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Are Birmingham City Still Interested in Nathan Thomas?

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It seems as though Jamie Vardy’s rise to fame has added a new dimension to football scouting. Nowadays many scouts are looking at non-league clubs and clubs in lower divisions to see if they can capture potential world beaters. Cohen has been the main one in this transfer window as he signed for Arsenal. But league one and two clubs are also getting thorough inspections to see if clubs in higher divisions can unearth gems. Often players in lower leagues weren’t looked at but now it is very common to see Championship scouts watching.

Despite having a groin injury earlier in the season, Nathan Thomas has been high on many clubs wanted lists. Charlton, Wigan, Wolves and QPR all said to have showed an interest in the Hartlepool man as well as Birmingham City. At just shy of a million pounds, it is a hefty fee to pay for such an unproven player but it seems as though he is hot property with many clubs looking at him from November looking towards this transfer window. (Source: http://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/10640966/hartlepools-nathan-thomas-attracting-transfer-interest)

At this current time, I think that we need a centre half, a striker and a winger still. Yes, it is a lot to ask and I doubt that we will achieve this. But Zola has brought in wingbacks which suits his style of play better so it will be a slow change but with Spector almost certainly packing his bags, we need centre back to be priority. However, a winger would be nice. Stewart hasn’t impressed me as of late with some lack lustre performances from the bench and Cotterill has been inconsistent. Viv clearly isn’t favoured as being ready to secure a first team place so that does leave a gap especially with Maghoma being away.

But is Thomas the right man to fill that gap? At 22 years of age he is still learning his trade. He isn’t the type of player that you would bring in and instantly see a world class player. He needs time to develop and he would need to be brought into the squad gently so as a quick fix, I don’t think so. But as a player for the future then I think we should take the risk. Considering he does play out wide he has a very high goal scoring record which is something that Cotterill has lost from his game this season.

As a left footer, he also can occupy that left wing role but also come onto the right hand side in order to cut in field. With his tender years he doesn’t have any fear. He loves to run at defenders and everything he does is positive even if it doesn’t quite come off. Nothing deters him and he just bounces back and tries to take them on again. It really is wonderful to watch and if we need a replacement for Gray, we may have found it.

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