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Positivity Sunday
Four points from six, an unbeaten start to the season – not to mention new players settling in and making their mark. It’s got to be said, there is a lot to be positive about right now.
I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t quite sure just how quickly Blues would get off the mark but as always, Gary Rowett has delivered. Just as it was last year, in the main we have a team that is organised, knows its roles and that has linked up well. While there have been a few silly errors, right now things bode well for a good season at St Andrew’s.
One of the main reasons I think the team is progressing is that for the first time in the last four or five years the main spine of the team is remaining consistent. Instead of having to bring in half a team again this summer Rowett is in the happy position of having a nucleus of a squad that is easily good enough for this division and is happy to stay at the club – and in absolute fairness to Lee Clark, it should be pointed out that quite a few of those players are players he brought into the club last summer.
I’m also pleased Blues have got away from the days of loaning in six or seven players to bulk out a squad. Loans aren’t inherently bad – Blues certainly benefitted from the impetus that Robert Tesche and Diego Fabbrini brought in last year – but I prefer the kinds of loan where Blues actually have the opportunity to keep the player at the end of it; something I suspect might be true in the case of Jon Toral.
If Blues as a club can continue to attract younger players with potential that can grow with the club it’s only going to work out well for it – and as much as I’ve criticised Rowett myself for taking an age to sign players I can’t fault his success rate with the players he has brought in. I will admit that I probably need to be a bit more patient and trust a bit more in the management team.
It’s a shame that the Brentford game on Tuesday has been postponed but given the injury to Andreas Bjelland caused by the pitch which will keep him out for the season it is probably the right thing to do. Blues can ill afford injuries like that with the size of the squad we have and while momentum is with us I think it’s in our best interests as a club to accede to the request.
Those fans who have been left out of pocket due to the postponement should keep an eye out for an announcement on Monday as to how to get travel costs refunded – I think the Blues Collective deserve massive kudos for organising this with Brentford FC.
What that means is back to back TV games for Blues and hopefully another good performance for us against a team that were pre-season favourites to be in the mix at the top end. I have to admit, I’m just a little excited for my return to St Andrew’s on Friday.
Tags: Gary Rowett, Positivity
60 Responses to “Positivity Sunday”
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GR has proven that even with limited resources it is possible to get results when the team is properly organised. Just imagine what could be achieved if we had a little money to bring in slightly better quality players. I can dream!
I was impressed with our new midfield and Donaldson though he needs help up front ASAP but apart from Morrison our defence is a shambles awful they were just hoofing the ball anywhere and hoping for the best and we were terrible in the air none of our players can jump for some reason Gary Rowett needs to get a central defender in with Morrison because Spector is a total liability at the back.
We led twice at Burnley and deserved our draw at minimum , the defence needs looking at and we all know that but we defend as a team and I think that to keep slagging of the defence after a very encouraging performance is a bit harsh if not negative IMO ! Kro
Our defence is not a ‘shambles’, however I do agree we need at least one more, maybe two more CBs.
The thought of Robinson/Spector as a CB partnerships scares me.
As I said on my last post Tony were up against one of the favourites for the title never mind promotion and for 45 mins we had the quality players and they did not and they’ve got shed loads of premiership parachute money so money isent the answer though I do agree we would be well up there with a couple of multi million pound players on top of what we now have but ime feeling positive like Dan and we’re looking a good team and dare I say it we might just have a lucky manager from the first two games of this league season , I bloody hope so!! Kro
A few more like Kieftenbeld will do for me…and if Toral continues to score goals like in his first 2 games it will prove that we must trust GR in his judgements. We have been promised 2 more signings in the near future and if they are anything like the above 2 I think there will be more joys than sorrows this year!
Here, Here ! Kro
Hear! Hear!
Ear!Ear!
Although I am pleased with a point I think we need a centre half alongside Morrison who can bully forwards too many times yesterday Spector was bullied which caused him to foul there forwards which creates its own pressure I must also mention the goalkeeper I have no doubt he is a good shot stopper but coming for crosses and not getting there could cost us this season overall I’m pleased with our start but I hope gr can get another centre half and there is no doubt we will have a good season kro
with Edgar and Novac, on possible season long loans, Plus Duffy and Johnson alsof the wage bill temporarily, One hopes that the wages saved will aid Gary Rowett, in his quest to bring in those necessary couple of extra bodies to aid our cause within the next few weeks, ??.
He will ! Kro
I have to say that I was very impressed with the first half yesterday, we looked solid and very good going forward. The Arsenal loaned,Donaldson and Gray look as if they will cause chaos in the opposition defences and not of course forgetting Cotterell.
That 4 will case chaos trust me ! Kro
Cause, sorry. Kro
Was impressed yesterday with the whole team 2 things that I could see needs to be worked on more was and don’t shoot me down it was what I felt was shocking. Our keeper missed almost every corner that came in why he punches I don’t know. And although this is harsh caddis balls up the wing never worked at all. But tbf the team look solid enough. Dan do you feel Davis will be used more in an attacking role this season? He was advanced when he came on?
I like your spelling of the Brentford player Daniel haha, kro
We all know grey has got what it takes but yesterday he was awful he hardly ever uses his pace to get anywhere it seems to me at times he thinks he only has to turn up for games he was well disappointing he needs to be consistent with his play not every now and then.
This is why I have to keep going back to the Wolves at home match to recollect a Gray decent performance. Give me a Devlin any day.
Although he shows flashes here and there he tends to look a bit directionless at times. This is what you’ll get with teenage prospects-no consistency. Give him time and that will come.
I know few would agree, but I have to say, I don’t think Gray merits his automatic place in the team. He may, like Redmond, get better with age and experience, but at the moment, I just don’t see what end product he brings to the team. Yes, he has pace, yes he has a trick or one… but he uses neither to good effect. Pace only scares defenders if you go past them and leave them on their ar$es..
Second most tackles in the team and most in the league for a wide player, that combined with the threat he carries on the counter. I think I’ll trust Rowetts selection choice.
That will come with experience don’t you think ? Kro
I admit that I do have a problem with Gray. I just cannot accept the fact that he is inexperienced. He trains,he has played for a couple of seasons but still no football brain. Redmond was different. He read the game and rapidly improved with each game. Gray I feel will only get better with top Premier coaches. Sad I know, but I would love to have egg on my face, but as I see it we do not have a constant match winner on the pitch..just the occasional glimpse of talent and speed.
Although I have said on here grey has not been as impressive this year this owes to the fact he is doing much more defensively. However I could not disagree more about Redmond. He was frustrating as hell for hughton and showed no end product. He seemed to go backwards for a time.
It was interesting to hear the commentator on Sky yesterday reveal the statistic that The Blues had the worst record in the Division for possession of the ball. The game against Burnley highlighted that fact and is surely something that Gary Rowett needs to deal with in order to make the team a real prospect for promotion.
I disagree. Look at the points we have gained, possession isn’t everything. We play on the counter ergo possession isn’t as important.
Almajir, you say that possession is not important and that we play on the counter.
The point I am making is that we often appear to lose control when trying to come out of defence, which only leads to more counter attacks from the opposition and keeps us under too much self imposed pressure.
We then tackle recklessly and concede free kicks which is just what happened at Burnley.
The commentary also commended us on the way we came out with the ball & worked it out from the back. Something they also pointed out Burnley were shocking at so we don’t always lose it. It will be something we work on a lot obviously & now we’re getting the right personnel in there that area of our game is improving each game.
Dan, Tatts confirmed there’s no end of season buying clause in Toral’s contract, as Arsenal apparently have plans for him.
I think toral is out of contract at the end of the season.
Things are certainly looking good , blues are beginning to look more than good ,
Things are going well. Kieftenbeld and Toral are playing awesome, linking up well with the players around them – things are looking up!
Keep right on!
Are Lowry and Cole still being described as ‘triallists’. Both appear to have impressed GR’ and come with good reports. He does seem to get the best out of fringe players and in the absence of big money for Premiership loanees, this might be the best way to go.
No. Both of their trials finished a while back. I doubt very much we will sign either.
Fabrini who?
2-2 away at Burnley, I would have bitten your hand off before the start for that result, we’ve had large slices of luck in both our opening games, but I’ll take that happily, results breed confidence, and we’re more than due some good luck for a change.
I don’t think Spector is the answer at Centre-Back, nor ever will be, let’s hope GR has someone up his sleeve.
Birmingham need a natural left back, Grounds needs to go inside at centre back for me but I am sure Gary Rowett knows what he is doing but the defence certainly needs strengthening.
Not sure I agree on that one to be honest. Grounds was at fault for Burnley’s first goal. His positioning at times leaves a lot to be desired & awareness isn’t always his strong point. He can do less damage where he is now. I doubt he would be any more consistent than Spector. Sky Commentators picked up on the problem with Spector, he doesn’t need to win every ball at the first attempt. Let the forward have the ball then time the tackle. As they pointed out he is that eager to try to win the ball in situations where he is never going to win it so he ends up fouling the man. Spector isn’t a bad player, he was named man of the match in the first game. He just needs a good run in the team without injury & he & Morrison will strike up a partnership & I’m sure GR will work with him on his errors. The only times our defence looked shaky against Burnley was from situations that we caused ourselves. That’s something we do have to work on.
Wow,you worked that one out all yourself , majestic . Kro
I expect the team get ever better gradually, when the right players become available to GR and I look forward to a season without the worry of ending up in Division 1. I expect to see new owners before it’s over who will surely keep GR if they have any sense. This has been a long saga we’ve been through but as the Wolves motto say’s “out of darkness cometh light”. Also look forward to seeing Steve Bruce again with his Hull City. I never blamed him for leaving. Keep Right On.
Neither do any of us .. Strueth !!
Need some clarity on why Brentford turned down Blues offer to play next Tuesday’s game at St.Andrews. From what I understand is that the Football League were informed of Brentfords pitch last Monday. Surely it makes sense to play the game and the reverse fixture away. Also, why give Brentford the prerogative to choose whether or not to play on Tuesday. Again, weak Football authorities I suppose.
Blues offered to play the game at St Andrews? Pray tell, where did you hear that? I’ve not seen that reported anywhere…
I’d be surprised if the FL authorized a fixture switch given there is a lot more than their say so involved for example policing, not to mention where Brentford’s local rivals might be playing that day too, whenever the return is. Personally I’m more than happy it’s postponed given that we play Friday. Three games against opposition who you would expect to be there or there abouts come May in just 6 days would be a tough ask.
Yes Dave, very clever I am!
Here’s a conundrum for you Dan. Why does a person in Hong Kong have a website registered .co.uk?
http://www.shoot.co.uk/west-brom-chase-birmingham-starlet/?
For the same reason I have websites registered in various other countries – for the TLD. If the website is to serve that country, it makes sense. To be honest, it means nothing.
I would like blues to have a look at getting anichebe on loan, I know wages may well be an issue, but presently he is 5th choice striker, he would live locally too…. Would fit the bill perfectly for us.
My contact via Al Jazeera. However will check it out again Daniel.
I believe your contact is mistaken.
game of two halves so maybe a draw was a fair reflection…..blues did some nice football during the game…..but we still lack that killer instinct to finish teams off…….maybe the derby game will give us more insight to how far we are improving or not……….
I don’t think there’s any reason not to believe that we’re improving mark , we played better football than a premiership team from last season and though we’re leaking goals were also scoring them from sources other than Donaldson so that’s a plus … With Toral, Gray & cotterill in tow I think that four is as good as anything in this league , ok we need a centre half and another striker of the dons quality but get them in and from what I’ve saw so far we can push top half if not have a shot at the playoffs but as you say Friday nights game at home to Derby will show us if that’s possible but why not ?? Look at Burnley & Bournemouth as examples ! .. We’re unbeaten in 6 games in league & cup so let’s keep it going and start giving the critics something to worry about. Kro
dave agree mate, Danny Ings was sorely missed by them, and maybe a better team with him…i know one player dont make a team…..I thought blues acquitted themselves very well…..of course we take 4 points…. At the moment all teams are trying to find their feet…..noted alone in the premiership some very funny results on day one of the premier league.
Demarai Gray’s first performances this season have been disappointing.
Rowett has a dilemma, does he keep him in the team hoping for improvement? Or does he rest him and use him as an impact sub?
I am also worried that Kuszczak is not being given a fair crack of the whip by some supporters.
A minority of fans are seizing on any slight mistake to have a go at him. This can only affect his confidence and be deterimental to the team.
I agree about TK.
Joe Hart, Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill needed 10 games to settle in at Blues. All 3 of them left us as much better keepers. I have faith in Kuszczak being a brilliant signing – Confidence is key for goalkeepers, possibly more than any other position on the pitch.
Exactly Trevor, he’s played two competitive games in the championship and saved a penalty in his first game and as an assist from his second game ..not bad to be honest so let’s give the guy a break and see how he gets on with regular games .. It’s a fans mentality to look for flaws in your players but we should also look at there strengths as well. Kro
dave it called fickle fans lol
I think Kuszczak is doing ok so far. He’s only played two competitive games behind his new defence. I can’t think of a single keeper who doesn’t have a cock-up in them. Over the season, I think he’ll save us more points than he gives away.
I agree Richard that Gray as been a disappointment so far but until this window closes I don’t think we’re see the best of him but let’s hope he light up St Andrews Friday night and show us what he’s about … Kuszczak as been getting some stick from some fans on here but he had a good first half at Burnley and you can’t really blame him for there two goals .. He will get better with games as will Dimmi so let’s hold fire on them both and give them a chance because if they improve with the signings of two more players I think we’re supprise a lot of people including us supporters . Kro
What has shouted out in the short space of two games is that Toral and Keiftenbeld are the ‘fixtures’ on the team sheet. Two weeks ago we were debating different players for these positions- but not now. This is a great relief not only to GR but to us fans. Great credit therefore to GR. This leaves the front strike force which realistically concerns the wing play. Gray and Cotterill will get the nod as we know but I do feel the time has come to have a plan B. This would adding strike partner to Don. and sacrificing a wide man. Serious play off teams need forwards scoring such as last season (Richie) and (Deeney) and of course (Jerome). No secret to all this, but foundations are there -it just needs a little bravado by GR to change it during the course of the game. Getting that jem of a striker along Don. Is the hard bit.