Often Partisan

One in, Two Out?

A busy day at St Andrews has seen one player sign a new contract, one new player sign a contract and two players move closer to the exit door.

Wade Elliott formally signed his one year extension to his deal whilst former Norwich midfielder Tom Adeyemi has signed on a free transfer. However, it’s also been confirmed that Curtis Davies should sign for Hull City within the next 24 hours and that two bid have been accepted for Nathan Redmond from Premier League teams with more interested.

Judging by the reaction online there are some unhappy people out there. Whilst it was well-known that Curtis Davies wanted another crack at the top flight and that his departure was almost inevitable, I think the news that Nathan Redmond is likely to follow him out of the exit door has upset people who hoped that the young winger might be retained at Blues for the season ahead.

I will admit that whilst I’ve long expected Blues will have to sell players such as Redmond I do feel the disappointment that it is coming to fruition. After many years of not having many prospects come through the ranks it’s almost sickening that the three best ones of recent times (Mutch, Butland and now Redmond) will have all left the club in cut-price deals to help the club’s shocking cashflow situation. It also flies in the face of Pannu’s pronouncement of last summer that Butland and Redmond wouldn’t be able to leave the club unless there were “eye-popping offers”.

However, I also have to admire the pragmatism of Lee Clark. Like Hughton before him, Clark must surely have been aware of the added strictures that were coming his way but unlike Hughton, Clark has stood firm and has got on with the task in hand. Rather than moaning about his best players being ripped out of the team, he’s tried to get on with things and looked to do what he can with the cards he’s been given to ensure that not only is there a team next season, but a competitive one.

To that end, I will admit the capture of Tom Adeyemi interests me. From speaking to a Norwich fan, it appears Adeyemi suffered from lack of game time after Norwich made back to back promotions and that he needs more time to grow as a player. A box to box midfielder, the hope is that he will help provide the energy and spark in the middle that Clark wants from his team. I get the feeling that whilst there may be a rawness to the team next year it will be a team that battles and gets stuck in – all qualities that should resonate well with Blues fans.

There has also been talk of deals agreed to bring two Premier League central defenders in on loan with one of them potentially being 22-year-old Kyle Bartley of Swansea City. Bartley, who played on loan at Sheffield United and Rangers whilst he was at Arsenal found first team football difficult to come by at the Liberty Stadium and presumably would be happy to be playing week in week out at St Andrews. At 6’3, he has the height that we’re currently lacking in the team and I have to admit from what I know I think he’d be a decent capture.

As much as the current situation is painful I think it is something that we have to accept until further progress is made on the sale front. The plain fact is that at the moment without a chunk of investment this is the only way the club can run as a business and I’m guessing it will continue this way until wages further fall – for example when Zigic leaves – or until someone can agree a deal with Pannu for the club.

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125 Responses to “One in, Two Out?”

  • tamuffblue says:

    This will not cease till we cut the cancer from the club a fact we all know but are UNABLE to do anything about whilst people ( hk or anywhere else ) are allowed to purchase our footballing institutions – and the sooner the Barber gets what he deserves we are all going to feel the pain KRO SOTV

    comment edited – mate, you need to be really careful what language you use

  • Marky mark says:

    Either our situation is unbelievably dire and far worse than we imagined or Pannu is a completely useless and incompetent business man.

    I fear it could be both, what a shocking combination.

    comment edited – don’t make those kind of comments even in jest, they could get the site into a lot of trouble

    • Will says:

      Whilst I agree that commentators on here should be careful not to post things that can get AM into trouble, it’s typical of Pannu that he would get upset by something written in jest, and that he should tell a porkie about “eye-popping offers”.

      The sooner he’s gone, the better.

  • Joe King says:

    While I agree it is probably the only way the club can operate at the moment, but I can’t for the life of me see why we are accepting some of the first bids on the table. Are we that desperate for money that we need to snatch it out of the first hand with a few pounds in it?? I can see that we need cash but with the sale of Curtis can’t we at least try and play hardball over Nathan??

  • mark says:

    i believe this will test Clark skills to the max again, blues will need to get off to a flyer in the league, i for one will not back down my support for my manager or my team. life does have habit of kicking you in the bollox, but i would not change anything being a bluenose…………….kro

  • BobbyBlue says:

    Such a disappointment. Seeing a local lad or homegrown player shine on the pitch is one of the great pleasures of being a football fan. Thanks to the muppets who run our club we will watch them shine elsewhere… and for very little money in return.

    I don’t believe in karma, but I hope to God CY and Pannu get sh@ on like they have sh@ on our club.
    comment edited

  • KRO says:

    Absolutely gutted… Clark has his work cut out for him and the sooner the jokers at the top are gone the better.

  • mark says:

    Nathan will go no where unless he wants too?? Nathan can still dig his heels in nothing in set in stone…….

    • almajir says:

      Mark… accept it. Nathan will leave.

      • Andy W says:

        I’m sure you’re right Almajir, he probably will go. But as I posted here recently, this is what I hate about the state of football that has been created in this country, and probably elsewhere too whereby a player cannot play where he wants to, but where others decide he has to. Nathan could ‘put his foot down’ and refuse to sign the paper, but the club would just refuse to pay him any sort of decent salary (in footballing terms) and that would be clearly detrimental to him, therefore he has little choice in the matter. Meanwhile the pockets of others are lined in the process.

      • mark says:

        Dan – returning your comments as a blues fan I accept players move on……. I accept if Nathan goes or stays wishing the latter. It is Nathan’s choice if he leaves as he his still under contract…….Bcfc have given permission for those two teams to talk to Nathan….. by all accounts Nathan could still see out his contract?? bidding war for him January?? Swansea or Norwich wow they got sell themselves to Nathan….maybe in the price Nathan gets loaned back for a season??? all things are possible Dan………

  • Kieran says:

    Horrible time to be a blues fan KRO

  • Art Watson says:

    Sorry Mark….Redmond will go -its out of his control.

    • Pete says:

      It is not out of Redmonds control. But that said I am sorry BUT Redmond is a player first and foremost, not a loyal diehard fan. Players will not show loyalty like we would hope for. They do what is right for them.

  • Pete says:

    Have just emailed this to Pannu:

    I just have a question. To quote you, “we will not sell our young players unless we recieve eye popping offers.” So how is it we are selling a 19 year old Engloand internation goalkeeper and a recently staring England under 21 player for a combined value of £5.5m? It makes my eyes pop out for all the wrong reasons.

    Would be delighted to hear a response, whereever you you are.

  • Quokkasskip says:

    Fact is they don’t want to go into admin as their whole game will be up. They will flog anything. Cause in admin:

    1. Admin staff will review the accounts with a fine tooth comb and the truth will come out.
    2. Pannu’s ‘expenses’ would stop
    3. They will get very little when they sell the club

    As there is nothing else really to sell (possibly Burke… Get ready for that one) I reckon they will push for a sale asap.

  • Ad says:

    If Redmond wants to stay he can so the decision is down to him and his agent, taking all into consideration premiership football and more money I can’t see it happening but that’s see how loyal he is. If he does go he obviously doesn’t want to be a birmingham player so I wish him lie the best as I only want players whom want to play for my club.

    Lee Clarke must have the toughest task in football at the moment, and what his trying to create is fantastic, a young hungry competitive football team, his giving younger players the opportunity to showcase there talents in a lower league.

    I think we need to me more realistic and realise we are not a big club and never have been and have always been a provider club for the bigger clubs.

    As for pannu , his balancing the books to make the accounts look more attractive for potential buyers hence the sale Redmond and Davies. So we have 2 options keep Redmond, Davies and pannu and have unhealthy accounts which are not attractive to a potential buyer or balance the books and lose all 3/4 including Carson yeung………… I not route I want!!!

    Taking all into consideration I’m really looking forward to next season, seeing a hungry team play with passion and desire and watching the rise of Arthur and asante!!

    Keep right on!!!

    • KeeprightCroydON says:

      And how may I ask is selling a prize asset, one that is more likely to increase in value over the next few years, at a cut down price, likely to attract investors?

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Agree with every point you made. I said to my son a while ago, that Redmond would go. It’s not about football anymore, it’s all about playing in the Prem and the dosh and glamour that brings. Nothing else.

      Roll on this season, this really WILL be Lee Clark’s team. Most of the dead wood gone, with quick, young, hungry replacements. People who are here for the football… not the cash.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        That was in reply to Ad’s comments btw.

        • KeeprightCroydON says:

          I realized it was in reply to Ad, but not sure how Redmond can be classed as dead wood.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            I wasn’t actually referring to Redmond as dead wood. Redmond was in the previous paragraph. I was talking more the likes of those who were out of contract, plus Mullins, Lovenkrands etc, who may be gone soon. Out of all those leaving or left, the only one I’ll really miss, is Marlon King.

            Redmond is good, but he’s not woth £10m or anywhere near that. He may be in 3 or 4 years time, but at the moment, he’s not proven. Any club buying him is still only buying potential. Until that potential is realised, he’s not worth more than £3-4m. What we SHOULD be doing, is making sure there are plenty of add-ons that will take advantage of that potential, should it be realised.

          • KeeprightCroydON says:

            Ok I misunderstood your comment, so take it back. Also accept what you say about Redmond’s value and potential. I only hope you’re right about the add ons. I have no confidence in PP getting the best deal for the club. I’ve read a few comments on here about holding out for a better deal because there is interest from a few clubs, and I’m inclined to agree with them. By hastily accepting two offers, the club has now shown it’s hand, so even if someone comes in with a higher bid, it’s not going to be much more. Poorly handled by PP in my opinion.

            I accept there’s a cash flow situation at the club, but the sale of Davies should give breathing space for at least a few weeks until the closing of the transfer window. Yes the vultures are gathering because the plight of the club is common knowledge, but no one really knows the actual extent of the situation, so why not play a bit of bluff and force other clubs into taking a gable with their bids. For example as soon as we cash in Davies, give the impression that our cash flow has eased to the extent that we are not immediately desperate. It may or may not be true, but no one has a real way of telling. Why show your hand? For all PP’s tough talking, he’s proved to be a real pussy cat recently when it comes to negotiating a hard deal.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    With all the activity going on and this time of year being crucial to season ticket sales, where are the emails and postal communications from our illustrious leader? Looks like we are going into yet another season with a communications blackout!! This illlustrates the disregard and contempt for the fans in the eyes of Pannu….Carson has been a non person for the last 18 months. I do hate the song, but maybe it is time to change to “We dont care about Pannu, HE DONT CARE ABOUT US”!!

  • The Francis Fake says:

    The fact that 2 clubs have agreed a fee for Redmond demonstrates our desperation for cash. Instead of holding out and creating a Dutch auction we have capitulated at an early stage so that a number of clubs will agree the fee giving Redmonds agent a free rein to negotiate the best personal terms. We should have held out for just one club to pay a more reasonable or even inflated fee. The reality is we have no capacity to negotiate.

  • AF says:

    The family silver has gone and this move probably gives the owners 3-6 months to find a buyer or come to a deal. Otherwise administration it is and rhey lose everything but so do we. Admin forces them out but we lose most of our best players. Please. Something happen on the sale of the club soon!

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Really, there’s no point moaning about the owners, it’s all been said a thousand times or more. They are an incompetant bunch of individuals… of that, there’s is no longer any doubt. But constant calling of names etc, will do nothing. What is needed, is to get behind Lee Clark and the Boys in Blue and let them know we’re 110% behind them… despite the troubles. Despite their employers.

    • AF says:

      Agreed, let’s get behind the team and our young side, it can only be a matter of time before “end game” or “check mate” for the owners. Probably starting with the result of CY’s trial.

    • Bluenosesol says:

      I have bought our 4 adult season tickets and am looking forward with relish and cant wait to go to Yeovil as a different experience. My support is guaranteed.
      I still think pannu is a ****!

  • Tony says:

    I agree Clark has a thankless task and I admire the way he’s gone about his job. Unfortunately I will not see how good or otherwise his captures are, because I like many others have had enough. I will never return to St Andrews whilst BIHL, CY and PP have anything to do with the club. They could have sold the club months ago but they were greedy, carry on as they are and they’ll have nothing left to sell!

  • dave mann says:

    its sad to see curtis and redmond going, but this wiil now soley be lee clarks team.
    adeyemi is a good box to box player, and scores a goal, and elliott also gets is fair
    share, so cheer up give the babes the support there going to need this season and
    it might not be all doom and gloom.
    it will be the biggest achivement in our history if lees lads can spring a suprise and
    get promotion. KEEP THE FAITH. KRO.

  • Sxblue says:

    The thing about Nathan Redmond being sold that amazes me is that it goes to show that Pannu has absolutely no business sense. Pannu is probably concerned that Nathan only has 1 year left on his contract and he therefore feels it is best to sell him now. Lets imagine we actually had a chief executive that had a reasonable understanding of football and was business minded (Karren Brady for example) – The club offer Nathan £20K a week (new 3 year contract) he probably earns about £5K now so this represents a negative impact on cash flow of about £750K over the next season. We could even put in a clause that would allow him to leave in a years time if it would help keep him at the club. This young player whom I have had the pleasure to meet is not like Jordan Mutch – Firstly he is a much better player, he excites the fans, he is a local hero and he will be worth £8-10 million pounds in a years time. Unfortunately Pannu knows very little about either football or business and because of his failings the club is suffering a slow death. The loss of young Nathan will be a dagger in the hearts of Blues fans and I fear that there will be a severe backlash at the turnstiles as a result.

    • Alex T says:

      well said! I have lost heart with our club…. I wont, cant stop supporting the blues, but this year it will be from the arm chair.

      I WILL NOT put money into the coffers to enable PP CY to get a few more £ss when bargaining for the sale of the club.

      Look, regardless of whether we sell Redmond we will not go into Admin… all that will happen is PP & CY will cave in on the current offers on the table for Blues.

    • Casper says:

      This may not be short-sightedness on Pannu’s part, he may just expect that he won’t be around in a years time to reap a potential £8 – £10 million transfer fee. Here’s hoping! KRO

  • iang says:

    This is not about business sense for the long term from Pannu as he is not interested in growing value for the long term such as Redmond , only sucking any value from the remaining assets now. As for the rise of Astante , Arthur , Hancox or anyone else, the moment they have any value to others they will be sold as well
    There is absolutely no way out of this downward spiral we are in which so like Coventrys until these owners sell the club or are prized away via administration. The later route seems horrible but would be quicker than a slow death and as we have seen in the case of a Leicester or a Southampton can lead to a phoenix from the ashes
    I will go next season but can not say I will be looking forward to it greatly as we will have without alot of effort and spirit but that can not make up for talent and depth of squad. Sadly I remember playets from the late 80s such as Peer, Clarkson and Frain, lots of committment but no talent, end result relegation to the thrid tier

    • Bluenosesol says:

      We werent relegated to the third tier because of lack of talent in the squad, we were relegated because the club sold all our Division 2 standard players and left us with a 3rd division team.

  • Les Samuels says:

    Unreal best player since trev to be honest .dont make sense no matter what
    10 mill yeah but 2 mill is just pointless..50 years blue and still keep the faith but this is a test of resolve for many and the die hard fans.
    Watch the attendances this season.

  • Masaccio says:

    Now all the better playes have been sold off and the parachute payments are coming to an end maybe the chinese turds will depart? It would be nice to get a decent owner who can back a potentially good manager going forward.

  • Art Watson says:

    The future of our great club is in the hands of its loyal supporters.

    Starve the club of money and PP will sell.

    It’s as simple as that.

    • Andy W says:

      I’m not so sure it’s as simple as that Art? As was stated in Ian Danter’s programme on TS last night, the other keen Chinese potential buyer appears to have lost interest as he is fed up with the lack of information and co-operation from BIHL. Just as Mr Paladini was? This just makes it more difficult to attract anyone, until BIHL sort their act out. I believe the one thing that can change everything is for CY to be found guilty and be given a custodial sentence. In my view that’s the only thing that will force any action in the near future.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        I believe this will be the catalyst to a sale as well. Will the owners have a Plan A and a Plan B, or will panic ensue if CY is found guilty?

  • Blueboy88 says:

    It will be a great achievement to keep our championship status this season.
    I do fear we will see a lot of injuries amongst these young players being asked to
    Do a man’s job over 46 gruelling games in this most competitive of leagues.

    You must be so proud Mr Pannu.

  • Evesham blue says:

    You are assuming Nathan doesnt want to go as well. I presume we will put in a sell on clause? Who knows maybe even loan him back.

    He would go for even less next year with our current wage structure we can’t compete in the contract stakes with Premiership boys. Fact of life we will sell players. We can play hardball only if we have the dish to resist.

    At the moment it is about financial survival as we have no cash flow. It may also be the case that he is going because the likes of zigic,Ambrose,Mullins and king we can’t offload.

    I don’t think it is all doom and gloom. We still have young players with potential and should compete in this division.

    I think Clark is doing a remarkable job. I am also impressed he has acted very early to get a new squad assembled in time for early pre season. We will need a full pre season to gel the players.

    This Norwich lad is a big lad something we have been lacking in midfield

    • Evesham blue says:

      The end of next season the millstone around our necks that is zigic wages should finally be gone.

      We shall rise again in a better position KRO

    • Pete says:

      Evesham- I am sorry, but I think we are over optimistic to tihnk there is a big sell on clause or that he will be lent back. New players have come in, but time will tell. How anyone can describe what is going on as anything but a disgrace (in terms of fees is beyond me, even in consideration of the financial plight). Just think – some reatively small haggling to up the offer from the 6-8 clubs interested to require £3.5-4m, would have paid Zigic off with the extra… What do we as a club have to sell come the next transfer window? Honestly, think about it- what can we sell to survive next window?

  • AD says:

    response to keeprightcroydon

    your right we are selling one of our main assets but if it helps balance the books to attract potential new owners thats move him on, also he could go for zero in 12 months time if he doesnt sign a contract with BCFC.

    • Bluenosesol says:

      Who says it will balance the books? It could simply be more pocket expenses for Pannu!

    • Pete says:

      He would have not gone for zero even if the contract had ran out. We would be entitled to a tribunial fee as a guarentee as he came through the youth set up. This would have been likely to be well over a million.

      • almajir says:

        Ahem. Only if we’d offered him a contract equal to or better than the one he was on.

        • Pete says:

          Okay Dan, but I think it is safe to assume if it was getting to the last weeks months of his contract he would have been offered this just to ensure a fee. The point made is still that we would not have lsot him for nothing, provided we do this.

  • Ongald says:

    Nathan, please stay!!!
    This can´t be true, we are almost giving away 5 miljon £ players (Butland, Davies, Redmond).

  • Evesham blue says:

    Another point. We have Burke a ready made replacement. Perhaps we need funds in order to strengthen the squad in other areas eg centre backs.

  • AGBlue says:

    This is an issue in that we have now sold all of the better players to come through the academy, but there is a bunch more that came in and did a job and could be the future of the club – Reilly, Hancox, Packwood, Arthur.

    As sad as it is, this is the type of team rebuilding I’ve been wanting for years, instead of signing players with one or two years left in them repeatedly or loan signings which don’t work out (Hleb anybody?) which means you need to replace half the squad every 18-24 months.

    As long as we stay up I’m fine with the decisions, and Clark looks to be bringing in some decent quality on the cheap to supplement the young talent.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      With what’s out there and with the financial handcuffs that Lee Clark is having to work with, I think his recruitments so far have been solid. I can’t say either way about Olly Lee, but he did captain the developement squad last season, so the management must see something in the lad.

      A lot of managers work with one hand tied behind their backs… Lee Clark has both his handcuffed. Good luck in your recruitment Lee… chin up mate!

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Lets look on the bright side. Although I hate the thought of Redmond leaving we have Burke who plays wide right and Arthur as back-up. Ferguson may well feature again on loan from Newcastle to play wide left. We have Shinnie,Elliott,Adeyemi,Reilly and Lee vying for central midfield. Zigic,Novak and possibly King up front and two Premier League central defenders joining on a season long loan next week.
    On top of this we have Spector,Eardley,Hancox and Murphy for the two full back positions plus utility man Robinson and the Window hasn’t opened yet!

    • Evesham blue says:

      I agree. Only thing that worries me is if king goes who we got to score 20 goals for us? Don’t think zig and Novak will be prolific. Asante has potential but is unproven and it looks like we are getting rid of one of our main attacking players on the flank

      I am starting to think we won’t be getting Morrison back this term either as we appear well stocked in the middle now.

      Ferguson would be good tho to have back tho

  • SteveC says:

    Pannu won’t allow a sale until he has bled every last ‘drop’ out of the club.
    As soon as they have ‘banked’ the last parachute payment and sold off the last valued asset, their interest in finding a buyer for whats left will ‘ramp up’.
    As mentioned previously, these people are a pernicious ‘cancer’ inflicted upon our club.Hopefully soon justice will be done in Hong Kong, then the spotlight may fall on the REAL culprit.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Only upside would be that, any potential buyers who pick us up ‘on the cheap,’ would have more money to invest. Maybe that’s a rose-tinted way of looking at things… but we can hope!

  • AL-LAD says:

    Somebody please write an article which explains how most players deals are structured, with a down payment then payments spread over ‘x’ amount of years, with add on’s and various other clauses written in. It’ll explain why we are allowing players like Butland, Redmond and Davis to go so cheap, as we are requesting the bulk of the cash upfront. This inevitably forces the price down by the selling club. It also means that the club has the majority of the money upfront so can continue to trade, since we no longer have an overdraft.

    So Hughton didn’t stand firm, utter cr@p, he was offered a better job, watch LC run out the door if a Premier team came calling for he’s service.

    Why oh why would redmond turn down a move to play Prem football to stay at a club that will struggle in the championship? doesn’t matter if he’s a fan of the club or not, how is it benefical to he’s career? when will people on here stop being so deluded?

    • Evesham blue says:

      Agree with the points you make apart from the struggling in the champ bit and LC running away. We all know what happened to agent McCleish he is now in the footballing wilderness….

      Personally I think LC has a project and an opportunity to build something as well as enhance his reputation. Don’t think he will go at the first chance?

  • SteveC says:

    Lee Clark has shown far more ‘dangly bits’ than Hughton did at St Andrews.
    Good as Chris Hughton did for us, I feel Lee Clark is a much stronger candidate and will become a better manager.
    Ye, am sure he would be off ‘when a Prem team comes a calling’, who wouldn’t.
    Think Lee Clark has the potential though to manage a top Premier team, not the likes of Naarwich !

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Good post!

      • Ali Duncan says:

        I have to say that although some of his buys didn’t pay off last season at the start of that campaign we were all saying what good signings Ambrose, Mullins and Lovenkrands were.

        I feel the same with all (Except Lee) of LC’s business so far. Yes, some of them might not pay off or take time to pay off but so far so good I think. Assuming we get these two centre backs in then we’re very well covered in all departments now. The blend of senior pros with rookies is about right and I am starting to feel positive about the coming season. I also believe Ziggy and Novak are going to be a lot more prolific than people initially think.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          As I said earlier, Olly Lee is a fairly unknown quantity. He captained the DS last season and they did very well, so who knows.

          I think Novak will do far better than Zigic for us in the air. If we get another decent striker in, or King stays, that could be a good partnership. But, if Clark playes 4-5-1, Novak up front with an attacking midfielder or two coming in, could be usueful too.

          I’m thoroughly optimistic about this season.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Meant to say, that when the 2 centre backs arrive, the main problem area is left flank. If we can’t get Fergie back, the place needs to be filled. Hancox could fill in for the time being, but we need a specialist tbh.

  • AD says:

    butland has a 30% sell on clause in his contract with stoke hence the reduced price he went for and i wouldnt be surprised if Redmond has a similar clause in his contract once he leaves. Which is not bas business as if they where to move to even bigger clubs, 2 years on they would attract huge fees with BCFC having a 30% cut, not bad business fo a Club who needs money now and for the future.

  • Ali Duncan says:

    All as expected really. Very pleased Wade has signed on. He was one of the most consistent players for me last season.

    If wonder if Big Tom ariving means we’re not going to get Ravel Morrison back. I know LC was saying on bcfc.com just yesterday that he is still talking with WHU but I can’t see it now.

  • mark says:

    http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8791537/? loyalty or exit over to you Nathan………….

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I don’t think he’ll end up in Swansea unless Kyle Bartley is part of a deal (season-long-loan.)

      Norwich, he might because of the Hughton link. But, if Fulham up their offer to the others, that might be his final destination. After all, it’s where the bright lights are.

      • mark says:

        yes AJ had contract with them by all accounts it was a good one……i am lead to believe….

        • StaffsBlue says:

          The wages must be decent there mark. They’re an established Premier side… and you don’t attract the likes of Berbatov for £10pw do you?

          For some reason, I have a feeling that Redmond will be heading to somewhere in London, unless Hughton is persuasive.

  • Agent McLeish says:

    My mate Dave said that LC is also looking at ex-Celtic winger Patrick McCourt.

  • dave mann says:

    it looks like were getting kyle bartley on loan for the season, plus another premiership centre half
    according to lee clark whicn means hes doing is homework brilliantly and covering the areas we
    as fans new needed covering. The guys a legend already and i to echo everything that SteveC
    said about him, hes here untill a premier league club come calling, but hopefully he will do that
    job with us, come on lee. KRO.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I don’t think Clark is going anywhere for the forseeable. If he hasn’t walked away by now, he ain’t gonna imo.

      Now, if Newcastle or Fulham came calling… who knows.

    • Pete says:

      Don’t know he can be called a legend! He has done nothing with us last season and we played shocking football. I will admit I admire he has not moaned this pre-season, but that is all. I will give him the time to see what he can do this. But to call him a legend or brilliant… on the basis of what?!?!?!

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Legend might be a bit strong (there have been very, very few of those over the last 20 years,) but to be fair to dave, he actually said “he’s doing his homework brilliantly,” to which I have to agree.

        • Pete says:

          How can anyone say he is doing great work when we have not seen these players play yet? The could all be shocking. I agree it is difficult for him and am sure he is doing the best he can. But many fans thought Ambrose was brilliant last year. So the players have to prove Clark has done good business first. As for being a legend or a brilliant manager how anyone can make this comment I do not know? Any other club he would have been sacked last season- but it is fresh start next, that is my way of looking at it.

  • dave mann says:

    i think the newcastle job is the only one that would prize him away right now, but
    pardews contract still has seven years to run so that aint happening. KRO.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Strange things are happening up there atm… so who knows. But, I think if Ashley did get rid, he’d have to pay out a right old wedge to Pardew, who’s only a year into his 7 year deal. Which would probably mean bringing in someone cheap (Lee Clark?) or sticking Kinnear in there (doubtful.)

      • KeeprightCroydON says:

        Who knows with Ashley. He’s so unpredictable, and might decide to jettison Pardew in spite of the 7 yr contract. But I think he’ll look for a bigger name than LC, someone who has experience of working as a manager with big name players, so I think (hope) we are safe from a Newcastle threat to tempt our manager away.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          I’m with you in hoping they look somewhere else. I’m glad we have Lee Clark as manager, I don’t want him going anywhere. He’s proved he’s got the footballs for this job.

  • dave mann says:

    at least were not the only club in the country that everybodys taking the p… out of,
    but as the song goes” we dont care na na na”KRO.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      … what like the Vile fans? And they’ve got plenty to shout about haven’t they? Bar for a last gasp improvement, they could have been enjoying local derbies again this season. And when did they last win a trophy?

      At least we carry the name of our City and are the representatives of Birmingham. They must be thrilled representing little old Witton in their pink and baby blue kit.

  • Tony says:

    A Legend, tempted away to the premiership,, Hope we can hold on to him ! Is this Clark we are talking about here? For gods sake this is the guy who presided over the worst most horrible debacle I have ever seen at Stans. The guy who didnt know his arse from his elbow with his formations, team selections, Tactics, man management,
    OK he has a mighty job on his hands and to his credit he is acting as best anyone could in the dire circumstances we are in, and good luck to him.
    However I can not ever see the day when Newcastle will come calling, or any other premiership club for that matter. time will tell.
    He is doing ok in adversity but lets see what happens when we kick of, people are losing their heads on this today, Everyone knows I am not a fan of Lee Clark never have been but give him until Nov- dec.

    • mark says:

      edging bets again Tony – it was Christmas before, now you moving into November, don’t tell me i cannot bear it……………hang-on minute Clark out at the Watford game…….. we see eh Tony…….

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I’m not a fan of Zigic, can’t stand him as a player. But, I’ll support him 100% while he has a Blues shirt on his back. With Lee Clark… there aren’t many (if any) managers who would have taken this job on… let alone stuck with it into a second season. With all the stick and hatred he’s faced since he’s been here, who would have blamed him for saying “Stuff you then,” and walking away?

      The guy has my utmost respect for that. I think he’ll prove all the doubters wrong.

  • mark says:

    http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20130625-robbo-ticks-all-the-boxes-879122.aspx definately ticks my boxes………..we have a fighter in this person will give nothing less than 100%….. any player drops below that i am sure Robbo will be up their noses……lol

  • Tony says:

    Think christmas might be a bit late Mark

  • JohnBond says:

    Remember watching Davies play at Luton when I was a kid and he was younger brilliant defender, if I ever see Pannu at St. Andrews I will stamp on him until he’s face is flat to the pavement, the mans a joke fat bold four eyed c***

  • TracyKRO says:

    Since I found this blog I have found some interesting comments on here.
    Art,Tony Stevec I hold my hands up and say I felt exactly the same has you guys and kept asking the same questions and views as you, since we went down in 2011 till jan of this year that was because I nearly died, I thought I cant do anything to help, just be patient and wait till there is change because something will/got to happen soon. just get mine/son st and support Clark and players until there is change. if I won euro lottery I would buy the blues, kro guys

    • Art Watson says:

      Tracy….spoken from the heart and you like many others are the reason why this great club of ours will never die despite the efforts of people like PP.

      This time next year hopefully he will be gone but you will still be here supporting the club and enjoying success.

  • SteveC says:

    Don’t think we’ll be seeing the corpulent trickster ever again at St andrews.
    There will be a sell-off as soon as the transfer window is closed and the parachute payment cheque is banked !

  • mark says:

    agreed Tracy- it wonderful to have so many opinions from bluenoses, and yes they wear their heart on their sleeve…….. but at the end of the day bcfc comes first…………………..

  • Blues for life 71 says:

    all doom and gloom above …………. out with the old in with the new …………….. something beg stolen or borrowed will inevitably be BLUE !!

    KRO and back LC with all your heart and passion once again……… i remember the Ken Wheldon days ,,, when even players wages couldnt be paid. ONWARD AND UPWARD.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-interview-lee-clark-4707540

    Listening to Lee Clark’s description of Tom Adeyemi, he sounds very much like a younger Guraine N’Daw type of player. Just what we need. A bit of strength and power down the middle.

  • mark says:

    marlon going possibly to hull???

  • Tony says:

    Agree King is a big asset, whatever else you may say about him he knows where the net is if he goes we are in deep shmuckkk

  • StaffsBlue says:

    If we do play 4-5-1 this season, we’ll be relying on the midfield to chip in with a large proprtion of goals. I think with the players we have and are signing, we might be ok in that department.

  • brumbie says:

    We have to accept we are and always have been a feeder club for other bigger clubs. CY and PP Have just made it worse thats all. In this day and age money talks. Bigger clubs than us have lost top players Man U lost Ronaldo and could lose Rooney Liverpool lost Torres and may lose Suarez Arsenal lost Fabragas and RVP. Villa lost Young and Milner and Bentekee may go Spurs lost Modric and might lose Bale. Its a fact of life players leave for bigger and better things so we just have to move on and hope for better times ahead.

    • Pete says:

      Yeah we are exactly the same as Villa loasing Milner but buying Bent. We did the same when we lost Gardner, Foster, Johnson, Dann, Davies, Redmond, Butland, Beausjour, Jerome and also let go of Fahey, Philips, Bowyer, Larrson, etc. Sold for a disgusting £27m for a whole prem side. And Villa, etc then spent a total of £500k to replace these with Elliot and Ambrose….. and a loan replacement like Wes Thomas….

      Finally, if we are a selling club- tell me, who do we have left to sell?

  • bluenoseneil says:

    Not worried about exits. The changes need to happen to refresh the squad and give us balance. Nathan and Burkey share the same berth in Right midfield and Burkey scores and provides more, so despite the fact that its sad to see Nathan go it won’t be the worst thing that happens to us.

    Goals can come from anywhere on the pitch as proven by Cardiiff and Hull who both got promoted by getting the whole squad to chip in with goals.

    LC needs to balance his squad and use the youth/experience mix effectively. We all know he’s got one arm around his back but that’s a situation he seems to accept and a challenge he is prepared to meet.

    Anyone in through the door this summer is going to be here for FOOTBALL and not money, which immediately means they have the right head on their shoulders.

    What happens on or off pitch this season becomes therefore irrelevant as Blues are cleaning house and bringing credibility back to professional football. It’s not necessarily been borne out of wish rather than necessity, but I for one applaud it fully and care not about £5.5million for 3 players we would have lost anyway.

    Good luck to Jack, Curtis and Nathan. Thanks for all your efforts. KRO

  • brumbie says:

    Next season will need consolidation and stability if we are to survive in the championship unrealistic expectations will put too much pressure on what will be a.young side. We would all like to see blues promoted but what happen if we went up with a weak team and run by the present clowns. Another relegation would surely follow. We have always been a decent second tier club but not strong enough to compete well enough with the bigger clubs in the top flight so its important to be right if and when we ever return to the top table.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      People may not agree… but I don’t want to see us promoted, certainly not this season. If we went up, what better reason for the shower who own us to stay put? I’m sure they’d love to get their sticky paws on the tens of millions the Premier would bring.

      Let’s get shot first, then have a tilt at the play offs.

  • Ray says:

    All this conjecture means nothing really. All we can do is get down the ground and support the team
    and hope for the best. We did this in the days when Terry Cooper was in the same position as Clark now finds himself. No-one expected the Brady bunch to turn up and put us back on the map and no-one knows what’s coming in the next few years. I think it can only get better. Keep right on!


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