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Callum Reilly and Will Packwood leave on loan
Young pair Callum Reilly and Will Packwood have left Birmingham City loan to Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town respectively. Both are out on loan until the last game of the season with a recall clause in place once 28 days of their loan spell has elapsed.
Reilly has fallen down the pecking order of late with the loan signing of Robert Tesche, and once Stephen Gleeson returns from suspension would be unlikely to make the bench barring injuries in the remaining ten games. He’s looked rusty when he has come on – Middlesbrough at home being a case in point – and I suspect Rowett has loaned the Warrington-born midfielder out with an eye to him playing week in, week out and building his confidence back up.
Will Packwood is a similar situation; only one brief appearance for Blues this season and one game on loan at Colchester United means the young American defender is desperately short of competitive match practice. While he has played some u21 football I think he really needs league game time and it appears he’s not fancied at the moment to come in for Blues.
Both players are out of contract at the end of the season and I wonder if these moves are a prelude to both leaving the club once the campaign finishes. As much as I like to see young Blues players come through both have seen their progress stall and I think it’s important for both of them to put themselves in the shop window as it were; either to impress Rowett into giving them a new deal or failing that getting a contract elsewhere. It is easier for either of them to impress if they are playing league football – and knowing Rowett and Darren Robinson they will ensure both are watched frequently to see how they get on.
I don’t expect Blues to bring in any players to replace them; while there might be room for one more player in the squad with not much to play for I wouldn’t have thought we’d sign a player now unless a) we were looking to bring them in at the end of the season or b) we’re suckered by injuries and suspensions and literally have no one to play in a position. Indeed, I wouldn’t be surprised to maybe see another departure on loan – someone like Matt Green now he is in full training could do with playing somewhere or maybe another young gun on a youth loan to help their education as their scholarship comes to a close.
Tags: Callum Reilly, Will Packwood
9 Responses to “Callum Reilly and Will Packwood leave on loan”
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In my opinion, I think the likes of Reilly, Packwood and Hancox may be coming to the end of their Birmingham City careers. As much as I’d have loved to see a team built around those, I just can’t see them ever making the grade here now. It’s sad, but I’d rather see them make a career elsewhere, than stagnate here in the stiffs.
James Fry and Reece Webb have been told that their contracts will not be extended at the end of the season.
Rowett has some decisions to make regarding the retained list for next season and he has my full confidence that he will make the right ones.
I agree. The sad thing is that all 3 players had the potential to become very good players. I think they could still come good…but don’t think it will be at Blues.
It’s all part of GR’s general plan to improve the team that LC left him gradually without any money to spend until the club changes hands. Hope the club keep GR as I feel it would be a bad move to replace someone with his qualities as a manager. I feel confident that better things are to come. KRO
Callum has been given the opportunity to prove himself to GR and has failed to take the opportunity, am somewhat perplexed that Packwood who in my opinion has significant talents has not been afforded the same opportunities. A player cannot prove himself on the training field.
Trust Gary
Real gems coming through are Adams and Brown. These with Gray make for exciting times ahead. However, a really Essential signing must be an older head around GR. As good as Gary is, he is young and someone like a Warnock or a Gary Johnson by his side would ensure a real push next season. Play off teams always get through with that extra bit of know how craft.
I would not be a fan of bringing in an ‘older head’ alongside or above GR, particularly if this was against his wishes. In those situations it can be a case of ‘too many cooks spoiling the broth’!
I agree. Clark was surrounded by older heads but it didn’t/doesn’t seem to be doing him any good. Give me young, enthusiastic ex-Blues players who are willing to assist but follow GR every time.