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Blues linked with German Defender
German press have reported that Felix Burmeister of Arminia Bielfield has been training with Birmingham City with a view to moving to Blues from Germany.
Westfalen-Blatt reports that the 25-year-old German central defender has been training with the club from yesterday ahead of a possible move. The 6’1 centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season having only made three appearances for the 2. Bundesliga outfit.
Blues have looked to the continent this year for recruits with mixed effects; Maikel Kieftenbeld has become a midfield regular and has settled in well while Nicolai Brock-Madsen has struggled to make an impact after his £400,000 move from Randers.
I’d be interested to know if Burmeister would be of the required standard; Arminia aren’t exactly tearing up the German second division and he’s barely appeared for them this season. Burmeister has played the majority of his career in the German 3rd and 4th tiers so it could be that England is a big step up for him.
Blues have also had Tottenham u18 defender Chris Paul on trial with the Spurs youngster playing in a development squad friendly against Oxford United at Wast Hills today. Blues lost that game 4-3 with Alex Jones scoring a hat-trick; that being said it was a very young Blues side who also played two trialists from the Blues Community Trust team up against an Oxford side with first team experience.
With Montell Moore playing for the development squad on Monday it shows once again that Blues are intent on beefing up their u21 side ahead of the end of being able to loan in young players; it’s something I’ve long supported and hopefully it will mean an increased number of players developed through the club will make it to the first eleven.
Tags: Chris Paul, Felix Burmeister
94 Responses to “Blues linked with German Defender”
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Sorry to moan again but are any of these players on trial working out because our development squad sounds awful most of the time always getting beat.
Most trial players don’t work out. That’s why they’re on trial…
I suppose we have to keep trying and hope we get some decent young players out of it.
I read somewhere that we were looking at a German defender, now this blog has put a name to him.
I think that just because a player isn’t in a team, it doesn’t always mean they’re cr*p. A lot of the time, it’s just that a manager doesn’t see them fitting into their ‘system’ or he doesn’t have the ‘qualities’ they’re looking for. That’s why players can be poor for one club, but fit like a glove at another. Look how Sheffield Wednesday fans slagged off Jacques Maghoma.
I’m willing to give every player a chance.
Then I am sure you will find your on your own mate.
In what way?
Nothing wrong with trials. I have fond memories of the trial of Jose Domingez when he played for the reserves. At half-time as Barry Fry walked past us the crowd chanted “sign him up, sign him up” to which Barry winked and put his thumb up. No other trial was necessary before we signed him.
If this is the level of player GR is looking at I predict this club is going to pay a heavy price. I know it has been said we won`t get all the Gray money which I don`t understand anyway as before the window opened we were supposed to have some money to spend in this window anyway, so what happened to that. I have to say Dan I am getting fed up to the back teeth with all the differing stuff coming out of Rowetts mouth and if this is the best we can do then over and out.
Here’s hoping it’s OUT.
It’s a trial player.
We have loads of them. We sign very few.
Sheesh, chill out.
Here we go. The window is just open and already its doomsday. GR condemned as a liar. What is it that causes this meltdown by some of us. It is going to take time to set up the major purchases and some may take till the last day. What we are seeing with trials is minor hopefuls looking for a home. Other than a little disappointment at the loss of Dimmi it was a quick deal and i can now get excited in anticipation for the upcoming big deals (at least in our terms).. Please Mr Rowett give me one exciting attacking player please.
zxcv — thanks for the positive comment ffs.
it aint started yet mate.FFS big talker
Ty
Rowett said last month we was bringing in players. He must of knew the grey deal was going to be done. Makes you laugh when grey signed a contract more like a for sale sign. So we have a bit of money to spend and we have a German defender who can’t get a game in the second tier of the German league I’m sure he was sent videos off agents trying to move players on. Well we have talent over here we have known the window was opening in January and we should of had players lined up not giving trials to rejects like he said we will only bring in players that will improve the team and did madsen do that. we are a couple of points if the play offs so let’s see the players what are going to improve us not bench warmers Kro
It’s just possible we might be pursuing other players as well.
I say this every transfer window! This isn’t Football Manager or FIFA 16, it’s real life. You don’t just go out there & buy up anyone who is available, they have to fit the system. Assuming we find someone who fits the system, their club has to allow us to even speak to the player. If they are interested in coming to Blues we have to agree a deal with their club, then with the incoming player, not to mention they have to pass a medical. All a piece of p*** isn’t it, Dare?!
As the manager, any one of those points fails & you’re back to the drawing board. In the meantime fans are slagging you off because you ain’t brought anyone in yet! Oh the joys of being a football manager!!
… not forgetting the longest, drawn-out part of any deal… pleasing the agent.
Michael Morrison couldn’t get a game in a team near the bottom of the English second tier…..
GR got him in and the rest is history. As noted Maghoma was not first choice in a team in the third tier for quite a while….
Why not trust our manager a little?
Exactly, Dan! Just because we haven’t started bringing anyone in yet doesn’t mean we ain’t doing anything. These things take time. As long as we’re happy at the close of the window then that’s what counts. The window has only just opened.
Tom Ross Reported we had scouts out in Germany (scouts!!!) if they are only looking at one player the it would be a scout not scouts plural. Plus the lad could be a good defender the German teams like their Defenders to attack so may be he is to defensive for them. Reo Ferdinand GOT PAST BY IN Germany know one would have said he was Crap. Their will be lots of targets. we have been trilling players all season it don’t main we will sign them for the first team. KRO
It will be for the first team. Robbo ain’t going to last forever despite his heroic efforts & remember we are looking for cover for Grounds. So the player(s) will be as close as you can get to a first team player. I don’t see Rowett spending money he hasn’t got an abundance of on players he doesn’t look to play. I’m sure whilst he admits Brock Madsen is one for the future, he would have liked him to feature more for the first team but he simply hasn’t taken to our system as quickly as he would have liked. It’s difficult enough getting used to the pace of the English game without having to get used to a strange system. It’s an interesting story though, can German defenders move the ball quickly enough up the field like our system demands? Time will tell, although GR has hinted lately about trying something different so who knows if we will even stick to our customary formation?
From 12 months ago up to now.. keep the faith in GR. KRO
We can’t really condemn Rowett until we see the players he brings in. Although there have been rumours and trials etc, he’s signed no one yet, so let’s wait and see.
Linked with buckley from Sunderland on sky sports site. Probably along shot but he does look useful on the left and is young. Although it would probably be a loan.
Also it’s sky so only just better than that guy in the pub who knows rowetts cousins dogs vets tips.
Yeah the Buckley one also reported in the Birmingham Mail earlier in the day.
Buckley as been transfer listed for a permanent move so if we want him we have to buy no lone available.
Waycool
Not necessarily true.
Dwight Gayle anyone?
Lets hope its a different scouting team than that which found B-M. Im sorry my brothers in Blue but I find this all really frustrating.Yes in an ideal world we would strengthen our U21 team and be really active in the youth divisions as well-But we find ourselves on the edge of the play offs ( well done GR) and now is the time to sign first team players who can make a difference immediately. With the meltdown in the Chinese stock market and a few dodgy years to come in the asian economy TTA will never manage to do a profitable exit from the holding company.Thus they will walk away after 2 years if not before.Its quite clear they are not interested in the football club-if they were they would look at our league position and throw the kitchen sink at the situation to have a go at promotion.The acountants have really screwed up here in choosing a totaly unsuitable investor.furthermore Pavlos may well be an affable fellow but his experience in running a football club is zero-and it shows.Plenty of Blah Blah but no real ability or action.We need a seasoned businessman with football experience and contacts to ride shotgun with GR. Rant over KRO
From what I have seen I don’t think there is anyone better for the job than Panos. He might be from a business background but he works well with GR to get whatever the manager needs & at the moment I can’t fault him. I’ve always doubted TTA wanted the club for themselves anyway, that isn’t what their business is all about so I don’t expect a huge investment any time soon from them. The current scenario will continue from transfer window to transfer window, year in, year out until a take over is finally completed unfortunately. That is the reality of it. We just have to muster on & hope GR to continue to perform miracles with what he has got. I wonder IF we did get promoted at some point before this takeover saga is completed how many people will come running from all sides showing an interest then?
Put in a nutshell.
Mate so far he has presided over some very poor transfers and loans,the ground-scoreboard,tannoy system and lavatories are a disgrace and his communication skills are Pannuesque.he got the job because of who he is and not what he is.GR is a talented young manager and he deserves a better Chief Exec than this.So in a nutshell lets agree to disagree! KRO
TTA can’t invest in BCFC until they own it; up until then it’s a loan and as there’s no guarantee they’ll own us they’ll be very circumspect with how much they’ll lend. Throwing money at it is no guarantee of payback
Alongside some sensible comments there is a lot of negativity. Whilst we would all like GR to have signed players on Jan 1st the reality is that it takes time as atko says in his earlier comment. I have every faith in Rowett and Panos getting it right. Let’s all chill out and see what happens.
zxcv needs to chill out.I would imagine Rowett want’s to spend most of the kitty on a striker and a wide man and if he can pick up a bargain then fine.
Will Buckley would be s great signing for us.Lost his way since his move to Sunderland but was flying for Brighton before his move.
Atko you talk a lot of sense mate well said. KRO and in Rowett i would certainly put more trust than many others. Demarai who ?
If you shop at poundland you ain’t going to get Harrods quality, come on Gary swimming the channel is one thing walking across it , Hey not even you ,
If you shop at poundland you ain’t going to get Harrods quality, come on Gary swimming the channel is one thing walking across it , Hey not even you ,
Why are people coming to the conclusion that the German trialist is the sum total of our business? We take loads of them.
Sorry hillfield blues but we have only a month to sign players ,Felix on stats looks a reasonable centre back , but we need one that that can pass a ball to get out of our own half .
I think all of the stressfull comments on here are because the window has been open for a few days now, it was no suprise that the window opened, everyone new well in advance and it was expected that background work had already been done and all that was needed for our incoming stars was to sign on the dotted line, transfers completed, lots of happy fans and no last minute panick and gazzumping, at least thats what Leicester appear to have done with Dimmi, then why do we seem incappable of doing the same with our targets, the prospects should be lined up well in advance, unless we are targetting players that do not want to be part of our family and will only come over as a last resort if all other offers fail. We need a star transfer today to quell the fears, but again I see little chance of that. Heres hoping. Kro
Gary’s no mug lads, chill out and put your trust in him.
He’s done wonders with the players we already have.
I’d be interested to know if Burmeister would be of the required standard; Arminia aren’t exactly tearing up the German second division and he’s barely appeared for them this season. Burmeister has played the majority of his career in the German 3rd and 4th tiers so it could be that England is a big step up for him.
Its only a trial Dan
Jamie Vardy was playing for Non League Halifax Town five years ago. Someone gave him a chance and it didn’t work out too badly did it?
It’s not as if Dimmi’s transfer came totally out of the blue, l would have hoped we’d have got our ducks in a row enabling a rapid response. We need at least one quality signing that will provide us with a signal of intent and enthuse the fans. Other clubs in the mix are showing there intent, Will Buckley and players on trial don’t cut it for me, l’d rather go for Williamson from NUFC. Look how Robbo has performed! Come on Gary make me smile for the right reasons.
Hand on heart Dan bearing in mind the window is a month long what sort have rtial can be made on anyone.its already one week in and you tell us he is bringing in unknown 4th level German player for a trial. Like has been said we or most of us thought he would have done all this tripe weeks and weeks ago fgs and that he was ready to go and I feel sure he himself hinted at exactly that. I for one don`t want bloody trial`ist its way way way to late to start that now and I am just gobsmacked you and others on here accept it.
Exactly my thoughts, as iv’e already mentioned the prospects should already be standing in line and ready to sign FIRST day of the window, and that’s what I got from GR’s early statements, but again it has failed to happen, no wonder we are worried. I know there is a lot of time left but we wanted action to show intent. Kro
Totally agree with you guys. Honest and transparent communication would help here.
We’ve taken players on trial ALL through the season mate. We will continue to take players on trial. It has no bearing on who we sign otherwise.
For someone who acts like a pompous know-it-all surely you would have noticed we’ve had trial players in every development game this season … it’s always worth a look. It doesn’t stop us signing anyone else.
You posted that rubbish just to get a reaction, why did you bother mentioning is he good enough for English football.
Why don`t you post this for example
Birmingham City are reportedly set to make an offer for Bolton’s young striker Zach Clough.
The Sun claim the 20-year-old would be available for around £750,000 as the beleaguered Championship outfit look to shore up their financial position.
The academy graduate recently signed a contract until 2019 but Bolton’s money woes could force them to cash in on one of their crown jewels.
Most of you blogs are designed to get a reaction and you purposely intended to do just that. You are rude and ignorant.
Why didn’t I post about Zac Clough?
Cos I didn’t know until this morning… and believe it or not, this blog isn’t my job! I have work to do as well you know..
And as I’ve always said, if you don’t like it or me, don’t read it. :)
Also, just to reinforce a point – this is a BLOG. Not a newspaper. It’s my thoughts on what is happening, not reporting the news.
In case any of you negative fans haven’t noticed it is 11:26am the SIXTH day of January! Yes we all want that photo of a few exciting signings with scarves aloft, but COME ON!!!!
Trialists are always being assessed throughout the season, largely to bulk out the U21s, but also just to look at fringe outsiders. Why do we live in such an impatient world. As someone rightly pointed out it isn’t Football manager! I blame SKY too…
Derby Have just signed Nick Blackman from Reading for 2.5 million we can’t even compete with these sort of figures at the moment so to bw where we are is nothing short of a mircale, I hope B C Council are looking at what Gold & Sullivan are doing for West ham with a new big stadium what might have been eh!
The thing worrying me,zxcv, and others is surely Rowett must have known the players he was interested in long before the window opened, if he did not then the question has to be asked why not?
This German guy doesn’t exactly fulfil our expectations we want established players from this country, players who can go into the side NOW not some trialist.
When the window closes the stock sentence is we were oh so close to bringing in good quality players but we couldn’t quite get it over the line.Well that wont do this time there is money available, get on and spend it.
I agree 200% Toney try telling Dan if you thought the same as me after reading his blog but be prepared for a few insults coming your way.
Do you honestly think this is the only player we’re looking at?
He isn’t.
Patience is a virtue.
Daniel,I hope your right mate! If we could have been quick out of the blocks with some really focused loans and perhaps purchases it would have sent a message to the fans and our colleagues in the Championship.The longer this drags on the more I worry !
If nothing has happened by Saturday I’ll be worried. Until then, they get a pass.
Dan, surely by now someone with GR’s talents knows what positions he needs to strengthen, who he has identified,who’s available and on what basis. I know its not that simple to make things happen but this trialist route is frustrating full of the unknown and we don’t seem to have been that successful -Lowry ?. Perhaps we should have taken B-M on trial initially ! I know we have not got loads of money but we need some news on done deals coming out of the club on a slightly higher profile than the news or only rumours we are getting at the moment. Hopefully it’s just around the corner.
What’s he supposed to do kidnapp them? You can’t force players to come to Blues. Players know the circumstances they are coming in to with Blues. Some might not want that uncertainty & see Blues as a risk. Some might be looking to kick start their career & see Blues too much of a risk. Some might be looking for one last decent salary before they hang up their boots for good, Blues ain’t that sort of club as the funds aren’t there. Some people assume that every player we show an interest in or every player that is available for transfer is sat next to their phone waiting for a call so they can strike a deal there & then.
I’m seeing Zach Clough the young striker from Bolton being linked with a potential move to us…not sure how true it is but I for one think that would be a great signing
Yes but why bother talking about him when we are supposedly looking at some unknown 4th div player from Germany according to Dan
It’s that time of year:
“Panic, panic, panic! Buy buy buy! I don’t give a flying f**k where the money is coming from as long as my ticket price doesn’t go up. Just buy somebody anybody, quick!”
Soon followed by:
“wtf, not him!”
Madness.
Exactly! I’d rather sign nobody than 3 players & send them all out on loan by March. What’s the point of that?
Now l feel more optimistic Zac Clough is has great quality, but surely others will want him too, just wish we’d signed him before the speculation alerts everybody else.
Birmingham Mail article linking us with Zac Clough. I would think there are bigger clubs than us want a crack at him. If we were to get him, it would be our biggest coup in years.
I agree it would be an excellent signing
This player Staffs I have kept a close eye on. He has been out injured and didn’t play against us last time out. Has the lot-a real dynamite with energy plus.
If we get get Zak Clough then that will do me. Believe me he is something very special. has that David Silva about him and just what we need. I cannot however accept that no prem.club has come.
West Ham have confirmed month loan signing of Brown. God he must be good if Bilic wants him. Again I ask what is happening?
No they haven’t.
David Gold has tweeted something, it’s not official yet.
Almajir
I think it’ will be a great pity to see a so called “problem player”like Brown possibly leaving the club with virtually no pay back .I can’t quite understand why GR is unable to manage him and why should West Ham get the benefit of the hard work and money investeted in Browns development.?
Kenny Burrns was always classed as a “problem player” but under the right management he played at the highest level and achieved International status.
There maybe lots of stuff going on with Brown which is not for public consumption but I just don’t accept the Blues management are unable to control this young talent.
As for Grays departure it yet another talent leaving the club to help to shore up its finances and he joins a long list of young talent moving to a bigger club.
I’m the first to accept that compared to the dark days of “Clark” we have made considerable progress on the pitch but off the pitch its business as usual.
I’ve spoken to people not connected with the club with an intimate knowledge of the situ and I’m inclined to believe it’s more than just a problem player.
And it’s now been confirmed it’s a month’s trial…
Fingers crossed for Clough….but not holding my breath. I cannot believe the negativity ref the German player. I shop in “top” shops and am willing to pay premium prices for the right goods. However I love nothing better than rummaging in Charity Shops and also buy from Poundshops. What is wrong if GR is doing the same regarding players?
The transfer window is open for a month and it could take that long to get some signings over line. The squad we have now have done ok so far and they can continue to do ok until reinforcements arrive. It’s a game of patience.
Too right. The players who are available in this window will be keeping their options open for as long as possible in order to get themselves the best possible deal. They are not just going to jump at the first interested club that comes along. Some of the comments on here having a go at GR about not getting anyone in yet are just incredibly naïve and stupid. Same as criticism for giving a trial to the German guy because he has only played in the lower divisions of their League. Jamie Vardy was playing Non League football 5 years ago.
I cannot see why certain people get so uptight on this site. Everyone is entitled to their opinion slagging off others is not what this blog is for.
BCFC are not the only team trying to strengthen their squad, better players go for higher prices and higher wages, which clubs with more money can sign, people seem to think players are lining up to sign for Blues, unfortunately agents rule football they start rumours in the hope they can have several clubs competing to sign their players. Supporters assume that Rowett has left things to the last minute because very little news has come out about signings, I personally doubt this is the case, no doubt he has wanted to sign players but they will decide to go to richer clubs, and who can blame them trying to get higher wages. If we have to look abroad because British players are unavailable then so be it, Rowett knows more about the standard of players and what he wants than any supporter. It is only the 6th of January , so assumptions about anything are a bit premature. As Dan has said the time to worry is when no signings have been made in the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately Blues are no longer a premiership club, and supporters have to face facts, there are still some good players out there in the lower leagues here and abroad so we will just have to wait and see.
I’m happy Birmingham are just linked with defenders as I think it’s a weak area and have done for a while.
my problem is while we wait we lose the services of any new signing for a couple of weeks
I’m sorry this isn’t in direct reply to the post its intended for, but for the life of me I can’t find it!!
Tom Ross was right about a potential buyer a couple of months back. They met with club officials to discuss a takeover, but they decided against a bid because of the mess that the club is in behind the scenes, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Optimism is often taken for ignorance and visa versa. It’s always better to just be honest, even if hope seems devoid.
The fact is, GR is a good manager but is being restrained by a lack of klout in the transfer market. To expect someone to find a diamond without the resources necessary to dig it out, is simply inept and obtuse.
So please, stop setting your expectation without the use of realism and logic.
We are having an amazing season all things considered, I’m expecting one player to come in but no more. We need to get behind the team and this manager, without our support they will lose the confidence they need to continue grinding out results.
Hi Tom
It wouldn’t matter if they had decided to go ahead with the deal or not, Trillion Trophy Asia have exclusivity until April 2017. That means no one else can get involved until either that date or TTA/BIH decide to mutually cancel it.
My point was that Tom Ross was right about the meeting, but thanks for stating the obvious ;)
Like I say, I’d much rather GR bring in players he knows he will play rather than 2 or 3 that end up going out on loan by March. If he is thinking players are a gamble then leave them be & make do with what we’ve got. You say you expect maybe 1 to come in but unfortunately GR has kind of put pressure on himself because he was keen for the window to open & openly stated he was hopeful of bringing in 3 players. It’s easy to see why fans can get carried away hearing that, thinking a deal or two might be done pending the window opening. Personally, I’ll see where we are at come the end of the month but there’s no rush. Like I say, signings have to come in & make a difference not go out on loan 2 months later!
Was he?
If the club can’t be sold to anyone else why did they bother meeting another consortium? Seems a bit pointless…
Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s usually acceptable to meet with other interested parties, often to discuss the state that the club is in.
I don’t know how much you know about business, but these meetings are par for the course. Like I keep saying, my point was that Tom Ross was right about what he said. That’s all.
Atko, the key word used is hopeful. before the season starts in usually hopeful of at least one trophy, that doesn’t mean it’s realistic.
He clearly wants to keep the fans encouraged, and it’s the right thing to do. But because of the state the club is in financially, I personally only expect one signing.
He hasn’t put any pressure on himself, pressure comes naturally with the job. You are putting pressure on him by changing hope with expectation. That’s fine as long as you aren’t calling for his head if he can’t live up to your expectations.
Again, going to say this one more time for the studio audience. Two year exclusivity deal, thus he currently has as much chance as I do of buying Blues.
We’ve seen this kind of behaviour before – Gianni Paladini and Jeremy Wray spring to mind. Remind me how it went with them, and how they managed expectation.
I don’t think you were reading my comment. You’re trying to make a point I had no care in discussing!
What is more important, regardless of who could be buying our club, is that the state of our club financially is off putting to investors and serious buyers. None of which do we have control over as supporters, which is why we should be focussing on supporting our manager and team in what is a great season (in context of our situation).
Ps. Please stop trying to make yourself look smarter than your readers/commentators.
Tom
What has that to do with some bloke trying to buy the club?
Last word on this anyway. No one has spoken to the club about buying it in recent times – that comes direct from my sources at the club. If they had, they’d be referred directly to BIH in Hong Kong.
Feel free to dispute it but it’s true. Also be aware of the irony of insulting someone who’s webspace you are using to push out a story I can’t even remember Tom Ross talking about.
Thanks
Ok…
An insult is not statement a fact.
Instead of being logical, or even headed and discussing something, you decide to argue like a child.
I wrote to someone else, in response to their comment…
I really don’t care who your sources are. I know who I spoke to along with their investors, as well as connections I have on both the playing and staff side at blues.
Again, all you seem to do is try to one up people that have an opinion different to your own! Can you say know it all?
I think pannu has rubbed off on you!
*I’m not in. Sorry spelling and grammar sharks…
lets stay with a UK back four never did Arsenal any wrong….until their league cup falter lol