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Capitalising on Success
Blues continued their fine run of form yesterday, beating Queens Park Rangers 2-1 thanks to a header from Paul Robinson and a Paul Caddis penalty. The result leaves them level on points with 2nd place on 21, and as the second highest goalscorers in the Championship with 18 – only QPR with 19 have more.
It’s hard not to get hyped up by the continuing run of good results. I can’t comment on the game as I was limited to listening to it via the official Blues website – but the result speaks volumes of where Blues are going as a team. I think this man sums up my feelings best.
The excellence of Gary Rowett is testing my atheism #RowettIsGod #bcfc
— George King (@georgeking) October 17, 2015
The one thing I really do admire about Rowett is he is still just concentrating on one game at a time – not getting carried away by thinking of how many points could be needed to secure playoff contention – or dare I say it an automatic spot.
However, I hope that kind of foresight is present in the boardrooms at St Andrew’s and in Hong Kong. Birmingham City could be in the best position to secure their return to the top flight since the days of Chris Hughton.
I’m not saying that I think Blues should go for broke – in honesty, I’m not even sure if Gary Rowett wants to bring in more players. However, I think there are a few things that could happen – obstacles that need to be overcome by various staff within the club – to turn this season from one of potential to one of success.
Firstly, I think Panos Pavlakis needs to find a way to ensure Rowett has financial backing if he needs it. If this means going to HK to beg for it – so be it – but I’m sure someone of the background of Paul Suen Cho Hung (the guy behind Trillion Trophy Asia) will understand that this could be a good opportunity to make an asset worth a whole lot more – and that it might be a good time to provide just a little bit more investment to try to achieve that.
I don’t think it has to be multi-millions; just money in the pot to cover eventualities like injuries and to ensure that Blues aren’t hamstrung when the going gets tough would be a start. Of course, that money could already be there – and the way the club have been talking it is. However, I’m working on the assumption that a bit more money wouldn’t go amiss.
Secondly, I think the issue for Rowett and his staff isn’t finding who to bring in – but how to ensure that anyone who comes in doesn’t unbalance the amazing harmony in the squad right now. I have a lot of faith that Rowett can bring in the right additions if needed – Maikel Kieftenbeld is one brilliant recent example of how a small amount of money outlaid can improve the squad. I know the temptation might be there to think “the squad is fine” but I sincerely hope that should (God forbid) some bad injury befall one of our key players Blues can move quickly enough to cover it.
The third thing is the most important – and the most difficult. That task falls to Colin Tattum in his role as head of communications – the job of communicating to us Blues fans in a way that reassures even the most jaded and cynical among us that the money is there, the plans are there and that Blues will do their utmost to capitalise on the great play on the pitch. I agree we shouldn’t get too hyped up – but if there was a time to bring more fans back it’s now – and if Blues fans feel that this is “our year”, then I think attendances can easily broach 20k and upwards.
I must stress, I’m feeling positive. I really do think that this is a great time as a Blues fan and I’m almost convinced this could be our year. All I want is to know that even if we don’t make it, we gave it our best shot from all angles.
Tags: Colin Tattum, Gary Rowett, Panos Pavlakis
32 Responses to “Capitalising on Success”
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Joys and sorrows too..
We obviously do not have one of the best squads in the division, far from it. So the planning and organisation of the management team must be exceptional. I have supported the blues for a very long time and I now believe that we have potentially the best management team in my memory. Match days are now a pleasure and attendance is not just out of habit.
I disagree, they’re out the prem yesterday and besides a deflected goal we contained them easily and were well worthy winners, blues play as a unit better than most sides in that division
Agree Lee. What i would give for some of their players in this division.
I have always thought that at times we have had great players, good teams but have never really had the great manager/management to take us and keep us at the top level. Now I think we have. If GR gets the money for that final push then we could be on the way to great things. I would hate to lose him and his team due to lack of ambition by the board. It would be far more than just a shame!
There are only 3 teams better than us at the moment
I’m just happy enjoying the ride, if there’s no money so be it, we go into every game at the moment thinking we can win it, no cotteril yesterday but we more than coped, there are times when spending money could be detrimental, I think this is one of them, not only have you got to find players to slot in but you also start putting noses out of joint when fringe players that are doing a job fall back in the pecking order, was great to see Solomon come on and get game time yesterday, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
No matter if Gary does it that way or not: I am certainly going to watch this on a match-to-match-basis till the end of January at least.
I’ll admit that I am not secretly checking how far away we are from relegation as I did last season, because I believe a midtable-finish is the likeliest of outcomes, but I simply refuse to even think of the p-word.
I am not trying to be negative, just cautious.
The difference between yesterday & our last home game was as soon as we went a goal down the blues players seemed to find another gear & took the game to QPR. Although we were the better team for the majority of the game, it was still a game that could of gone either way. Maghoma deserved his m.o.m as he worked really hard after a bit of a shakey start, but in all honesty, they all played a part.
I think the big worry for a lot of fans is if Donaldson gets injured, we don’t really have anyone to replace him, I know we brought in Brock-Madsen but i’m not sure he’s in the same mould as CD, although to be honest I haven’t seen enough of him. Looking forward to Bolton on tues & hopefully keep up our great away form with another 3 points.
I am as delighted as most people are with the unbelievable job Gary AND his back room staff are doing right now, but we must be realistic at this point in time as so many things that we need are going for us right now. Like Dan says there will/may come a time when for example the weather changes and pitches start getting heavy and the likes of Robo (as fantastic as he has been) will need to come out the team as its almost insane to expect/rely on a 37 year old to last a full season at the standard he is setting right now, wont happen. So regardless of booking/suspensions and injury’s we really should strike imo while the iron is hot and not wait till things suddenly look a bit dodgy and bring in a decent centre half just because we know Robo won`t go the distance and we can`t expect him to. Gary imo would not even be playing him now if he really thought Spector was decent enough to do a better job than a 37 year old. So if we/Panos/bihl use their noodles and strengthen from a position of strength in just that one position alone then I would really be getting carried away and we would be very serious contenders even for an auto place. So come on Mr Pavlakis Strike while the iron is hot then I for one will be a real believer.
These Birmingham players have the aim to make the play offs at least this season. Yes Gary Rowett and his staff have done an unbelievable job since taking charge but credit has also got to go to these players that are giving everything for the shirt.
totally agree with all your comments, especially the last part. it is imperative. i just hope that those in the suits are reading this. kro.
Hopefully TTA will see the potential and loan us some more money in January.
I think that now the squad are all together and playing as a single unit, there is no team in the division we should be scared of. At this moment in time, we’re capable of beating anyone, so, it’s the other teams that have to worry about us. Top 6 should be our aim, anything more is a bonus.
One other point, (it might be obvious to everyone else but,) have Earnst & Young and TTA actually agreed a price for BIHL/the club and, if so, what would happen if, by some miracle, we actually did get promoted? As we would then be worth a lot more, would a new price have to be negotiated, or will the original price remain fixed for the whole kit and caboodle?
Staffs, The court case against CY and Pannu starts on Tuesday We need to see the outcome of this and what action the courts take if E&Y win. Carson Shares could be diluted and TTA could acquire more and more shares over a period of time to make them Majority holders and eventually achieve the magical 30% which could make them owners, Or maybe Carson will sell up then they(TTA) could do the deal right away. Getting Promotion does not necessarily help, them but the next big thing is going to be getting the suspension of trading lifted.
Zxcv – no, it doesn’t. There is a hearing for directions on Tuesday. As I’ve said a few times before, it won’t start for real until the new year.
Dan, I know it won`t start and end on Tuesday and I know it will go on until the new year, for example Pannu has to be given time to organise his defence I know that mate. I was just pointing out that it gets underway on Tuesday and what ever the directives are and however long the case takes in total is anyone`s guess.
Dan just read what I said in my post and you are right it is not the start of the case. I have only just read your blog “All quiet on the eastern front” as I missed it when you posted it on 28th September as I was away at that time. Thanks for pointing that out and lets hope we get some concrete times/dates from the hearing on the 20th.
We won’t get concrete dates until Pannu has filed his defence.
I thought the court would give him a date/time when he has to organise his defence by.
42 days from Tuesday (provided he is as expected added to the writ then).
They’ll give us a concrete date after that (as I believe I’ve mentioned before).
I thought we were excellent yesterday and the fact we won from being behind will only improve confidence. I thought Robbo was MOTM yesterday – I had written him off but he used every ounce of his experience and I thought we looked as solid as we have been all season defensively with the three central midfielders protecting as well. I was a bit surprised at the Shinnie for Davis sub which gave them a bit more space in midfield. The front three looked dangerous all match. You are right there is nothing to be scared off in this division. I don’t think it as strong as it has been in recent years.
Its still very early doors, and I will wait till the new year to say we need not fear anyone. Things can change very quickly in football ie look where we were just 12 months ago.
We had a complete idiot managing the team then – we have a highly competent manager now and there lies the biggest risk to it going wrong again ie. if someone makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Is that the same idiot who signed all these players, but I do agree he couldn`t Manage them.
We should all be excited at being in the top six and the prospect of a playoff place, based on the underdog nature of the team. I believe that modest investment is essential for the second half of the season If GR and the club commit all out to promotion. If no money is available it is just as exciting because the aim will be the same and the short term glory would be a fabulous end. It is inevitable that the players like Brock Madsen will come in for the Don and Robbo and they can exceed expectations. I dont think we have enough goal power for promotion.
I am willing to accept promotion with no new players and come straight back down for another go with GR as much as a 7th place and a push with a young squad next year. But just “ride the wave” and “one game at a time” sounds great till May because GR is the best thing since 16 yr old TF and I would rather he stay for 10 years than take the same history as the now fired Liverpool manager.
Texas Pete totally agree. Enjoy what we have and ride the wave. Whatever happens this season I fully expect GR to move upwards. It is a certainty. This manager is a bit special and I cannot see a better home grown manager around in any of the top two leagues. My hope is that come January and our position in the league remains upbeat-then money is put forward. Never has there been a better chance of achieving promotion-not because we are great but there isn’t a team better.
Bang on Mitchell .. Life is good for Blues and us fans at the moment .. Enjoy it you miserable bleaders . ..negative , realistic, call it what you want but we’re equal second and look a side .. Stop going on about what other teams have because we’re as good as them , deal with it !! Kro :-)
Good call Dave, you don’t spend good money supporting your team cos you have nothing better to spend it on!!, you spend money cos you want to see your team do well & win games & after a crap couple of years we have something to shout about. There was a good turnout yesterday & hopefully that performance will encourage more fans to go a bit more regularly.
Spot on Dan ,
What happens if TTA make funds available and then we go and get promotion, wouldn’t the value and therefore the cost of buying the club go up? I hate to say this but couldn’t promotion hinder any attempt to buy the club and thus be the wrong thing right now?
I guess that depends on the reasoning behind buying the club. If new owners want to continue what has been started over the last few months or so & help rebuild the club & prosper in the Premier League then the answer is no. Anything like the current owners then maybe so. It depends on the long term vision of any prospective owners.