Opinion: Should We Mix Things Up?

I must start off this article by congratulating Gary Rowett. What he has done for the club is clear for all to see and the way in which he manages is both positive and inspiring for players and fans alike.

Coming out of the Clark era, a pessimism was building around our great club and it seemed as though a relegation battle may occur year upon year. Despite the Reebok triumph being exciting, I wanted us to challenge for promotion. Something under Clark which I was certain wouldn’t be a possibility.

Now, we are all going into the games expecting some points. Whether it be against Burnley or Bristol City, I have noticed that fans predictions are very optimistic. This is a good sign. But it also means that we are easier to play against.

Why? Because when you have a winning formula, you don’t want to change it. When you don’t change a style of play, then you become predictable and even if a Plan B is implemented, it won’t be as successful as the tried and tested plan A.

In my opinion, we shouldn’t be able to guess the team other than the back 4 and ‘keeper. The defence should remain consistent because they need that level of understanding with each other that is only gained through experience. But the other players should be a mystery to us all.

I have guessed the last 3 line-ups and only got it wrong with one player. This shouldn’t be the case. Why don’t we play Gray just behind Donaldson? Why don’t we play both Toral and Shinnie in the same game? Why don’t we play Donaldson and Maghoma together up front?

If we mix up personnel and formations, then the other team will be caught off guard and won’t have sufficient knowledge in order to fully cope with a changed Birmingham City side. Scouts go to every game and if we continue to play the same way, then clubs will learn how to deal with us and it won’t be as easy to pick up points.

Having said this, I am a great admirer of the passing football we are trying to achieve and I am not saying in any way that I am against the current style. But sometimes I wish that we had something else to make the opposition adjust. We need to take the initiative.