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Happy St Andrew’s Day
Birmingham City today released a statement on the official website to confirm that manager Gary Rowett is fully committed to Blues.
Gary is fully committed to the Club and likewise the Club is fully committed to him.
It seems apt on St Andrew’s Day that the club releases a statement that I think many wanted to hear last week; that Rowett is not going anywhere and that everyone in B9 is pulling together. I will admit that even my confidence started to flag a little as the week dragged on but thankfully my belief that there was no reason to worry about the bookmakers shortening their odds seems to have been well-founded after all.
Unfortunately, as heartening as the statement is I think from a quick browse on some forums that there may be some lingering cynicism. The truth is for some people no words are ever going to be convincing because they are convinced that something bad is going to happen to the club sooner rather than later; that players will leave and the manager will walk because of a perceived lack of finance, ambition or both.
It’s an attitude I don’t understand. To some it doesn’t seem to matter that Blues offered seven players new contracts in the summer; that no players were sold and that actually money was paid out for a player – because Blues haven’t lumped cash into the transfer kitty and spent wildly as others have in the division there still seems to be this lingering belief with some of the more pessimistic fans that Blues are still two steps away from death’s door. It’s just not true.
I will admit I’m still concerned by the way things are in Hong Kong (side note, we’re due an update either today or very shortly although once again I’m expecting little to no new news). That being said, I can see easily how things are better than they once were; that Blues aren’t worried by a fire sale every window and that there is now chance to actually build for the future. I think rather than continually expecting the worst as fans maybe we should start hoping for the best instead – after all, it’s nicer to think happy thoughts.
The important thing for Rowett now is to get on with the task at hand and to hopefully return the team to winning ways on Saturday – and to get into place plans ready to bring in the players he wants and the club needs in January. Rowett himself said at the press conference on Thursday that there was money not only for loan signings last week but also for permanent signings in the transfer window; although I doubt it’ll be huge sums I’m sure there will be something there to help strengthen the team with players who won’t just be backup but who will genuinely improve on it.
Tags: Gary Rowett, Positivity
72 Responses to “Happy St Andrew’s Day”
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I think we threw the last two matches to shake off interest in Rowett.
Time to get back to winning ways
A good start to the week with the breaking news on sky sports this morning about our manager going nowhere and staying at St Andrews … Now speculation as been fronted and pushed aside we can push on and sort this Home record out against Huddesfield.. Played well at Brighton so our good away form continues and we’re still 6th and James Vaughan had s promising half hour so doom and gloom lifted and money available in January . Kro
GR is a man of considerable intelligence and acumen. He currently sits in the heart of everything that is going on at St Andrews. If he thought that the Blues were sitting on crumbling foundations, then he would not have risked his reputation, career progress and family prosperity by waiting for the ship to sink. He would surely have taken up the opportunity to double his income in the Capital. The fact that he has committed his long term future to his beloved Blues is the confirmation that all Bluenoses have been waiting for, that Blues are indeed sat on concrete foundations. The future is Bright, the future is Blue!! KRO and don’t forget to wave to the Vile on the way up!!!!
I’ve given up being an optimistic bluenose as it seems to be the wrong thing to be, all it does is gives you grief from the many ( and let’s face it there are too many ) miserable knowitall but know nothing so called supporters. I’ve been supporting blues for over 40 years & we’ve been in much much worse situations than we are now. I really can’t understand all the negativity. Admittedly I was very scheptical about the Rowett situation last week, but I still think a statement should have come out sooner & nipped in the bud from the off.
Agree with this.
Cheers Staffs, I always knew I could rely on your support. KRO
I agree with you wholeheartedly Chris. We have been in much worse situations and I’m sure we can all recall our time in even lower divisions, and it’s good to hear that there is no imminent departure of the manager on the cards. I would still be interested to learn if indeed there were any ‘unofficial’ approaches as Gary has had opportunities to publicly declare this himself yet it is the club that have put it to bed? It’s clear that he is being watched and unless the club can tie him down with a better deal, we may have this issue to face at the end of the season. But he has worked miracles so far, and all we can do is keep positive and keep supporting as we have always done. There’s little we can do otherwise to influence those kind of things?
I agree with Eddie I think we threw the last two games to do away with the media speculation ? Look out Huddersfield here we come !
No, no we didn’t.
Lets get back to kicking a$$ now.
I am so relieved GR is staying. I am also tired of the doom and gloomers. I think we are having a great season and the fact that we gave existing contracts to players in the summer did mean some stability and a two fingered salute to the clubs wanting to pick off our finest assets.
Who doesn’t want the sale of the club sorted? But looking at the state of the finances at Bolton and Blackburn maybe E&Y have done us a favour putting us on a more secure footing for the future.
Let’s get back on track v Huddersfield.
KRO.
People who are not happy are not doom and gloomers,, we do not like being misled we do not like the way statements are made that the majority of 13 mill will be spend on the team only for it to transpire less than 1million is spent.
The statement about Rowett should have been made last week when speculation was at fever pitch this to me is amateurish, and its not the first time.
How dare Christopher GG infer anyone who does not agree with him know anything about football, some of us may know a great deal more, and can go back a good deal further than him. not to mention playing at a level he can only dream about.
I take it that dig was aimed at me tony?, I don’t see any names mentioned on my post so why assume i’m having a go at you?. I can dare to say anything I want & fyi if you’re gonna disagree with my 1st don’t insult me & 2nd get your facts straight, the £13 million your on about wasn’t for player transfers, as I understood it it was to help with the running of the club, in case you missed it we gave several players new contracts in the summer, where do you think they got that money from?. Anyway keep digging away mate your hole is getting deeper. Oh btw how do you know you played at a higher level than me, you don’t even know me.
The money was for team strengthening as for the other IKNOW
Tony , don’t you mean I KNOW not IKNOW . Kro
Tony. I’m baffled where you read anything about the majority of the £13m being spent on the team. The only comments I saw were that TTA had lent the club that money against a charge over St Andrews, that HSBC would be repaid (no figure was every stated on the amount owing) and that some money would be available for the team. No sum was ever mentioned in any of the various reports I read.
Spot on and I like others were very concerned about his future but so pleased to hear today’s news.
I just wonder why a statement wasn’t made a couple of days before the game .It would have given the players a great lift.
Never give up on being an optemistic Bluenose Chris , it’s less stressful and it makes you feel better … To many doom and gloomers wish we were 6th bottom and then they could say “we told you so ” but we’re not and they find other excuses like we need a reality check … The realty as I keep saying is were 6th we have a good team and a very good manager and a top six place still very much a possibility.. We created chances at Brighton and there unbeaten all season , we’re all entitled to our opinion ofcourse but it’s more valid from supporters who actually go to games .. That’s not just my opinion but the opinion of a lot of other fans .. Under Barry fry and Gary Pendrey there were desperate times in league one and it was a lot worse than it is now … Vile bottom and falling in to the championship and Blues in the playoffs and pushing for promotion to the premiership .. Things could be a lot worse trust me , a lot worse . :-) cheer up . Kro
Your right Dave.We need to enjoy the now and stop projecting.It could be so much worse.Kumars ,Weldon etc etc.If anyone wants to project and not enjoy what is currently a very refreshing and competitive team and manager may I suggest that they start to worry about next season.Having just returned from HK the view is that CY and a handful of other folk convicted under the money laundering regulations are going to get off in the Court of final appeal.His case is apparently now going to be heard in July with a wriiten judgement handed down 6-8 weeks afterwards.If that is the case then what happens next.A huge amount of expensive and time consuming litigation with the possibility of him returning to the helm? So lets be grateful for what we have right now and get behind the team.
Thanks Dave, I think i’ve just got that miserable cold wet monday morning feeling!!. You’re right though when you say about a lot of fans being happier when we’re down the bottom, I just can’t get my head round that mentality. Looking back over 2015 we’ve had a pretty good year considering our financial situation. KRO
He is home,his lad is not far from Derby county his wife will enjoy Christmas , we all love him ,Hey who needs heaven when your happy and not bored .
I would have been surprised and disappointed if he’d left,,, but this announcement would have been of more use last week.
Better late than never I say , like you say I would have been staggered and bemused had he gone there and even Fulham fans said why would he leave Birmingham for us ? … He’s loved and respected here , don’t think londoners have the same feeling towards managers unless he’s one of there own so let’s get it on and look forward to staying 6th by beating Huddersfield Saturday . Kro
Only one thing worse than being a Vile and that’s being a Cockney.
Rather be a Cockney!!
Just a side line from the Brighton game … We were 2-1 down and pushing for an equaliser when Deeney scored against the vile and a lot of fans just lost focus on what we were trying to do and were more interested in celebrating is goal more so than getting behind our team .. Our away support is amazing as it was Saturday but it’s just annoying when fans are more interested in there phones than what’s going on on the pitch .. me shouting let’s focus loud and cheering the Blues on was more important to me than the vile result or goalscorer but hey what do I know ! Kro
I don’t believe that the pessimistic fans are fans at all. The message boards are dominated by idiots with multiple log ins on the wind up! probably never been to the ground in their life.
New announcement on HKSE, as reported in the Mail.
Dave Mann, Stop worrying what other people do. and your still hitting the wrong keys mate.
A new announcement that doesn’t really say much…
No zxcv my piano keys are well and trully tuned on this occasion mate , sorry if you think otherwise but as you say why should it worry me . Kro
interested in celebrating is goal more so than getting behind our team
His goal.
don`t think so dave.
Sorry zxcv but your now confusing me , celebrating Deeneys goal is more inpotrant than getting behind your team , really and I’ve got all the wrong notes .. Blues comes before any vile celebration and let’s make that quite clear ok . Kro
Read my posts correctly or don’t bother replying ok .
IS goal as opposed to
HIS goal.
I aint got a clue what your on about Dave. I was pointing out a spelling error.
OK …. OKAY.
Dave please come on.He`s having a dig at your spelling and grammar not the content of your elongated posts.
Great news that the club have publicly said this but I wish they’d give him a 3 year contract though.
Bluey , how do you spell echo ? Is it echo or eco as in friendly because Ime sure its echo as in is there a bleeding echo in here , just ask zxcv ! Kro
Last attempt, Dave I wasn`t going on about your spelling as such, or that mine is any better than your, But just pointing out that every time your having a moan at someone else doing or saying something you don`t agree with you always end up hitting the wrong keys and using words like IS when you mean HIS. I find it quit comical tbh. But don`t worry mate my spelling is awful but it wasn`t the point I was making anyway as your the one always telling people to be happy and to chill so maybe you should listen to your own advice and I`m sure your spelling will also beniifit LOL.
Better than your, Beniifit .. Your a card zxcv , calm down mate . Lol
Anyway Dave how long you been playing the Piano mate. LOL
Ime a man of many talents mate , singing , piano , guitar .. When I saw Paul weller Friday night I showed him how it’s done. Kro
Dave, Les Dawson`s Piano is more in tune than Paul Weller.
I think that GR did consider the approaches from Fulham & QPR. Any sane person would consider prospective job offers because, like everybody else, he wants a secure future for himself and his family.
I’m absolutely delighted he’s staying. He’s one of the best young managers around, so there’s always going to be interest in him and his back-room team. The work he and the Kevins’ and Mark have done so far is phenomenal. From relegation certs to play-off hopefuls in twelve months is a miracle. The decision to stay is a statement of intent. He’s happy at the club and sees a bright future. Every bluenose should get behind him.
What approaches?
Your musical knowledge is as bad as your spelling zxcv , take lessons mate . Kro
Exactly What approaches?.
Yeah what approaches?
Is there a bleeding Eco in here. lol
Is there a bleeding ECHO in here . Lol .. OKAY !
Sorry … not the best choice of words …. speculation rather than approaches ..
I believe there were approaches hence a few people in the loop counting their chickens early with a flutter. The fact they’ve been denied is irrelevant. It’s just a face saver for Fulham and QPR. I also think Gary has used it to his advantage to kick off contract talks and a promise of funds in January. I also expect he knows enough of TTA’s plans if they take over to know it’s worth staying here than go to another Championship club.
Whatever went on last week regarding GR etc.we will never know. What is certain,quite rightly is that GR has to put himself first and this welcome outcome is what he wants and needs. let us not pretend it is all about loyalty to us or the club etc. Important now is to get positive results against this week’s opposition.Crossroads time now for both GR and the team.Any more hiccups against lowly teams will have the doubters gather and the stock values fall.
In my humble opinion, loyalty only exists amongst the supporters of clubs. Expecting any from owners, managers or players these days would be a waste of time methinks.
Way of the world staffs , were the only ones who will ever be loyal and for life stay with one club . Kro
Too right!
Dave do you mean we are?. lolol
No I mean we’re . Kro
Dave, lets get this clear, We are the only ones,( as opposed to,)
we used to be the only one`s, ie WERE. come on Dave lol
I said last week he won`t come out and rule himself out altho he has no intention of going to either of those clubs all along. If the club think a serious offer was about to be made then Gary could be ruling himself out of an improved contract which after all is what we all want the club to do, ie tie him up on a long deal. Many Managers have had decent pay increases that wernt coming their way until other clubs showed an interest in them, he would be barmy to rule himself out … wouldn`t he.?
We just don’t know and that’s it. Forget it all now. GR may very well be gone anytime-contracts however long are worthless-we all get that. If for example Newcastle came in and paid good compensation etc. I don’t buy into these contracts and deep down every bluenose realises that Fulham/QPR do not represent much threat. It is the bigger clubs that we concern ourselves with.
Zxcv , I agree with you mate , see Ime not all bad . Lol Kro
zxcv , I agree with you mate , see were not always arguing are we , how’s my spelling ? Kro
Couldn’t agree more mate seriously . Kro
I know we agree on most things Dave, Just concerned abrout yowr bluid presuer mite.
Yowr bluid presure mite .. Your blood pressure mate .. It gets more embarrasing for you mate . Kro
I fink yor all fick yor spellins attroshas
Nice one paule . Kro
Just seen on Newsnow reports that Blues are in talks with Gary over a new deal, Brilliant, Your right to agree with me Dave lol. Seriously his agent would of given him 50 lashes if he had said from the off that he was not interested.
If we can beat Huddersfield we have a great chance of pulling 3 points clear.
Reading v QPR
Ipswich v M/Boro
Bolton v Cardiff
Sheff Wed v Derby
Quite possible all four could lose.
Brentford play tonight and are at home to MKD Saturday so they could be a danger as well
Good dialogue.
Yes the Daily Mail has picked up on the idea that GR must be negotiating a new contract, probably after reading this blog. It sounds like saving face for the poor London clubs rejected by the provinces. There has to be some reason for him opting to stay up north.
Anyhoo, I was hoping for more away fixtures this month. Though the incoming Vaughan could be the surprise ingredient to rid us of this longstanding home hospitality saga.
Fulham and QPR could have perhaps cherry-picked managers not so long ago. How things change. Football has always moved in cycles and always will. That’s why I believe we’ll have our day again. It’s just a matter of waiting and enjoying the ride.