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Opinion: Will One Win Boost The Team?

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When Gary Rowett was sacked, it wasn’t just the fans that it appeared to be a shock too. Many of the Birmingham City players such as Clayton Donaldson took to Twitter to express their shock over what was happening. It seems as though the transition to a new manager almost caused a divide on the pitch like it did off of the pitch. Some were really going for it and thought of it as a new era whereas others were affected more by a changing style of play. Having not won in the previous 10 games, it was the 1-0 victory over inconsistent Fulham that granted Zola his first win. Will this boost the team?

I had a fan say to me the other day that this victory will make the team complacent. I couldn’t disagree more. The reaction to the goal says everything that needs to be said. Craig Gardner throwing the corner flag into the fans whilst players celebrated behind will always be an iconic moment and certainly a turning point in the season for me. There seemed to be a sense of unity on the pitch which has been missing under Zola but it seems like every player played that game as though it was their last. Jonathan Grounds has been slated by some for his role at left back but the way he played as a centre half, surely no one can criticise. In an unfamiliar position he stepped up and did a superb job. This summed up the display by everyone.

I don’t want to jinx it but I do believe that this victory is massive. Partially because it was against Fulham who are not at the bottom of the league by any means so to beat them was an achievement given that we failed to beat the likes of Blackburn Rovers just a couple of weeks previously. But also because it will give the squad confidence. When you’re in a slump, it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself and all the pride goes. But now we have got one win, it’s almost like a weight is lifted off of the players shoulders and they can now go and play freely rather than panicking that they have to win a game through pure desperation.

The new signings are also beginning to embed their way into the set up and Zola’s way of playing is becoming more and more prominent. I’m not going to say that I love everything that he has done because I simply do not. But what I will say is that it will take time and yes, I want results as well as attractive football but surely when the players adapt and get used to the system then results will come especially if everyone plays for each other. It’s that team spirit which we saw at the weekend that will help pick this season up.

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