Gary Rowett has said he wants a good performance to warrant the bumper crowd that is expected at St Andrews this afternoon.
“I think we have got a great responsibility as a team to always try to give the fans something to warrant their extra numbers turning up – that`s obviously what we will try and do.
There are plenty of managers that might stick to their plan of rotation despite a full house. I think it is a very shroud move to be bringing in a lot of the usual team in front of a full house.
A good performance, or their best shot at one, is essential with so many fans coming to the game. For many it will be their first time back in a long time and we want them to stay.
“The enthusiasm the fans have shown has been brilliant and that is a great testament to the players.
“They are the ones putting the performances in and giving that extra bit of heart and desire on a Saturday.
“I said to the players when I first came here ‘If you give the Birmingham fans that, they will give you everything they have back`. And I believe that.
He’s right, and he would know, having played for Birmingham City from 1998-2000. Some of the frustration under Lee Clark was the utter hopelessness being portrayed by the players.
I’m not for a second putting that all on the players, but when they were giving up it has such a negative effect on the connection between the fans and the product on the pitch.
“I am not trying to speak on the fans behalf but the fact they have supported the team and turned up in numbers is [because] they are hoping to come and see something to warm the cockles.
“It`s been a good start for us and we have to have the desire to keep showing that. If you get 28-29,000 and don`t show that is probably worse than playing in a smaller crowd.
“There is a real responsibility on the players to keep it going – but at the moment they have shown they are capable of doing that.
Exactly the point I made the other day. The players have shown they are capable of keeping the club at the level of results for some time to come. Bouncing back from defeats quickly has not been an issue.
“The key for me is to be very similar to how you always are, certainly the players will know the occasion.
“When they walk out to a massive crowd playing against local rivals I don`t think they will need me to tell them how important the game is.”
Each player will know what is expected of them today, and with Rowett they have the confidence to do just that. A good game on the cards, we hope.
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