VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – BIRMINGHAM CITY v WIGAN ATHLETIC
Bazza’s latest match report.
——————————————————————————
Will and I were joined for this one by my eldest son, home from University for a few days. We had a pretty clear journey punctuated by the occasional manic exhortation of “TWO!” referring to magpies that I saw on the roadside and in trees. I am ridiculously superstitious when it comes to those bloody birds which have now become so commonplace that you cannot help but see one especially on a Saturday morning. One for sorrow, two for joy and I kept seeing them in pairs all the way up to the Midlands although Will did point out on one of the occasions that a third one was present; three for a girl and as his wife is expecting that may be an omen.
We called in as usual at Will’s brother, Chris’ pub, The Oak at Baginton for a pint before going on to the game. It turns out, whilst touching on the subject of fertility; spring being just round the corner and all that, that Chris’ Border Collie, Jasper (named after Jasper Carrott; he has another Beau named after another well known dog) has been doing what comes naturally and much excitement was in the air as the possibility of a litter from another pedigree Border bitch was in the offing.
Jasper is apparently descended from a winner of Crufts a few generations back so his seed is much sought after! Gail, Chris’ wife assured me that she had personally witnessed the deed being done and I was anxious to establish that the full mating ritual had taken place. For those of you that don’t know when the dog initially mounts that is really only foreplay and he has to turn away from the bitch so that the two animals are facing away from each other. Gail said that this indeed had occurred and the dogs were locked together for at least ten minutes; beats thirty seconds I suppose. 
Anyway, Gail was off to the vets with the other owner for a doggie scan to confirm or refute the presence of the forthcoming patter of tiny paws.
On to less exciting things such as the game; we arrived near the ground and whilst walking up Arthur Street, Will told me I had to go back as I had trod on three pavement covers in a row and that was unlucky and I had to do it again. You see readers with me it’s magpies, with Will it’s paving slabs or covers. So back I went, trod on two and avoided the last. The relief on Will’s face was that of the dying man in the films when the victim is released into paradise to meet his maker. I couldn’t in all conscience let Will be tortured for the whole match worrying that we were going to lose because I’d stepped on three paving covers now could I?
OK that’s enough preambles what about the game? Well on the way home…………….. No seriously, the reason I’m telling you all this was that the game was non-descript to say the least. Some said it was absolutely abysmal but I don’t subscribe to that view; I thought it was simply dreadful! To be honest it was a game of two halves with Blues easily the better side in the first. Actually they played some pretty decent stuff in the first period and should have been comfortably ahead at the break. Scott Dann crashed a header against the bar from an excellent inswinging free kick from Larsson and missed the target with two other headers that he really should have done better with. Ridgewell, who had one of his best games this season, supplied Jerome with a glorious opportunity having got in behind the Wigan defence but the striker tried to take a touch and we all know how that was going to end; a first time side foot would surely have been the better option but the chance was gone.
Chris Kirkland made a brilliant point-blank save from McFadden from another Ridgewell delivery and it looked as if Wigan were going to hold out until half time. With seconds of the half remaining a cross from Fahey was only cleared back to him in the corner of the box. Mario Melchiot stabbed out a foot at the ball which was no longer there as it had been toe poked away by the midfielder who promptly hit the deck. I have to say that the excellent referee, Anthony Taylor gave the penalty immediately and it looked a sound decision from where I was. However, the replay on MotD showed virtually no contact and if there was, there certainly wasn’t enough to ground the player. I cannot condone this and for any Latics fans reading this; this is not that way I want my team to win football matches but sadly your team have been harshly done to on this occasion. Mind you, it was not as bad as ‘le plongeur extraordinaire,’ David Ngog at Liverpool who did a double pike twisting somersault with tuck to win his spot kick. McFadden dispatched the kick into the bottom corner sending Kirkland the wrong way. The lead was deserved most definitely however, the manner of it was not.
The second half was truly dire as Blues went off the boil and allowed Wigan the majority of the play although most of the time they played in front of our customarily well marshalled defence. Hugo Rodallega provided the only scares to be thwarted by a great save from Hart midway through the half and near the end shot two inches wide of the post with Hart beaten when well set up by Victor Moses. Stephen Carr tweaked a hamstring late on and had to be replaced by Gardner at full back instead of coming on for the disappointing Larsson. Kevin Phillips came on for McFadden and missed Blues best and only chance of the second half in the final seconds when having nicked the ball out wide and cut in past two desperately retreating defenders took the shot on when a square ball would surely have sealed the argument once and for all. The only other action of note was a scything tackle by Ridgewell on McCarthy which took out the Wigan player, the corner flag and the assistant referee who was lucky not to be blinded by the flag pole which pierced his forehead. The challenge looked far worse than it actually was and I’m glad to say that the referee who was excellent all afternoon did not overreact. Steve Bennett, the fourth official on this occasion ran the line for the final few minutes.
This was not a game for the connoisseurs of the beautiful game but it moves Blues onto the magical 40 points; a fantastic achievement with the squad we have. Well done to the players and Big Eck and his management and coaching staff. They have a real chance to achieve their best finish in the top flight since 1956. As for Wigan, I am afraid to say they are the poorest team I have seen at St Andrews this season but that is not to say they are necessarily that bad. They have a real struggle on their hands but I suspect that there are another two teams in this league worse that Wigan who along with Portsmouth will be playing their football in the Championship in August. Wigan should have enough firepower with Rodallega, Scotland and Moses at the DW to ensure their safety.
Back at The Oak, I understand that the scan was inconclusive and another examination is therefore required. It seems we don’t have to call Jasper, ‘Jaffa’ just yet! 
KRO SOTV
Birmingham City vs Wigan – Brief post match thoughts
I’ve delayed writing this until today because I wanted a chance to see the replay of the penalty incident first on Match of the Day.
Let’s be honest about it, it was a dive. Not as bad as the David N’gog one for Liverpool but it was never a penalty. If it had been given against us we would have been fuming. Bearing in mind the N’gog incident this is a case of things balancing out over the course of a season so we are even now. The resulting spot kick was well taken by McFadden which I hope will help his confidence.
Apart from that it was a largely forgettable game with the only other noteable incident being the linesman being attacked by the corner flag. How that corner flag was able to stay on the pitch afterwards I’ll never know.
Let’s hope the team can raise themselves for next weeks cup game against a Portsmouth team who have nothing else to play for.
VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – CHELSEA vs BIRMINGHAM CITY
Here is Bazza’s match report from last night’s game.
————————————————————————————
All successful runs in sport come to an end sooner or later and the smart money was on Chelsea to put Birmingham in their place and so it was to prove on a cold January night in West London. Blues had been receiving plaudits rightly for the high standard of their defending over the season so far but this was evidently lacking after only six minutes of this encounter when Joe Cole who normally marauds down the left for Chelsea and England was switched to the right to exploit the obvious deficiency that we have in the left back berth. This is not meant to be a criticism of Liam Ridgewell personally but a statement of fact. He is not, and never will be, a left full back and he lacks the pace to deal with truly top class wide men coming at him especially as James McFadden cannot be relied upon to add much in the way of defensive help. Cole aided and abetted by Ivanovic got behind us far too easily and this was to be a long evening for our much vaunted defence as a result. Cole had all the time in the world to dink over a simple cross to the waiting Malouda who had a completely unchallenged and therefore free header right in the middle of our six yard box. Where the rest of the defence were is a matter for debate but the outcome of such diabolical defending could only result in the game virtually being over with most of it yet to come.
Chelsea proceeded to strut their funky stuff for the rest of the half with the outstanding Frank Lampard the pick of the Chelsea midfield whose collective pace, power and movement made a mockery of Birmingham’s recent reputation for being tough to beat. Blues did manage to settle after the early setback but were under the cosh for most of the time offering no threat going forward. Apart from a couple of easy catches Cech in the Chelsea goal had more chance of perishing from hypothermia than conceding a score. Blues looked tired and listless and spent their time chasing shadows. However, they stuck to the task and kept their illustrious hosts at bay until the 32nd minute when Lampard, 25 yards out was not closed down and anyone who has been watching Premier League football over the last few years will know how dangerous the England internationals shooting can be. It is easy to be critical of one’s own team for not going to the ball in this situation but Lampard still had a lot to do from where he was. His shot skimmed across the turf like a bullet to caress the netting attached to the far post. I cannot describe how good this strike was. Two or three inches nearer to the diving Joe Hart who had another impressive game and the keeper would have saved it. The tiny gap that Lampard found was the only place he could have selected to score and he needed the necessary pace on the ball to convert the chance; a truly beautiful goal and a pleasure to watch.
Blues were better in the second period and showed a little more going forward but even so Chelsea remained by far the better side. Fahey came on for Jerome after 56 minutes and McFadden was pushed up front with Benitez. The latter created a glorious chance for McFadden with twenty minutes to go but the Scot’s right footed effort across the keeper was so wide it was never threatening Cech who calmly watched the ball skid by. Our only other worthwhile attempt was from Fahey who once again fed by Benitez, toe poked the ball goalwards. The shot destined for the top corner was well saved by Cech and that as they say was that. Blues tried manfully to give the travelling faithful something to cheer and did have a go at Chelsea towards the end and it was to cause their downfall for the remaining goal. Caught up field, Chelsea broke with pace and Malouda put Lampard in for an easy finish for 3 – 0 in the final minute. Some might feel that this was a little harsh on a brave but outclassed Birmingham side but the simple fact of the matter is that Blues were comprehensively beaten by a better team who to my mind are the champions elect. The depth of their squad and the talent they have to return from Africa should deliver the title come May.
It is not all doom and gloom where Birmingham are concerned. Chelsea were terrific last night and played beautifully. They came very close to scoring on a number of other occasions and in one case, I counted no less than 18 passes without a Blues player getting anywhere near the ball despite their best efforts which were considerable and could not be faulted. It was just that last night, Chelsea were just too good and even at 3 – 0 there was no disgrace in defeat. The lads have been fantastic during the run which I will remember for the rest of my time on this earth. I have been privileged to have witnessed all the games except the Wigan and Everton matches. We do need to bounce back from this however and not rest on the laurels of a great run and look to set off on another one. On another positive note, Michel came on for his debut for the last twenty minutes or so and from this little cameo the signs look good. He is a much bigger man than I’d expected but he is comfortable on the ball has good touch, gets his head up and obviously likes to pick a pass. Hopefully a new striker will arrive before the deadline but we desperately need a top quality left back soon – Gareth Bale? Should get a look at him one way or another on Saturday eh?
KRO SOTV
Front Men Evade McLeish
Filed under: Articles by Dale Moon, Blues News, Players
Here is Dale’s latest article.
———————————————————————————–
The game is afoot, the hunt is on and the January transfer window is wide open. That said, is seems to be blowing quite a hefty gale straight back at the Blues boss, as the cold shoulders just keep on coming . . . .
There is no doubt in anybody’s minds that Blues are looking for a striker, tall, strong, athletic and of good value for money. Kevin Kuranyi was one of the first names to register with the rumour list. The Brazilian born German-Hungarian-Panamanian striker may have had a problem finding his native cuisine in the city and by the sounds of his temperament may also have scowled at the bill before sulking about paying. McLeish has made it clear that he will not compromise the dressing room spirit that has spearheaded our run of form and for this reason, along with the hefty price tag the chase was called off.
However a striker who ticked most of those boxes was a certain Trinidadian from Sunderland (slightly less complex than that of Kuranyi’s roots). Kenwyne Jones has netted five times this year for the Black cats and has found playing in the shadow of the rather inform Darren Bent, a tough task. Nevertheless a player who was once branded “The New Drogba” by the Daily Mail and has been linked with Liverpool and that team from Aston does not turn into a bad player overnight. The 25 year old, 6ft 1in striker looks threatening and with the deadly combination of pace and power will always cause problems for the opposition. That said, we already have that in Jerome and Benitez but Jones is deadly in the air. A £10m bid was tabled but upon discovering with transfer fees, add-ons, various clauses and wages over the length of contract the figure would rise to around £28m. It became too large a figure for McLeish and the board to stomach and subsequently, yet again, Blues were back on the hunt for a new striker.
Then came slight whispers of Hugo Rodallega circulating around news organisations in the West Midlands. A sporadic type of striker who has comes up with some glimpses of genius, especially silencing the crowd with a screamer at Villa Park on the opening day of the season. Netting 10 times for the Latics last season, he certainly has potential but may not be tall or prolific enough for the ambitions at St. Andrews and with Roberto Martinez putting “football over finance” when asked about Rodallega this also may be a non-runner.
A player from the Austrian club Salzburg has also been linked with Blues and standing at 6ft 5 in would fit the bill. Marc Janko has expressed his desire to play in the Premier League and with a 1 in 2 ratio for his country, has been tipped for success. The 26 year old has scored 67 goals in 92 games for his club side who may consider letting him go for a fee of around £6.5m. The risk however lies with his ability to adapt to the English game and whether he has enough goals to score outside of his home country and in a considerably tougher league.
A Roman from Russia came next with spurs reportedly looking to cash in on Roman Pavlyuchenko and Blues speculating a move. The Russian showed promise during the 2008 European Championships and had a 1 in 2 goal ratio at Spartak Moscow. However since joining Harry Redknapp’s North London side, he has failed to live up to expectations. In a pecking order behind Defoe, Crouch and Robbie Keane, the Russian international does seem to be available. The question being is he worth the gamble for Spurs asking price of around £10m?
It is safe to say that prices are certainly inflated during the January period and with McLeish wary of paying over the odds for players, he will have to choose wisely should he depart with Carson Yeung’s £40 war chest made available.
Transfer rumour round up
Well we have all this money now but do we need to spend it? The team is unbeaten after twelve games and our manager hasn’t felt the need to change the team much during that run. It’s possible that a sudden influx of new players could unsettle the team so most fans would agree that only two or three quality additions would be needed to boost the squad and cover for injuries. The question is who can we get.
The most prominent story in recent days has been that Liverpool have turned down a nine million pound bid from us for Ryan Babel. It seems strange to me that they would turn down such an offer as Babel is only an occasional first teamer for Liverpool but to be honest a lot of Benitez’s decisions baffle me. I’m not too bothered that they have turned it down though as it’s a lot of our budget for someone who is talented but inconsistent. The other option talked about is Aiden McGeady of Celtic but there are conflicting stories about his availability. Some reports say that Celtic have asked for ten million while others say that he is not for sale. Either way it doesn’t look like he will be coming to us.
In the ”More Likely” column is another bid for Sporting Gijon’s Michel who in some reports has already had a medical. This was a player we were close to signing in the summer so hopefully the small print can be sorted out this time. Craig Gardner of Villa was also talked about in the summer and the rumours have started again as they have for Kris Boyd of Rangers. Gardner has not featured for Villa much this season and Boyd is close to the end of his contract so they are both more likely to happen now if they are players McLeish really wants. It’s interesting that despite us having a new board and a much bigger budget we are still being linked with the same players as in August.
Other stories doing the rounds are a bid for Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia. McLeish is obviously looking for wide players. It doesn’t look like Wigan really want to sell though. The Ruud Van Nistelrooy rumour has come round again but I can’t see that even the chance of first team football will make him want to swap sunny Madrid for freezing Birmingham. Kevin Kuranyi looks unlikely to come now as well so at the moment there is no sign of the new striker that we all said was a priority. Early days though.
The one deal that we would all like to happen, the permanent signing of Joe Hart won’t go through but there is a chance that we could extend the loan for another year like we did with Mikael Forssell.
Still twenty six days to go so I expect there will be many more rumours, good and bad, to come and maybe we”ll actually sign someone before deadline day.
-
Partners
-
Polls
Loading ...
-
Recent Posts
- VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – PORTSMOUTH vs BIRMINGHAM CITY (REFRAIN)
- St Andrews Tannoy Sytem – Give Your Feedback
- Post Portsmouth Musings!
- Who’s going to be the top marksman?
- VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – PORTSMOUTH v BIRMINGHAM CITY
- Nail Biting Blues!
- Portsmouth v Birmingham City – FA Cup preview
- As the Blues Announce a Loss – We Ask, is it Bad News?
- 2nd Supporters Clubs and Blues Websites Meeting
- Gil Merrick Memories
-
Other Stuff
