blew against Bristol City on Tuesday night, securing a hat-trick of wins, the amazing turnaround in the life of a Blues supporter was never more evident. From goal drought despair to ‘life has never been better’ just about sums it up.
Credit in bucket loads has to be given to Lee Bowyer and his squad for turning things around, particularly against rising injuries which necessitated trusting replacement players to become versatile on the pitch wherever Bowyer wanted them to play. Add to that being successful and grasping the opportunity is all any fan can ask.
My immediate thought after the three-nil victory was simply that my team, with all its recent frustrations in front of goal, was at the very least showing bottle.
Next up Reading on Saturday. It will be another huge test, especially with the ever-increasing injuries that Bowyer has to contend with. However, if we can get through this game unbeaten, then the two-week international break will be warmly greeted.
Major talking point here must be on what help LB needs in the January window? There is no doubt he needs new recruits, and I feel sure he will get them. But what positions are the priority? Two midfielders are my choice, with capabilities of holding on to possession. Sunjic, Gardner and Woods are what any Championship side needs in terms of aggression and battling qualities, but a little craft is needed should this run continue leading up to the New Year. Thereafter anything can happen should a top six position become a real possibility for us.
‘Dare we dream’ is a phrase often trotted out when results go favourably, and rightly so. This perhaps is now not so far-fetched, as a quick glance at the league table will point out that touching distance for a much sort after play-off place is within reach. Two quality additions may well be all that’s needed in the upcoming transfer window.
Mitchell Bray
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Tomorrow will be a big test with all the injuries. Bowyer can motivate and with the likes of George Friend and Troy on the pitch then we can continue the run. Undefeated will do me.Further two weeks will be welcome rest for the players. Did like the look of young James and McGrees continual impact.
Dare to dream then maybe.Survival and mid table is still surely first priority.
Three wins in a week is a big ask of any team, so victory today is by no means guaranteed. But the momentum Blues have picked up of late just might make the difference.
It’s unfortunate key players are missing, not least Graham who I thought was excellent on Tuesday night, but Reading are ravaged by injuries too so I guess that helps to level things up.
I left St Andrew’s after the Bristol match very encouraged by what I had seen. A really solid performance against opponents that were difficult for the first hour or so. Many things left me feeling hopeful that a brighter future is indeed on the way…team shape, discipline, togetherness, determination, good individual performances across the team… but what really stood out was the leadership and influence shown by Troy Deeney. Yes he had a good game in his own right, but he also spent so much time off the ball encouraging his teammates on an individual basis. The more I see and hear from Troy, the more impressed I am.
Whatever the outcome today, there is no doubt in my mind that we are in a much better place now than when LB first walked through the door back in March.
Still wouldn’t say no to another 3 points this afternoon though. Here’s hoping…..
KRO