Blues News

The M.I.D.D.L.E.S.B.R.O.U.G.H of Birmingham City

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MIDDLESBROUGH – Boro will be backed by 4,900 fans at St. Andrew`s for their last away game of the season. Sitting level on points with Burnley and Brighton (who Boro play on the final day) it has the party atmosphere feel about it for the Teesiders. Let`s hope Blues can spoil the party in front of their biggest crowd this term.

INSIDE – Don`t believe all of the ‘inside` rumours this summer. Last pre-season was awash with speculation, a lot of it pure fabrication.

DERBY – Villa`s relegation has finally been confirmed meaning we can all look forward to two second-city derbies in the Championship next season.

DAVE ROBINSON – Former Blues defender Dave Robinson sadly passed away earlier this week aged 68. He was a great servant to the club making 112 appearances between 1966-1973. RIP and Keep Right On, Dave.

LOANS – Blues have relied heavily on the loan window in recent seasons. This season, Jon Toral has made a massive impact and Ryan Shotton is starting to put across a strong case for a permanent move. The loan transfer system remains key for clubs like Blues and I`d hate to see it scrapped.

ENTRANCE – Blues players walk out to the instrumental version of ‘Feel It` from The Tamperer. Is it time to change this? Maybe the original version of Harry Lauder`s ‘Keep Right On`?

SHOTTON – The on-loan Derby defender has impressed in recent games playing in central defence. Has he done enough to earn a permanent move? Is he the permanent solution to Blues` problems at centre half?

BLOCK FOUR – Newly formed supporter group Tilton Alliance will congregate in block four of Tilton Road for the first time tonight. Their aim is to improve the atmosphere at St. Andrew`s. I sit in block three and will be fully behind them (literally and vociferously).

ROWETT – The Blues manager has led the club through a season of transition and certainly one of progression. Hopefully, he will stay at least another year and oversee the next stage of the project

OPTIONS – It wasn`t that long ago that Blues fans would argue amongst themselves as to who should start, Callum Reilly or Olly Lee. Until recently, our record signing for six years (Diego Fabbrini) was sitting on the bench while loanee and player of the season Jon Toral was strutting his stuff. Will Buckley, on loan from a top flight club, cannot get a start. The squad has been gradually improved and will do again in the summer.

UP – Despite falling well short of a play-off place, Blues are now a club looking up rather than over their shoulder. Having not been outside of the top ten all season so far, there`s no doubt progression has been made.

GLEESON – Blues` Irish midfielder Stephen Gleeson has had a pretty decent season but recently looks as if he has an empty tank. His performances haven`t been as sparky and creative of late and he looks like a player who needs the season to end.

HOLE – The ‘number ten` role has been a key part of Blues` system this season. Jon Toral has virtually made it his own. However, it`s highly unlikely Blues will be able to re-sign the Spaniard for a second season. Diego Fabbrini was signed with an eye on next season as Blues fought off stiff competition for his signature. Next season, the stage should be his.

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