Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - An Independent Voice
Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - An Independent Voice
Striker Action
Not much appears wrong with the team’s recent displays that a fresh new face for one position in particular wouldn’t solve. Easy to see and say but, nevertheless, a major issue that cannot be underestimated. Quite obviously, the position that needs addressing is that of an additional genuine striker.
It was almost inevitable that, sooner or later, we would find ourselves without the rejuvenated Scott Hogan. And so it proved on Saturday when a hamstring strain picked up in training the day before ruled him out of the match against Blackpool. We knew it would happen and, basically, the club has ridden its luck by keeping him injury free so far this season
The upcoming January transfer window provides an opportunity to solve this striker shortfall, assuming the club has the desire and resources to do so of course and particularly if we want to progress up the table.
This Friday evening presents another chance to pick up more league points, this time against Reading at St. Andrew’s. It’s a completely different scenario to that of our last home game against Sunderland in my view. Win, and the pressure is on for an exciting challenge for a successful second half of the season. A tasty prospect for our hierarchy to smell that something good just might be on the horizon, and therefore adding spice for a striker investment. Anything other than a win might deflate the balloon though, and dropping down the table could, in my opinion, deter the urgency to strengthen such a vital position in the squad.
This current Championship is not clever, lacking both consistency and quality. But that presents a real opportunity in itself with an open invitation for any team to push for a not-so-difficult fourth, fifth or sixth position. Surely this is the season for a smash and grab? Preston look to have twigged it along with Millwall, Blackburn and Reading.
Recent seasons have seen us stuck in uncomfortable positions in the league by Christmas, and this may still happen depending on the outcome of the game on Friday. Unlike the Sunderland game this is the one that matters for tempting some serious on-field investment. Keeping quality younger players at this club has never been more important either, and particularly so after watching one of our own parade World Cup skills so majestically for England. Surely premature departures can only be halted if the club is competing regularly for end of season honours?
Strikers can certainly make the difference, with their goals getting us into the shake up. We all know the need, and no doubt John Eustace has plans for such an addition. Finances dictate, but positions of strength also carry clout, particularly from a winning situation that hopefully will come courtesy of Reading.
Finally, a touch of emotional pride. On my local shopping trips to Stourbridge town centre I can now enjoy a wonderful mural in Market Street of Jude Bellingham wearing the three lions shirt. Worth taking a look.
Mitchell Bray
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We have not replaced Che Adams it is as simple as that and we continue to search for a answer.Judging by reports the Strikers we have out on loan ie Cosgrove,Simmonds etc are not exactly pulling up trees at their Loan Clubs so the search goes on.I can understand the task of the job to find one because if you go for a lower league Striker it’s really a game of chance but l think that is probably the best way to go.There are a few good Strikers about in Leagues One and Two so take a chance but just put them on a short contract to prove themselves.Also we need our midfielders to contribute more goals as the current rate is not good enough,Bacuna is a enigma,Hall just don’t get the minutes and Chong needs to sharpen up.Hannibal and Bielik are the glue that sticks the side together so not expecting many goals from them so the rest need to step up.
It is an on going problem with many clubs. We don’t appear to have any young guns in the striker dept. which is a bit baffling as I am sure the club does have ‘possibles’ that could make it. Cannot remember the last striker to come through the ranks.
I would like to see George Hall given a run as a second striker for us. He’s normally deployed out wide but I think it is within his capability to develop into a striker.
This could tide us over until Hogan recovers but will also give Hall valuable extra time on the pitch.
Just a thought, but obviously it’s up to the gaffer, who will know Hall’s strengths and weaknesses better than any of us!
KRO
Completely agree that the need for a new striker…or two…is a clear priority right now. Not just to address the immediate problem of Scott Hogan’s absence, although from comments made by John Eustace yesterday it seems the injury is not severe. But also to plan for the future, particularly with our current key forwards all aged 30 or above.
I would like to see the club look for young talent in the lower leagues and give them a chance. It’s a risk of course, but then so are most transfers. But 10 years ago Leicester City took a chance on a certain Jamie Vardy who was 25 at the time and plying his trade with Fleetwood Town. I think most people would agree that that worked out pretty well for all concerned!
Delighted naturally with this Reading victory. Have to say however the decision to put James and Bellingham on for the last 15 minutes nearly sunk us. JE will learn from this I hope. James in particular is not yet Championship material.
A good point Mitchell, but we got away with it and the younger players got some more game time. Nice to look forward to the festivities now with another win behind us. And more points on the board than at the same stage last year so reasons to be cheerful I think.
Merry Christmas to you, Blues Trust members and Blues supporters everywhere!