Mid-season Assessment

In July, I was asked what I would class as a good season for Birmingham City. I replied ‘anything from 12th upwards`. So, in that respect, it has been a pretty decent first half of the campaign for Blues.

Yes, it has been frustrating at times with some of our old habits creeping back in. Losing three home games from four against struggling sides was a damp squib. The Lee Clark style home hoodoo was back in force.

Luckily Blues seem to have come out the other side after two consecutive 1-0 home victories, leaving them in ninth place after 24 games, four points off the play off`s.

The early stages of the season were fantastic. Blues rose to second after a hard-fought win at Bolton. But of course, with form comes expectation as Bluenoses started to dream again. But Blues were never going to remain in the heady heights of this division.

A squad that is so thin on the ground is always at risk of self-implosion at times especially after a few injuries to key players. But as Gary Rowett keeps reminding us, the aim is to ‘have something to play for with five or six games left`.

Blues go into the New Year looking to maintain some kind of play-off place. The January transfer window is vital if the club are serious about the play-off push which even the most ardent Blues fan never expected.

Rowett and his backroom team are doing a magnificent job, but it`s easy to forget, at the age of 41, the Blues boss is still learning the management game himself. He won`t get everything right.

With a few shrewd additions and keeping key players fit, you just never know.

HALF SEASON AWARDS:

Players of the season:

1) Stephen Gleeson

The central midfielder is an unsung hero for Blues. He is the heartbeat of the team and keeps the ball moving. His style of play means he will often have ‘quieter` games, but Blues miss him massively when he doesn`t play.

2) Michael Morrison

The commanding centre back is the first name on Rowett`s team sheet. To put it simply, when he plays, Blues are a more solid unit. Morrison has been outstanding at the back for Blues. A real leader.

Signings of the season:-

1) Jacques Maghoma

Competition in wide areas was a must and Maghoma signed as back-up to the first team. However, his impressive displays have made it hard for Rowett to leave him out. Sheffield Wednesday`s loss is our gain.

2) Jon Toral

On loan from Arsenal, the Spaniard gives Blues a silky edge. Often, he can be anonymous before bursting into life. His vision is superb and without him, Blues lose a lot of their creativity.

Matches of the season:

1) Fulham away (November 7th)

Simply put, Blues were outstanding at Craven Cottage. Goals from Gleeeson, Caddis, Toral, Donaldson and Solomon-Otabor gave Blues the 5-2 win in front of 4,000 travelling Bluenoses.

2) MK Dons away (August 29th)

Gleeson and Maghoma scored as Blues triumphed at Stadium MK. It was the near perfect away display in front of 4,500 Blues fans.

@robwildey123