“I don`t want it to be Gianfranco Zola vs Gary Rowett, it`s Birmingham City vs Derby County”. Zola was always going to be asked questions about his predecessor and, in truth, he handled his media duties admirably yesterday afternoon.
While the return of Rowett has dominated the column inches, it`s easy to forget that there is a Championship clash on the horizon. Blues could desperately do with the win to propel them towards safety so while the Bluenoses in the terraces will undoubtedly laud their former manager, it`s imperative that they also back the team.
A win today would go a long way in ensuring the end of season run-in is as comfortable as it can be. Getting over the safety line must be a priority, anything else can take place over the summer months.
The Derby game has been billed as a ‘must win` and I`ve heard on the grapevine that the powers that be have communicated that fact to Zola – which may explain his decision to rest so many players for Tuesday`s visit to Brighton. It would come as no surprise to see the likes of David Davis and Lukas Jutkiewicz return to the starting eleven. Frankly, resting players for a clash against Brighton was a no-lose scenario – it was seemingly a game Blues were destined to lose 99 times out of 100. So, today, in front of the home faithful, Zola will play what he believes is his best team (assuming he knows his best team) and hope to get safety as good as confirmed.
Give Rowett the ovation he deserves, give him his 20 seconds of appreciation, then back the boys in blue. There`s a game to be won.
As always, Keep Right On!
Share this article
Related Articles
