Instrumental week at Blues to turn Zola’s fortunes round

Well, well, well, what a week this has been for Birmingham City. Three new signings through the door. Nearly £5 million spent. What a time to be alive Blues fans.

As much as the excitement around the club is finally starting to creep back in, this week could prove to be a turning point in his stay here at St.Andrews for Gianfranco Zola.

It is quite clear that the targets he identified were quickly brought in because they are going to improve the squad and let’s face it, I think we can already see that they are of a better ilk than some of the players we already have.

Lukas Jutkiewicz is now somebody we know all about and when he signed in the summer it is fair to say that there was plenty taken back by the decision to bring him in, but oh how things have changed.

Nine goals later and the big striker is a firm fan favourite and I fully expect him to continue to grow under the guidance of Zola and his coaching staff. Here’s hoping he break the 10 goal barrier this weekend against Blackburn Rovers.

Then last week Zola brought Craig Gardner home in what was the second piece of classy business that the club had done in the transfer window.

Brought in on an initial loan with a view to permanent deal, Zola knew the experience and passion that Gardner would bring and I think everyone, including myself and maybe even the players, are looking forward to seeing how Gardner pulls the midfield forward.

Then, this week Blues and Zola have really stepped up their game as the Italian goes in search of a more expansive style of play and of course, his first win as Birmingham City manager.

On Wednesday evening, Zola brought in yet another experience player from the Premier League when he signed Emilio Nsue from Middlesbrough for £1 million, which is expected to rise to £2 million with add-ons.

The reason behind bringing Nsue in was because Jonathan Spector is expected to head back to America very soon. Nsue has plenty of experience and it is great to have another attacking full back in the squad.

When Thursday came round, Blues announced another signing. This time round it was 20-year-old left back Cheick Keita who arrived on a three-and-a-half year deal from Serie B side Virtus Entella.

The former Monaco academy star has been brought in to offer Jonathan Grounds some much needed competition at left back and Zola seems confident enough that he could even go straight into the side against Rovers on Saturday.

Then, earlier today, Blues announced that they had signed Besiktas winger Kerim Frei, who used to play for fellow Championship side Fulham.

Zola has described him as a player who can create a chance out of nothing and someone who has plenty of pace, something that Blues have really been missing in recent weeks.

Signed for around £2.2 million, Frei could prove to be a bargain and at 23, Blues have brought themselves a player who still has years to grow and that is really positive to see.

Blues and Zola will be hoping that this week is the week where their fortunes start to turn around and if they can bring in another striker and another centre back then I believe we will have a squad that is ready to compete for a play-off spot.