I don’t often watch international football let alone write about it, but I wanted to put down on metaphorical paper my thoughts following the European Championship. I’d never really considered myself an England fan; I’ve always been very much a club over country person but the last month really opened my eyes. Euro2020 gave me every reason to be proud to be where I’m from – and unfortunately, in the end it also showed why I’ve felt shame.
72 hours waiting for 21 words. Just over three days after Birmingham City rolled over and had their tummies tickled by Bristol City, Aitor Karanka’s reign as Birmingham City came to an end. No “thank you”, no “good luck” – just a terse two sentences confirming the Spaniard had exited the building.
Saturday’s game against Luton Town isn’t a quite literal must win for Blues but from a figurative point of view failing to beat the Hatters will easily crank up the pressure on Aitor Karanka. The Spaniard continues to be bullish in press conferences before games but from a fan’s perspective it’s getting harder to believe that things are fine.
It’s another morning after the day before, and it’s another inquest into an inept Blues performance and shocking home defeat. A slew of individual errors ensured Blues fell behind by three goals in quick time to Derby on Tuesday evening, with the Rams completing a comprehensive 4-0 victory to move out of the bottom three.
One of the biggest talking points in English football in recent days is the so-called “Project Big Picture”. First revealed in an exclusive by Sam Wallace in the Telegraph, the plan formulated by EFL Chairman Rick Parry along with Liverpool investor John W Henry, Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward along with others has been controversial to say the least. What effect does it have on Birmingham City?
It’s that time of the season yet again for Blues – last day relegation drama following months of crap results. This time things have gone a bit too far for many and talk of protest is lighting up groups on Facebook. The big question of course is if it is all talk or if it will spill over into actual action – and if it does, how much effect will it have.
Birmingham City crumbled to a 3-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night at St Andrew’s. The defeat leaves Blues still only seven points above the relegation zone with Hull City to play Middlesbrough this evening. While it is likely that Blues are safe this season, bums around the second city are definitely starting to squeak.
The last couple of weeks have seen some ups and downs as a Blues fan. The lack of business done by Blues in the transfer window was a cause of outrage for many on social media, while on the other hand Lee Camp’s recent penalty save heroics have been the source for many memes and positive vibes. Is football really this hyperbolic?
Birmingham City brought their winless streak to an end with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday. Jeremie Bela’s deflected last minute winner ensured that Blues are in the hat for the fourth round draw to be made on Monday evening. However, pressure remains on Pep Clotet with reports of Blues potentially looking at former manager Chris Hughton to return to the club as manager.
A third successive defeat in the Championship has left many fans including myself feeling that it could be the end for Pep Clotet. The luck Blues enjoyed in the early games appears to have run out and the imbalances within the squad have been left brutally exposed.
