Birmingham review

Last updated: 13th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Birmingham review

Johnson: Colossus in defence

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BIRMINGHAM

What Went Right?

A newly-promoted club escaping without a sniff of a relegation battle is a feat in itself, but throw in a 12-match unbeaten run and a 15-match home stretch without defeat that included draws with all the top five (plus Liverpool) and you have a phenomenal first season back in the top flight. Alex McLeish took a chance on Championship defenders Roger Johnson and Scott Dann - as well as 'retired' right-back Stephen Carr - and they proved all the doubters wrong.

What Went Wrong?

A goal-a-game record is not exactly the stuff of supporters' dreams, with Christian Benitez's four-goal haul hardly matching his potential price tag. There was a mini-collapse in spring which illustrated the need for more quality strength in depth but thankfully that proved only to be the difference between a mid-table finish and a European push.

Are They Happy?

Oh yes. But the problem with having a successful first season is that dreaded second-season syndrome - especially when investment is likely to bring higher expectation. The fans will not only want survival, but they will want it with a healthy dollop of entertainment too.

Signing of the season:

Roger Johnson. McLeish took a punt on buying the stopper from Cardiff City, but goodness it paid off. Johnson formed a mighty partnership with Dann at the heart of the Blues' defence. £5million well spent.

Flop of the season:

Christian Benitez. A little harsh maybe because there have been flashes of quality. But as already mentioned, a return of three league goals scored for around £8.5million spent is not the best. He could still come good though.

Star man:

Joe Hart. Shame he is not a full-time Birmingham player. More inspired business this from McLeish, who brought Hart to St Andrews from Manchester City on a season-long loan. Hart earned his side many points and is now set to go to South Africa.

Breakthrough player:

Scott Dann. At only 23 years of age, the future is certainly bright for the centre-back, who, as touched upon, was impressive alongside Johnson. Dann was physical and easily made the step up from Championship football.

High point:

Their 12-match unbeaten run which stunned most. Said charge even sparked talk of a European berth, but the team ultimately ran out of steam.

Low point:

A dip in form during the second half of the season. The cub went eight league games without a win, but did finally ensure their season ended on a positive note.

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Comments (5)

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Mike Shaw (Birmingham City fan) says...

I think this is a pretty spot on account of our season apart fom the obvious mistake about Chuco ...but I would only add that the low point was the abject performance in losing to portsmouth in the cup quarter final when we seemed like a team at the time which could have gone all the way Personally i would take a stab on Benitez at £5 million as it does take some foreign players, especially thse from South America some time to adjust to football in the prem and life in the UK ... He certainly put's th effort in and is very skillful and he also had plenty of chances and I suspect once he get's a few he will go on and score loads .....The danger is we let him go and somoen like Sunderland pick him up and he goes on to be a absolute star ... remember Big Eck.. Palacios, Zarate, Andy Johnson etc etc Anyway it's true we Bluenoses are well happy with how it's gone this season so well done to big Eck and the squad and all the backroom staff ... Keep up the good work ...

Posted 15:31 13th May 2010

Eric Jones (Birmingham City fan) says...

I hope Blues fans will be happy with staying up during the dreaded second season. McLeish is smart - we should grow slowly. Blues fans should stop thinking europe at this stage. Onus now is on owners...how much will they put into the club???

Posted 15:12 13th May 2010

Paul Murphy (Birmingham City fan) says...

"Flop of the season - Christian Benitez. A little harsh maybe because there have been flashes of quality. But as already mentioned, a return of three league goals scored for around £8.5million spent is not the best." Benitez is a loan signing and we have until Saturday to decided whether he is worth £5m. Otherwise he goes back. So not a waste of £8.5m after all!

Posted 13:34 13th May 2010

Benjamin Hussain (Birmingham City fan) says...

Benitez thankfully isnt our player, he was on loan, he could be a quality player if he was tall powerfull and had a better finnish, but hes never going to gain them attributes so 8 million for him is a joke. scott dann is better than roger johnson, 2014 england captain.

Posted 13:25 13th May 2010

Stuart Tait (Birmingham City fan) says...

couldn't agree more with this review, we've had a fantastic season, but i would be happy if we just stay up next season. Benitez isn't actually our player, and can't see him staying with us. he's been a quality little player, but just hasn't done whats expected! here's hoping to a strong season next season!

Posted 13:20 13th May 2010
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