HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Tuesday night’s game by delving into their forum.

“This is an awful run of winless games we are currently on. From the position we were in mid-January, our relegation worries should have really been over this season”, “It would be a wonderful accomplishment if Rowett keeps us up. That is the only objective this season.”

“It’s very worrying. We are 15th in the table, eight points off the drop with no wins in eight games and dropping like a stone.”

Birmingham have picked up five draws in their current winless run but Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Brighton at the Amex alarmed City fans who are anxious at their drift down the table.

“Even through we’re going through a dip in form we’re still not getting battered by teams and even drawing with teams at the top of the league. A dip in form last season or at the start of this one would have meant a 5-0 hammering”, “Mediocrity is our objective.”

Receivership

“Ernst and Young insist it is business and usual at St Andrew’s”, “This receivership has not happened due to the company going into liquidation, but rather as a response to the continued and prolonged civil war that has plagued the boardroom over the past few months.”

The news that the club’s parent company has appointed receivers is seen as a positive step to long-term stability. “Quickly checks to see how many points we are ahead of the relegation zone”, “That is exactly what I did.” The threat of a ten-point deduction however has unnerved many fans.

For some fans, the glass is so much half-full as brimming over. “We can hopefully be sold as a large Championship club with little or no debt. If we can be bought for £10 million, some bloke can throw £30 million at us and guarantee £300 million plus over four years if we are promoted.”

Gary Rowett

“If we had been offered our current position the day Rowett took over, we would have taken it”, “The remit for Rowett in November was to keep us up. Look where we were then. You have to be happy with that”, “We were relegation dead certs until this guy came in.”

“We would already be dead and buried without him.” Blues are full of praise for the stability the former Burton Albion boss has brought to the team. “He has done a brilliant job, but he is a defensive manager by nature first and foremost building from the back”,

“Rowett is a stratospheric improvement on Clark. He’s not infallible though. He should take the initiative rather than playing into opponents’ hands”, “He is not immune from criticism. Building from the back is fine but winning games is more important than avoiding defeat.”

“He is not a magician or a Christ-like saviour, but a bright bloke with a bit about him”, “We were a drivelling, dishevelled, chaotic mess under Lee Clark”, “Rowett has taken a group of very average players, made them hard to beat and then turned them into a very good counter-attacking side.”

A Paper Thin Squad

“Rowett has done very well with a weak squad of players”, “We are what we are, and that is a team of free transfers, loans and kids”, “Let’s be perfectly blunt. We need virtually a whole new team.” There is widespread agreement among Blues that their squad is lacking any strength in depth.

“We wondered how Rowett would cope when his team started to pick up injuries and now we know.” Injuries in particular to two key players, centre-back Michael Morrison and central midfielder David Davis have exposed what was a solid defensive unit.

“I can’t get too mad with any of the players really. This isn’t a case of someone playing badly or not trying. It’s more a case of our players not being good enough.”

Counter-Attacking Formation

“The stable team selection Rowett has employed for the last couple of months has stood us in good stead in terms of building a good defensive base”, “The counter-attacking tactic is perfected. Everyone knows their roles and the shape is solid as a rock.”

Starting XI against Middlesbrough last Wednesday

“We’re getting the most out of the squad the way we are playing.” City have made themselves hard to beat by playing a 4-4-1-1 system, but they have had problems when taking the initiative. “We have struggled in games where we have had more possession and teams have sat off us.”

Fans want to see the team play more on the front foot. “What about putting teams to the sword?” “Our midfield is too deep. The striker is isolated and opponents can rule the middle of the park. We often chase shadows there.”

While City have switched to 4-4-2 during the course of their last two games, not everyone believes that starting with two strikers would be wise. “Midfield would get shredded with players exhausted after an hour of closing down balls.”

Brighton 4 - 3 Birmingham

“That was shocking. Brighton attacked at will and got good balls into our box time and time again, right from the first kick”, “A swift counter by the Seagulls undoes the defence”, “They seemed to counter with real pace, whereas our pace on the break was more conservative.”

Brighton had more of the play in what was an open game, but a goalkeeping error and missed penalty contributed to the Blues’ own downfall. The Seagulls attacked the flanks, and Lloyd Dyer on the left was particularly singled out for criticism for not supporting his full-back.

“Only just heard about Davis’s injury. I have a feeling there will be goals in this game”, “Today proves that we miss Davis more than anyone”, “Our problem was in midfield. From four players who were beginning to link well, they have started to look like strangers.”

City rested the inconsistent David Cotterill on Saturday, switching teenage prodigy Demarai Gray to the right flank. The injured David Davis was replaced with Wigan loanee Rob Kiernan. With Stephen Gleeson struggling and Lloyd Dyer out of form, the midfield was disjointed.

With Brighton leading 3-1, Rowett switched formation to 4-4-2 (above), bringing Wes Thomas on for Andrew Shinnie to stretch the Albion defence. Lee Novak replaced Dyer to offer an attacking threat and help shore up the left flank. Both substitutes scored as City took the game to their hosts.

Birmingham 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

“Boro will come for all three points, which will leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks. I fancy us to score. It’s just whether we can keep them out”, “What a bloody good first half that was”, “We just got better as the first half went on and we deserve the lead.”

“The reason we didn’t win that game was because of us and not because of Boro.” Blues allowed the visitors to escape from St Andrew’s with a point last Wednesday after Middlesbrough were both a goal and a man down at the break.

“Our second half approach was all wrong. We had five midfielders sitting deep, allowing 10-man Boro to dominate midfield and run at our backline”, “I am very frustrated with that second half performance. I have no idea why we dropped back and let Middlesbrough come at us.”

“We had no real intent to attack in the second half and a top team can hurt you even with 10 men. Why so negative from us and why did we not go at them more?”, “In the second half, you would have thought Boro had the extra player.”

Birmingham 0 - 1 Millwall

“There is so much apprehensive expectation tonight, enough to give everyone the jitters.” Blues were nervous before the game and left frustrated afterwards, both for the manner of their loss and for giving the relegation threatened Lions a vital lifeline.

“Playing two holding midfielders away from home is fine but not at St Andrew’s. We looked boring tonight with no creativity or Plan B”, “We got what we deserved. Millwall were the better side”, “It was a game where we never found our way”, “Typical Blues - we just love banana skins.”

Defence

“We must have the shortest back four in the division, witnessed by our conceding more headed goals than anyone else.” Several Blues have highlighted their vulnerability to set-pieces.

“With Robinson and Spector at the back, Rowett is even more likely to continue with the counter attacking style. It would be unnecessary with big, strong, mobile centre-backs, but Rowett is making the best of what he has”, “The defence prior to Morrison’s arrival resembled a colander.”

Former Charlton centre-back Michael Morrison has missed the last five games with an ankle injury. “We were playing like amateurs and to make such a huge difference was amazing. He’s not an eye-catching defender, but has quietly gone about his business making us hard to score against.”

Darren Randolph

“Gandolph the great is in goal.” The 27-year-old ex-Motherwell keeper and Republic of Ireland international has been widely praised for “pulling off some stunning saves at times”, “I felt sorry for him after the 8-0 Bournemouth defeat, but he has been resilient and shown his class at times.”

There is one area of concern. “He was beaten at his near post again against Brighton”, “This happens quite often”, “He needs to eradicate this, but he’s still up there in the top three Championship keepers for the saves he has made this season. I reckon he has made up for his odd mistakes.”

“Jonathan Grounds is one-paced, limited and tentative though he does give 100%.” The 26-year-old former Oldham left-back “is decent in the air and is making fewer mistakes. However, he is not up to much going forward so whoever plays in front of him is a bit isolated.”

“Grounds seems to be out main threat from corners”, “His attributes are much better suited to his being a centre-back.” He had a good first half against Boro. “Even Grounds with his limited forward ability was trying to get forward”, “The Seagulls targeted him and were beating him every time.”

“Paul Robinson has massively improved since playing with Morrison”, “Rowett “needs a replacement for Robinson as he’s not going to last the season.” The 36-year-old former Bolton centre-half “was getting frustrated with how deep the midfielders were playing against Boro.”

The team’s “Captain Fantastic” can struggle when isolated. “Millwall drew Robinson out of position just like Fulham did leading to their goal”, “He lacks pace and it can cause problems when coupled with his lack of positional sense.”

“I am not comfortable relying on Jonathan Spector at centre-back. He suffers lapses at times.” The 28-year-old former West Ham centre-back “gets beaten in the air when challenged far too easily. It was noticeable against Boro and especially against Millwall”, “A Spector cock-up was inevitable.”

“I like Spector and admire his commitment, but he is not a tough solid centre-back”, “He is caught on his heels and doesn’t react quickly enough to things”, “Awful from Spector - it was a shocking header for the Millwall freekick tonight”, “He was absolutely feeble defending for their winner.”

Paul Caddis

“Caddis had the right idea against Boro. He was steaming into space with half the pitch to himself, but twice in quick succession we missed obvious balls to put him clear.” The 26-year-old ex-Swindon right-back is widely seen as offering the best attacking threat from the defensive quartet.

“Caddis typifies the passion required to be a favourite with Blues fans”, “He was man-of-the-match against Boro both in attack and defence”, “He an unsung hero for us and seems to have struck up a good understanding with David Cotterill in front of him.”

“Why the hell clueless Lee Clark played him in central midfield is beyond me. He’s a very competent right-back”, “Caddis has shown he is a leader and looks at home again in his best position”, “He has real drive and has something tough and brave about him to add to his skill.”

Central Midfield

Sitting deep and playing with a slow tempo are worrying symptoms for Blues. “There was no desire to close down of play with pace against Millwall”, “I lost count of how many times Fabbrini had acres of space for them in the centre of the park. We sat too deep and he dictated the entire game.”

“I was really disappointed with Callum Reilly tonight [against Boro]. He didn’t even offer an extra presence.” The 21-year-old youth product “has two good things, a tackle and a shot. Last night he couldn’t tackle a sandwich and decided to pass instead of unleashing one with his left foot.”

“Reilly is athletic and can tackle and shoot well. He can control and pass when under no pressure.” He has featured as a substitute in the last two games. “He appeared to be marking Gleeson”, “He was a big presence in midfield against Brighton but our midfield was still defending too deep.”

“Rob Kiernan will hopefully provide a bit of steel in the middle.” The 24-year-old loan signing from the Wigan made his debut on Saturday. “I hope he is as solid as he looks”, “One Brentford fan said that he is a good ball player in defence or midfield but he has a mistake in him.”

“We are in desperate need of a central midfielder. We were shambolic once David Davis went off [against Middlesbrough].” Many Blues felt that the turning point against Boro was the withdrawal of the 23-year-old former Wolves holding midfielder with a knee-injury with an hour gone in the game.

“Davis puts in the shift of two men - God help us if his injury is long-term”, “Boro were just strolling through the middle when Davis went off”, “He puts in lots of good tackles in his tigerish displays”, “He is a very good ball player who likes a tackle”, “He has put in 90 minute displays under Rowett.”

Stephen Gleeson

“Stephen Gleeson seems to go missing in games when we are under pressure.” The 26-year-old former MK Dons man “made good passes and interceptions in the first half against Boro, but was dreadful in the second. It was as if mistakes prey on his mind and he makes more.”

“Gleeson was seriously exposed when Davis went off. I’m not sure why he’s classed as a defensive midfielder when he can’t tackle. He is lightweight and jockeys players left and right. His distribution if more than five yards is appalling. He doesn’t drive the team forward or mop up play.”

“At times Lee Tomlin ran at Gleeson and all he had to do was jink right or left and he was past him”, “His game could be much better is his anticipation and positioning could be improved”, “I’m not surprised his play turned to rubbish as soon as his baby-sitter went off”, “He was an empty shirt.”

Andrew Shinnie

“Shinnie’s passing, work-rate, hold-up play, linking between the midfield and attack and general creativity and cleverness have been consistently good for weeks now. It would be nice to see him chip in with a goal to boost his confidence but he has been playing bloody good stuff.”

The 25-year-old former Inverness Caledonian Thistle attacking midfielder “reminds me of Hleb at Arsenal. Shinnie is the master of the pre-assist, in that he gets involved two or three passes before the final ball. I love the way he sometimes makes space without even touching the ball.”

“Shinnie is the most important player in our squad by a mile. Nobody can do the things he can do”, “He was starved of the ball against Millwall by the midfield four sitting too deep”, “When Shinnie got on the ball against Brighton things happened, but he was not getting the ball enough.”

Wide Midfield

Blues are happy with the natural width their wingers offer, and several have noted how they switch flanks during open play. They have however voiced concerns both about the support they give their full-backs in transition and their habit of dropping too deep along with the central midfielders.

“Lloyd Dyer has been a passenger in all of the games I have seen him play”, “His performance against Millwall was terrible and was sadly everything Watford fans said about him.” The 32-year-old ex-Leicester left winger is on loan from the Hornets. “His movement is very selfish time and again.”

“Dyer should be ashamed of his contribution against Brighton. He did nothing to protect his full-back”, “Why run down the centre of the pitch, clogging it up for others where there are acres of space down the left?”, “His movement, first touch, passing, tracking and tackling are poor.”

David Cotterill

“We have had some good wingers at Blues, but they are a breed on their own, renowned for blowing hot and cold”, “Cotts is a threat with every freekick and I can’t think of a replacement for him”, “The balls he whips in from out wide are dangerous”, “You have to take the rough with the smooth.”

The 27-year-old ex-Doncaster right winger “can be very frustrating in open play, but his set-pieces, goals and assists mean that he is virtually undroppable, especially when we are struggling goals as we are now [Birmingham had scored just two goals in five games before Saturday’s Brighton game].”

Many Blues felt he was rested rather than dropped for Saturday’s Brighton defeat. “He was truly awful against Boro. It was his worst game in a Blues shirt”, “Poor set-pieces, crossing and use of the ball. He looked jaded. He needs to be in the team, as he can produce that one moment of magic.”

Demarai Gray

“Demi is very quick with the ball at his feet.” The 18-year-old youth product and left winger “is quick, mind you, and can score goals but he goes missing in games”, “Gray seems to flit in and out of games”, “The lad is still raw and needs a full Championship season for his development.”

Blues were heartened that the club turned down a substantial bid from the Cherries for him during the January transfer window. “At best, Bournemouth will be a yo-yo club and not ideal for Gray, but Eddie Howe is definitely the type of manager he should work with.”

Gray was substituted after being fouled by Ryan Fredericks against Boro. “He didn’t properly recover from being clattered”, “He took a real whack in the stomach. He doesn’t enjoy the rough stuff and never looks committed when he has to get stuck in. That will change when he has beefed up.”

Strikers

“Rowett likes to play with a lone forward and a number 10. My only concern is that we don’t have a replacement for Donaldson.” Many City fans would like to see more support for their lone striker either from breaking midfielders or from a second striker to help stretch defences.

“Lee Novak has gone backwards this season and was never the greatest up front anyway.” The 26-year-old ex-Huddersfield frontman scored a good goal against Brighton, but has been a peripheral figure. “He runs the channels and works hard and is better with his back to goal than Donaldson.”

“The less said about Nikola Zigic, the better.” The 34-year-old former Valencia striker is also confined to appearances from the bench at present. “Until we sign a decent centre-back, Zigic will be brought in to see out the last 20 minutes to use his height both at the front and at the back.”

“Zigic brings nothing to the team. His cameo appearances have been a farce. The rest of the team revert to the long ball from the moment he is on. His heading is wayward and his effort is poor. His days of being a decent impact sub are long gone. His legacy dwindles with every appearance.”

Wes Thomas

“Wes Thomas silences Rowett by scoring seconds after coming on against Brighton.” Blues have been bemused by the managers sparing use of the 28-year-old former Rotherham striker. “I wonder why he has been frozen out. His pace would have told and made a difference against Millwall.”

“Thomas holds the ball well and pins defences back for a final 15 minute onslaught”, “His energy gives opposition defences less time on the ball”, “Thomas is fast aggressive and a decent header of the ball”, “He stretched the play and uses his strength well.”

“I would have Thomas pressing the opposition as this would get us higher up the pitch”, “We should get have got balls in behind defences for Thomas to run on to, just to get their back four turned. We played in front of them and played into their hands.”

Clayton Donaldson

“Amazing pace from Clayton to win the penalty against Boro”, “He is the most infuriating striker because he works his socks off for the team, creating numerous chances, but doesn’t convert them unless their tap-ins”, “He’s metamorphosing into an instinct player like Cameron Jerome.”

The 31-year-old former Brentford frontman is praised for his effort and work-rate, but his finishing exasperates Blues, notably his miss late on against Boro. “He missed a free header from six yards in injury time”, “His super pace won that penalty tonight but that miss at the death was unforgivable.”

He has his supporters. “Clayton leads the line very well and works non-stop. He has great control at holding off defenders and laying off good passes to team-mates”, “He has been as good as anyone could have hoped for in the lone striker role, scoring more than any of our players last season.”

Blues’ Views on ITFC and the Game

“Ipswich are going to be smarting after losing at home to Reading”, “I doubt we will get anything out of the game”, “I can’t see anything other than a loss against a good Ipswich side, especially after they lost to Reading”, “I’m worried about no wins in eight with Ipswich away up next.”

“Ipswich are grafters we need to match it and put some height in the team.” Blues have been discussing their starting XI at some length, and are counting on the return of David Davis to strengthen their midfield.

There has been little meaningful discussion of Tuesday’s game over the weekend, but I will update the forum with any immediate match day thoughts on Tuesday afternoon and link this to my twitter feed.

Websites

There are two busy City message boards. The Small Heath Alliance is well informed and carries links to all local media stories involving the Blues. The official Birmingham City Message Board is quieter but has some informative discussions.

Photo: Action Images

backwaywhen added 11:53 - Feb 23 Cheers Harry , a little worried that they have not won in 8 .....Mm Ipswich on Tuesday !
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bluesince84 added 12:34 - Feb 23 Apparently about to sign Leicester winger Anthony knockeart
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bobble added 12:53 - Feb 23 the peaky blinders are finished dude...
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WeWereZombies added 15:13 - Feb 23 Stephen Gleeson and Andrew Shinnie don't half look alike
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BanburyBlue added 15:29 - Feb 23 Great read again Harry, great work as usual.
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StowTractorBoy added 16:56 - Feb 23 Whoever plays as our full backs will have to be on their toes with a choice of Cotterill, Dyer or Gray coming at us. First goal will be crucial as it always is. After Saturday I am not confident but we need three points however they are achieved.
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NoCanariesAllowed added 19:55 - Feb 23 Gray v Chambers concerns me. Sort of player that could run rings and cause havoc down that side if we don't limit his opportunities. But they are indeed missing David Davis, and Robinson-Spector is not their first choice centre-back pairing. I want to be confident about this but there's a nagging part of my brain that keeps thinking 1-1.
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