Yesterday’s limp defeat to Stoke City again highlighted the abysmal form that is perilously edging Birmingham City closer to the bottom three.
We all know the history of the last three seasons and of the struggles that the club has faced, but this time around, it feels totally different. Before lockdown, the squad was erratic at best with poor results mixed in – with the occasional decent win. After lockdown, we simply have capitulated without any self-belief and, at times, desire.
Having let a few players leave like Maghoma and Mrabti, coupled with David Davis somewhere outside B9, our hierarchy has again weakened an already threadbare squad. What astounded most Bluenoses yesterday was the astonishing decision to play three central defenders at the back – a recipe for disaster proven by the Zola doomed experiment.
Who thought up this crazy rehashed plan? Was it Gardner or was it Spooner or was it our chief tactical guru Ren.
My first reaction on hearing this pre-match formation immediately hinted defeat before the ball was kicked. Surely somebody somewhere at St.Andrews must have a modicum of sense to point out the obvious.
What is worrying is the blistering attack on his playing colleagues by Harlee Dean. Yes, you could be fooled into thinking this is a good thing and needs saying, but my opinion is so different. This player, who has been fairly poor for some time, needs a reality check, and papering over his own failings by using such outbursts about his fellow players is not on.
This also emphasises in my view the complete disregard for the current management of Spooner and Gardner. No doubt Dean will be off in a few games time so perhaps it doesn’t bother him.
All of this unnecessary frantic searching for an elusive win, or even a couple of draws, has really highlighted the problems of our current squad. Should we survive the drop in a week’s time and that may be helped by Wigan, then there is a quick turnaround before the new season starts.
This thought is worrying to state the obvious, especially with the current management and players.
What surely must be avoided is the ending of this season and the start of next being fodder to most opponents. At Blues we are used to the doldrums and the bewildering actions of owners who appear to have been on Kamikaze courses, but today as we stand, there appears little to generate optimism for the future.
Sadly my personal thought is that should we actually drop through the trap door in a week’s time, it might start up a new era with new owners. Wolves have been there like Leicester City – so maybe it could be the answer.
A new regime and a phone call to Kenny Jackett is probably the best way forward.