Opinion: Which positions Gary Rowett needs to strengthen

It’s summer and that only means one thing; Birmingham City fans are eagerly refreshing their twitter page to see if we have splashed out on a silky new signing that would hopefully allow us to pinch a play-off spot come what May. But despite all the speculation about players coming in and leaving, which positions need strengthening the most?

The departure of Denny Johnstone for me has really put the cat amongst the pigeons. I have seen him play a good few times whilst he has been out on loan and I must say, I saw a lot of potential and a raw talent in the lad. However, clearly the club did not see such ability and have decided to let him go to Colchester United on a permanent deal. By agreeing to this deal, it has left us a bit light up top.

Donaldson is a recognised striker but will need resting throughout the year so we cannot rely on having just one striker all the time. I also prefer a 2 up front which maybe Fabbrini could do but with Toral leaving back to his parent club Arsenal, I would prefer Fab to occupy that number 10 role. So who does that leave? Brock-Madsen. Despite being fairly talented, he is nowhere near ready to step up to being the main striker and he doesn’t play the game in a way that would allow him to flourish with a one up top format that Rowett prefers. Therefore we definitely need a striker.

I’ve heard the likes of James Wilson’s name being banded around and I have seen him play at united both live and on TV for their academy and he is unstoppable at times. His range of shooting and movement is by far classier than most players at that level and he really stood out for me as a one to watch for the future. Now his time has come and I think he would partner Donaldson really well. He has the pace which Donaldson lacks and his movement could also attract defenders leaving Clayton free in the box to bury headers away. A good signing.

Chuba Akpom would also be a good addition. The loan man last season for Hull looked lively and despite looking a bit inexperienced sometimes, he could give us the energy that sometimes we lack in attack.

So where else do I think we should spend our money? It has to be on the wings. Last season when Cotterill injured himself, the level of crossing into the box dropped significantly. With Gray also departing, it left a massive gap in the team that Viv and Maghoma tried to fill but we need more players in order to keep going at the end of the season. Too often we drop off our play off push at the end and this is due to poor squad rotation.

Left back also needs strength for me because I feel Grounds can get tired easily and can sometimes be a little bit lacklustre at getting forward. Manchester United’s Cameron Borthwick-Jackson would be a priority for me as Luke Shaw’s injury return will free up CBJ for a loan move.