If you think back to June 2011, Birmingham City faced an extremely certain future; manager gone, players departing and Carson Yeung arrested for money laundering. The future looked bleak, that’s if there was a future, and the impending doom surrounding St. Andrew’s was hard to take. So at the start of the season, with Chris Hughton at the helm and an army of bosman free transfers at his disposal, most were expecting a top half finish, if that.
No one could have predicted just how incredible the 2011/2012 journey would be; indeed we knew we would have the excitement of a European Tour, but even the most optimistic amongst us couldn’t have imagined such an adventure. Qualifying for the group stages with an emphatic win, two away wins, a memorable night in Brugge, coming back to draw 2-2 in the reverse fixture at St. Andrew’s, and giving last year’s finalists Braga a run for their money in their own back yard. It culminated in Blues finishing just short, although acquiring a respectable tally of ten points which any other year would have seen them progress.
It was then time to turn to the league, where a swift rise up the table saw Blues finish in fourth place. A 6-0 demolishing of Milwall, an FA Cup run which saw Blues hold Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and take Sheffield United apart by four well-crafted goals, as well as fantastic end of season run in which saw multiple important away wins, and ended in a 2-0 win over champions Reading. Those were just a handful of highlights from a season where there was next to nothing to complain about. We came out of each game smiling; we supported the manager throughout; we were able to see young talent like Nathan Redmond flourish; we saw plenty of goals and attacking football, and as a result got a deserved play-off place.
But after a mammoth 60 games, their 61st and indeed their 62nd seemed one step too far. It could be labeled typical Blues that in our two most important games of the season we forgot to turn up. Yet we can most definitely call the last thirty minutes of last night’s encounter typical Blues; not giving up until the last and just when we thought they were down and out, they came back fighting like they always do with some thunderous support from the fans to drive them on. But credit to Blackpool who deserved their victory, and were the team who deserved it over the two legs.
The devastation on the players’ faces at full time was plain to see; they wanted it just as much as we did. Player of the season Chris Burke applauded the fans in floods of tears, whilst the ardent supporters applauded their team non-stop, singing loud and proud to salute what has been a fantastic season that no one could have imagined would be this good. The one thing this team, manager and all his staff have done this season, without fail, is make us proud of supporting them. Last night should not been seen as a setback, but a missed opportunity that will be there for us again next season if we work just as hard to achieve it. Players will depart, and so may the manager, but the club will always be there. A club I am – and always will be – proud to support.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Half Time: Blackpool 1-0 Blues
Just like it’s hard to be negative after witnessing some of our brilliant performances this season, it’s hard to be positive when you’ve seen something so lacklustre in one of our most important games so far this season.
But I’m going to try and be positive.
You can’t escape the fact that we were poor last night, but take nothing away from Blackpool who deserved their victory and could of – should of rather – scored two or three more. And that’s one of the positives we can take into the second leg; Blackpool only have a slender one goal lead, which manager Ian Holloway has commented upon stating that he hopes they don’t rue the day they missed their chances.
So Blues can count themselves lucky it was only one. In truth, we never really got started. Jordon Mutch had a terrible game, Guirane N’Daw stood stock still in the middle of the park for most of the game, only moving to put in half-hearted tackles, and Peter Ramage is the only player to come out the game with some credit, especially for his terrific block early in the second half to deny Blackpool their second goal of the game, which looked to be going in until Ramage flung himself in front of the ball.
Our midfield was missing. Completely. Chris Burke never really got on the ball, so the lone striker Marlon King didn’t get the service he had been hoping for – yet whenever he did, he failed to stay onside, and the one time he beat the trap he managed to hit the post when it seemed easier to score. Tom Ince, man of the match and deservedly so, ran us ragged all game; and his deflected goal, although extremely cruel, was nothing more than he, and the rest of his team, deserved throughout the ninety minutes.
The overriding positive I suppose is that we cannot play any worse than we did last night in the second leg. Surely it is impossible and the fact that Blackpool only have a one nil lead – despite having the ball in the back of the net another three or four times – is a huge advantage for Blues and shows just how important being at home in the second leg may prove.
We all know what can happen when St. Andrew’s is packed and everyone get behind the team. If 2,000 fans can create that kind of noise last night, what can St. Andrew’s create on Wednesday? Let’s make another memorable atmosphere and another memorable night. Think the late victory over Villa in the Carling Cup; think Nacional in the Europa League; think the second leg against West Ham last season, where we needed one goal to get back on level terms.
It’s only half time…
But I’m going to try and be positive.
You can’t escape the fact that we were poor last night, but take nothing away from Blackpool who deserved their victory and could of – should of rather – scored two or three more. And that’s one of the positives we can take into the second leg; Blackpool only have a slender one goal lead, which manager Ian Holloway has commented upon stating that he hopes they don’t rue the day they missed their chances.
So Blues can count themselves lucky it was only one. In truth, we never really got started. Jordon Mutch had a terrible game, Guirane N’Daw stood stock still in the middle of the park for most of the game, only moving to put in half-hearted tackles, and Peter Ramage is the only player to come out the game with some credit, especially for his terrific block early in the second half to deny Blackpool their second goal of the game, which looked to be going in until Ramage flung himself in front of the ball.
Our midfield was missing. Completely. Chris Burke never really got on the ball, so the lone striker Marlon King didn’t get the service he had been hoping for – yet whenever he did, he failed to stay onside, and the one time he beat the trap he managed to hit the post when it seemed easier to score. Tom Ince, man of the match and deservedly so, ran us ragged all game; and his deflected goal, although extremely cruel, was nothing more than he, and the rest of his team, deserved throughout the ninety minutes.
The overriding positive I suppose is that we cannot play any worse than we did last night in the second leg. Surely it is impossible and the fact that Blackpool only have a one nil lead – despite having the ball in the back of the net another three or four times – is a huge advantage for Blues and shows just how important being at home in the second leg may prove.
We all know what can happen when St. Andrew’s is packed and everyone get behind the team. If 2,000 fans can create that kind of noise last night, what can St. Andrew’s create on Wednesday? Let’s make another memorable atmosphere and another memorable night. Think the late victory over Villa in the Carling Cup; think Nacional in the Europa League; think the second leg against West Ham last season, where we needed one goal to get back on level terms.
It’s only half time…
Monday, 30 April 2012
We're So Happy Following The Blues
A fantastic end to the season with a victory over Championship Champions Reading on Saturday was made even better by results elsewhere going our way, meaning Birmingham City finished fourth in the league and have the major advantage of playing at home in the second leg. Goals from Adam Rooney and Wade Elliott sealed a well-deserved three points that just saw Blues finish above Blackpool, their opponents for the two-legged play-off semi-final, in what has been an incredible season that isn’t over just yet.
A strong crowd of over 25,000 turned out to see the Blues march on to victory, helped by a following of 4,000 Reading fans who bought just as many inflatables to celebrate their return to the Premier League after a four year absence. But it was Blues who were the ones celebrating when man of the match Nathan Redmond put on a delightful performance and helped to set up the first goal, sliding the ball into Rooney’s path who scored after just five minutes of being on the pitch, after replacing Nikola Zigic who limped off with an injury. A well-earned lead for the side who stayed on top for most of the first half.
The away side almost got themselves back into it in the second half when Pablo Ibanez climbed over Alex Pearce and a penalty was awarded. But confident Colin Doyle smartly saved Ian Harte’s penalty; not the first time this season the Ireland born shot-stopper has stepped up to the mark and saved Blues.
Blues were then awarded with their own penalty just ten minutes later for a blatant hand ball. After some discussion Wade Elliott grabbed the ball and took the spot kick, sealing victory for Blues with just fifteen minutes left to play. Another penalty was than awarded but this time Elliott couldn’t get the better of Adam Federici, just before the full time whistle was blown.
As Reading players and fans celebrated what has been a mammoth season for them, Blues were also in the party mood after news came through of a 2-2 draw at The Den, meaning they had finished 4th in the league.
With off the field issues and a cloud of financial uncertainty over the club since last summer, the team has done remarkably well to pull off a fantastic season all round. From the group stages of the Europa League, to a marvelous FA Cup run – most notably drawing at Stamford Bridge – as well as a steady league run where they peaked at just the right time to finish in the play-off places, Chris Hughton deserves all the plaudits he gets for getting everyone to pull together in the right direction.
On a shoe string budget – and that’s seriously shoe string; the only money spend was on transfer deadline day for Ibanez and Elliott – Hughton and his staff have managed to exceeded expectations and put together a team oozing with attacking finesse and astute defending. In fact, it was our goal difference which helped us mathematically seal the play-offs against Brighton last week: when was the last time our goal difference helped us do anything positive?
It has been a thoroughly enjoyable season for all; I can’t think of a season where there’s been next to nothing to moan or complain about, and that’s solely due to the wonderful football we are watching and the committed players who are doing everything to try and get this club back in the Premier League. I have no idea where the club will be this time next month but you can bet all the money you have that they will fight for promotion, like they have been doing all season, to the very last. Starting with an away trip to Bloomfield Road on Friday, where earlier on in the season Blues managed a 2-2 draw with a late Nikola Zigic goal earning his side a deserved point.
A strong crowd of over 25,000 turned out to see the Blues march on to victory, helped by a following of 4,000 Reading fans who bought just as many inflatables to celebrate their return to the Premier League after a four year absence. But it was Blues who were the ones celebrating when man of the match Nathan Redmond put on a delightful performance and helped to set up the first goal, sliding the ball into Rooney’s path who scored after just five minutes of being on the pitch, after replacing Nikola Zigic who limped off with an injury. A well-earned lead for the side who stayed on top for most of the first half.
The away side almost got themselves back into it in the second half when Pablo Ibanez climbed over Alex Pearce and a penalty was awarded. But confident Colin Doyle smartly saved Ian Harte’s penalty; not the first time this season the Ireland born shot-stopper has stepped up to the mark and saved Blues.
Blues were then awarded with their own penalty just ten minutes later for a blatant hand ball. After some discussion Wade Elliott grabbed the ball and took the spot kick, sealing victory for Blues with just fifteen minutes left to play. Another penalty was than awarded but this time Elliott couldn’t get the better of Adam Federici, just before the full time whistle was blown.
As Reading players and fans celebrated what has been a mammoth season for them, Blues were also in the party mood after news came through of a 2-2 draw at The Den, meaning they had finished 4th in the league.
With off the field issues and a cloud of financial uncertainty over the club since last summer, the team has done remarkably well to pull off a fantastic season all round. From the group stages of the Europa League, to a marvelous FA Cup run – most notably drawing at Stamford Bridge – as well as a steady league run where they peaked at just the right time to finish in the play-off places, Chris Hughton deserves all the plaudits he gets for getting everyone to pull together in the right direction.
On a shoe string budget – and that’s seriously shoe string; the only money spend was on transfer deadline day for Ibanez and Elliott – Hughton and his staff have managed to exceeded expectations and put together a team oozing with attacking finesse and astute defending. In fact, it was our goal difference which helped us mathematically seal the play-offs against Brighton last week: when was the last time our goal difference helped us do anything positive?
It has been a thoroughly enjoyable season for all; I can’t think of a season where there’s been next to nothing to moan or complain about, and that’s solely due to the wonderful football we are watching and the committed players who are doing everything to try and get this club back in the Premier League. I have no idea where the club will be this time next month but you can bet all the money you have that they will fight for promotion, like they have been doing all season, to the very last. Starting with an away trip to Bloomfield Road on Friday, where earlier on in the season Blues managed a 2-2 draw with a late Nikola Zigic goal earning his side a deserved point.
The play-offs are the cruelest way to lose but the best way to get promoted; so let’s take a chance and see if we can have another memorable date at Wembley.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Success On The South Coast
Saturday saw Chris Hughton’s team surpass expectations set at the start of the season when they finally secured a play-off place with a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. They almost collected all three points but a late equaliser for the home side meant Blues went back to The Midlands with just the solitary point, but still smiling as they finally booked their place in the end of season lottery that is the play-offs.
But in the 83rd minute after some serious pressure on Colin Doyle’s goal, Brighton finally got the goal they had been searching for when Ashley Barnes fired home from close range to put a slight dent Blues’ hopes of finishing fourth. Nevertheless, a point was enough to seal a play-off place with just one game of the season remaining against the Championship Champions Reading.
After drawing mid-week the home side had blown their chances of getting into the play-offs and therefore the game was more important to Blues, who ideally needed at least a point. In a game that lacked clinical finishing and some questionable refereeing decisions, it was Brighton who just about edged the ninety minutes, but it was Blues who took the lead. Minutes after Andros Townsend came close with a shot that flashed across goal and went just wide of the post, substitute Nathan Redmond managed to find the back of the net, firing a shot past Peter Brezovan to put his side on course to victory with just twenty minutes remaining.
Blackpool also secured a place in the play-offs with an emphatic 4-0 win against Burnley, leaving them fourth place and just one point ahead of Blues, and a tough away fixture at Milwall left to play. Cardiff’s 1-1 draw with Leeds leaves them one point behind Blues and in fifth place, in need of a result against Crystal Palace at the weekend who may be looking to avenge the Carling Cup semi-finals when Cardiff defeated them. After Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Southampton they are left with an outsider’s chance of getting into the play-offs; needing to better Cardiff’s result to finish in the top six.
Blues can’t rest on their laurels as they now play for positions in the play-offs; bettering Blackpool’s result will mean they take fourth spot and have the advantage of being at home in the second leg. However we all know Reading will prove tough to beat, and will want to finish their incredible season on a high before leaving for their Premier League adventure, which Blues will hope to be part of.
Image: BCFC.com
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
So Close But Yet So Far
Two points in two games have left Birmingham City agonizingly close to confirming a top six finish, with just two games to go away to Brighton and at home to Reading in the last game of the season. Blues were given a scare at the weekend in a game where a win would have seen them all but seal a play-off place.
In the battle of the BCFCs it was relegation threatened Bristol who took the lead with Stephen Pearson beating Colin Doyle, in goal after Boaz Myhill picked up an injury in the warm up. Bristol doubled their advantage soon after, this time Jon Stead scoring a peach of a goal to give the visitors an almighty boost in their quest for survival, and to send shockwaves throughout the Birmingham side reminding them that in this league, no game is easy.
Just before half time Marlon King halved the deficit, thanks to a deflection, and Blues went in at the break with work still to do. The second half saw Blues finally get the equaliser they had been searching for; defender Peter Ramage and player of the season contender Chris Burke worked together on the right hand side before Burke sent a low ball into the box which Nikola Zigic, just yards out, duly slotted home.
Blues only have themselves to blame for letting vital points slip at an all-important home fixture, in which miss placed passes were unfortunately all too common throughout the ninety minutes, culminating in Blues being the masters of their own downfall.
Tonight’s midweek fixtures presented Blues with another opportunity to cement their play-off place but a lacklustre start from the away side meant that it was a very nervous forty-five minutes, especially with the news that Cardiff were 1-0 ahead and, as it stood, on level points with Blues.
Ipswich caused problems for the Blues back line and Colin Doyle had to be called upon several times to prevent the tractor boys from taking the lead. Blues were then hit with another injury blow, with Captain Steven Caldwell having to go off with ten minutes left of the first half.
Just before half time Blues took the lead against the run of play, with a goal that was equally well constructed as it was well taken, with that man Chris Burke finishing a move that saw Peter Ramage, Marlon King and Andros Townsend all involved. It was a perfect time to score a goal.
Blues began the second half with impetus, looking bright on the counter attack with Ipswich, mid table and with nothing to play for, not as committed to the cause as their opponents. But Ipswich pressed on to enjoy heavy spells of the game, with Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas causing countless problems and keeping Doyle on his toes.
And the latter equalised for his side with 75 minutes on the clock, sending his low effort past Doyle and piling pressure on Blues who up until that point were fifteen minutes away from sealing a place in the play-offs.
The game continued to be an end of end affair, with Blues coming agonizingly close late on with Zigic’s shot being cleared off the line. Ipswich piled on the pressure but the away side held on, all but confirming a play-off place after tonight’s result, but wins for Cardiff and Blackpool mean Blues are clinging onto fourth place by a single point.
In the battle of the BCFCs it was relegation threatened Bristol who took the lead with Stephen Pearson beating Colin Doyle, in goal after Boaz Myhill picked up an injury in the warm up. Bristol doubled their advantage soon after, this time Jon Stead scoring a peach of a goal to give the visitors an almighty boost in their quest for survival, and to send shockwaves throughout the Birmingham side reminding them that in this league, no game is easy.
Just before half time Marlon King halved the deficit, thanks to a deflection, and Blues went in at the break with work still to do. The second half saw Blues finally get the equaliser they had been searching for; defender Peter Ramage and player of the season contender Chris Burke worked together on the right hand side before Burke sent a low ball into the box which Nikola Zigic, just yards out, duly slotted home.
Blues only have themselves to blame for letting vital points slip at an all-important home fixture, in which miss placed passes were unfortunately all too common throughout the ninety minutes, culminating in Blues being the masters of their own downfall.
Tonight’s midweek fixtures presented Blues with another opportunity to cement their play-off place but a lacklustre start from the away side meant that it was a very nervous forty-five minutes, especially with the news that Cardiff were 1-0 ahead and, as it stood, on level points with Blues.
Ipswich caused problems for the Blues back line and Colin Doyle had to be called upon several times to prevent the tractor boys from taking the lead. Blues were then hit with another injury blow, with Captain Steven Caldwell having to go off with ten minutes left of the first half.
Just before half time Blues took the lead against the run of play, with a goal that was equally well constructed as it was well taken, with that man Chris Burke finishing a move that saw Peter Ramage, Marlon King and Andros Townsend all involved. It was a perfect time to score a goal.
Blues began the second half with impetus, looking bright on the counter attack with Ipswich, mid table and with nothing to play for, not as committed to the cause as their opponents. But Ipswich pressed on to enjoy heavy spells of the game, with Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas causing countless problems and keeping Doyle on his toes.
And the latter equalised for his side with 75 minutes on the clock, sending his low effort past Doyle and piling pressure on Blues who up until that point were fifteen minutes away from sealing a place in the play-offs.
The game continued to be an end of end affair, with Blues coming agonizingly close late on with Zigic’s shot being cleared off the line. Ipswich piled on the pressure but the away side held on, all but confirming a play-off place after tonight’s result, but wins for Cardiff and Blackpool mean Blues are clinging onto fourth place by a single point.
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