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Keep or Let Go? 7 Birmingham Players With Question Marks Over Their Futures

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With Garry Monk looking to reshape his squad this summer, there are likely to be a number of outgoings as well as incomings in the next couple of months.

I have run the rule over seven names who have been linked with leaving St Andrews and whether we should look to keep them or sell them on:

David Stockdale

It has been widely reported that the 32-year-old has been told that he is surplus to requirements. Although he wasn’t always at his best last season, he is still a good Championship player, but his wages are likely what’s influenced our decision to sell up.

I wouldn’t let him go before we have identified a good enough replacement. We don’t want to start next season with a keeper in place who’s worse than what we already have.

Tomasz Kuszczak

Like Stockdale, the Polish stopper has been told he can leave. Earlier this week, the 36-year-old confirmed the news to media back in his homeland. The veteran has probably had his time, and if we can get a reasonable fee for him, it would allow us not only to reduce our wage bill but also to give a chance to our a younger goalkeepers to stake their claim to become second choice.

Jonathan Grounds

A solid full-back, but reports suggest he will be allowed to leave. In my opinion, it would be a good move for the club as long as we can recruit a younger player, who is just as good.

Kristian Pedersen does look to fit the bill, but with his signing dragging on a bit, we may have to keep hold of Grounds for a while longer yet. We also need a good fee for a player who only signed a new deal in January.

Marc Roberts

One of the biggest disappointments of last season, the £3.5m signing from Barnsley did not live up to expectations with the defence shipping 68 goals.

If we get a decent offer for the 27-year-old, I would be tempted to cut our losses. He could prove me wrong though and have a much improved second season under the guise of Garry Monk.

Cheikh N’Doye

His old club Angers are reportedly weighing up an offer for the 32-year-old. Although he has won many fans over with his character a work ethic, he didn’t provide much in the way of quality in midfield.

With the amount of holding midfielders we have in the squad as well, I can see him being allowed to leave.

Craig Gardner

The midfielders return to St Andrews on a permanent basis just hasn’t worked out. Considering the wages he is likely to be taking home every week, reports suggesting that he’ll be sold don’t come as a surprise.

Monk is likely to want a fresher, younger midfield next season, and despite the wealth of experience the 31-year-old offers, I don’t see him having a future with us.

Che Adams

Rumours have circulated that Stoke City could make a move for our no.14. Although he didn’t set the world alight with his performances last season, he was very much part of the manager’s first team plans in the last two months of the campaign.

Personally, I can’t see him going unless we get a ridiculous bid for him that is too good to turn down.

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