Fabb Deal Represents Progress

It`s not often that Blues sign a silky Italian. And it`s even less often that Blues shell out one-and-a-half million quid for a player. But you can stop pinching yourself now, Diego Fabbrini is a Blues player.

Twelve months ago, it`s fair to say that Birmingham City did not have the proverbial pot to pee in. But thanks to Panos Pavlakis, the receivers (Ernst & Young) and the staff at St. Andrew`s, the club are slowly getting back on the straight and narrow.

Just a few years ago, then manager Lee Clark was desperate for defensive cover but had no funds to work with. So, Paul Robinson joined the club initially on a week-by-week deal earning less than £500 a week.

Today, Fabbrini has become Blues` most expensive signing since the club paid £3.5m to Aston Villa for Curtis Davies half-a-decade ago. Progress. From rags to slightly better rags.

Of course, cashing in on Demarai Gray helped. But I am sure todays transfer softens the blow? a big Dimmy Gray shaped hole has been filled.

Make no mistake about it, todays transfer activity represents the enormous strides the club has made off the pitch. Not everything is fine and dandy, the club still have a long way to go financially, but the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter as the weeks pass.

Whilst we are all drooling in anticipation over Diego`s ‘second debut`, Pavlakis and staff deserve huge praise.

Fabbrini wasn`t the only piece of transfer business conducted today though. Andy Shinnie has completed his expected loan move to Rotherham – which may have escaped attention amongst all the excitement.

Blues cannot recall the Scotsman from his loan spell which lasts until the seasons end. Whether Shinnie pulls on the royal blue jersey again remains to be seen. But, at least temporarily, I thank him for his effort and wish him good luck at the New York Stadium.

@robwildey123