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Notes for the New Season - Part Five: Birmingham, Wolves and Milton Keynes
Wednesday, 29th Jul 2015 11:00 by HarryFromBath

In the fifth of a series of pre-season reports, HarryfromBath assesses the mood around the Championship clubs by delving into their forums. In today’s report, we look at how things are shaping up at Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the West Midlands, and also see how newly promoted Milton Keynes are faring.

Birmingham City - The Rowett Revolution

“We were a League One bound team under Lee Clark and now stand as a mid-table Championship team under Gary Rowett. He knows what he is doing and seemingly doesn’t need big names or big price players to compete. Burnley proved that all you need is a quality manager and we have one.”

“There is no way we will finish 10th again.” City fans have queued up to heap praise on their manager for steering them to a comfortable mid-table finish last season but many are a good deal less optimistic that this feat can be repeated in the coming campaign.

“We punched above our weight last season. The Championship is far tougher this time round and I reckon we’ll do well to finish around 17th”, “Rowett was brilliant last season. He will have to be even better this season if we are to survive. It’s not his fault, just our desperate ownership situation.”

Ownership Status

It is worth providing an update on the current situation regarding the club’s ownership. Ernst and Young were appointed as receivers to BIHL (the company which owns the club) in February and confirmed in June that a preferred bidder, Trillion Trophy Asia, has been identified from a shortlist.

This company has been given a two-year exclusivity period to take over the parent club and have loaned it just over £1 million in working capital prior to a main loan of c£13 million going through. Former club chairman Carson Yeung lost an appeal against a money-laundering conviction in Hong Kong in May.

Club director Panos Pavlakis reiterated to anxious City fans this month that while a non-disclosure agreement meant that he couldn’t confirm who the personnel behind these prospective new owners are, none of them are past or existing directors or shareholders.

Gary Rowett

“In Gary we trust - we have no other option”, “We have a miracle-worker in Gary Rowett managing the side”, “He has fostered a spirit that money can’t buy”, “Hold on to him for dear life”, “We play a slightly more defensive style under him but that is for the better and not for the worse.”

“I think we will be okay on the pitch due to having a decent manager, thank God.” Any doubts which City supporters have about the quality of their squad are counter-balanced by their faith in their manager. “Money is not going to win this league, management and togetherness are.”

There are minor grumbles about playing style but most Blues trust their boss. “We may not have the best squad but can definitely compete because of Rowett’s ability to pick players who work for the direction of the team. I personally trust him 100% to get us pushing in the right direction.”

Transfer Dealings

“If it was Lee Clark, I would be panicking at our lack of signings but under Rowett I’m not worried. He’s the smartest bloke we have had in charge for a long while and will have us 100% ready”, “With the squad we have today we are going to have to fight to avoid relegation.”

Nine players have departed this summer. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph (to West Ham) has moved to the top flight, but full-back Amari’i Bell (to Fleetwood), keeper Colin Doyle (to Blackpool), midfielder Callum Reilly (to Burton) and striker Matt Green (to Mansfield) have moved to lower league teams.

A number of players who have left are still unattached including striker Nikola Zigic, defender Gavin Gunning and midfielder Olly Lee. Defender Will Packwood is training with New England Revolution in the USA and winger Mark Duffy has joined Burton on loan until January.

“Gary has been busy extending the contracts of some of our best players and promising youngsters”, “That is the more important issue for the club’s long-term financial health.” Four new players have arrived but Blues believe that retaining key players has been their biggest achievement this summer.

Wingers Koby Arthur and Demarai Gray have signed extensions as have defenders Paul Caddis and Jonathan Spector. Young keeper Nick Townsend has been retained, but Blues were happiest to see striker Clayton Donaldson, linked with Town this summer, sign a two-year deal.

“Yes - the one I wanted. I love you Panos and hope that this shuts up the doubters”, “Donaldson was immense last year. Take away the points his goals earned, even under Lee Clark and we would have gone down with Blackpool”, “This is the first time I can recall City keeping hold of their best players.”

“We need two midfielders, one more defender and another striker”, “It is clear that we are desperately short of good quality in a few areas of the pitch. Striker Lee Novak is League One standard and it is worrying when Gary talks him up in the press.”

Five new players have arrived this summer, goalkeepers Adam Legzdins (from Orient), Tomasz Kuszczak (from Wolves), striker Alex Jones (from West Brom’s youth academy), and midfielders Maikel Kieftenbeld (from Groningen) and Jacques Maghoma (from Sheffield Wednesday).

Jacques Maghoma

“I’m really pleased with signing. He was player of the year under Rowett at Burton and impressed him. Everything about the deal makes sense and I trust Gary to get the best out of him as he did before”, “I would have preferred Paul Anderson but I trust Gary with this signing.”

“He is a player who works hard on the wings but doesn’t have many tricks, a bit predictable but he puts a shift in”, “Needs to improve his finishing given his goal return since moving up from League One”, “Cotterill will always get in first on the right wing but he is an improvement on Lloyd Dyer.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers - A Lack Of Ambition

“This time last year most of us reckoned we would finish mid-table. A year later, we have virtually the same squad which just missed out on the play-offs and last season was one of the most competitive in the Championships history”, “We can make the play-offs if key players keep fit.”

“We will finish the same as last season unless the squad is improved”, “The current squad isn’t too bad but it won’t make the play offs without the right investment with 15 teams probably competing for six positions in the league”, “We need incoming players before letting people go.”

A pre-season poll on one site shows 8% of supporters predicting a top-two finish. However, with 43% of fans predicting a play-off and 45% forecasting a seventh to 10th place finish, Wolves are divided on whether they have the strength in depth to make the play-offs or just miss out again.


“At the moment the squad is weaker than last season so we are not even standing still”, “I think we will achieve our objective of finishing just outside the play-offs”, “It will be the same as last time unless the squad has improved”, “With the current squad I would say top 10.”

A lack of strength in depth is a constant refrain. “People who think our current first-team resources are sufficient in terms of quality are deluding themselves. One serious injury to one of our strikers or the departure of [midfielder] Kevin McDonald and we are in real trouble.”

Kenny Jackett

“We have a proper manager who knows his football. Given the right backing the bloke could do something here but I don’t class spending £2 million per season on one player as proper backing”, “He seems to have his hands tied with this penny-pinching on wages that appears to be going on.”

“Kenny is a patient man. He spent six years at Millwall on a shoestring. Keep the faith that he will make the right signings in the coming weeks”, “He is doing a good job with the resources he has to hand. Nobody could have got much more out of the squad over the last two seasons.”

Jackett is given huge credit for rebuilding the team after their relegation in 2013 and then securing both an immediate return to the Championship and a strong run last season at the play-offs. “Just look at where we were when he took over. He has overachieved with no transfer budget.”

“He has a good relationship with [owner] Steve Morgan and I would be surprised if he didn’t back him. I have less confidence in [CEO] Jez Moxey and his negotiating skills”, “It’s going to be tricky so long as Moxey has free rein to haggle every contract or every transfer fee.”

Transfer Dealings

Seven players have left Molineux and two have arrived so far this summer. Winger Bakary Sako was out-of-contract at the end of the season and he has recently had talks with West Brom, while striker Kevin Doyle has joined MLS side Colorado Rapids in the United States.

Keeper Tomasz Kuszczak has remained in the Championship and joined Birmingham City. Strikers Leon Clarke (to Bury), Jake Cassidy (to Oldham), winger Michael Jacobs (to Wigan) and defender Sam Ricketts (to Coventry) have moved to lower division teams.

New contracts have been given to young strikers Liam McAlinden [who will rejoin Shrewsbury on a six-month loan] and Bright Enobakhare. Striker Nouha Dicko signed a new three-year deal but talks have “stalled” with midfielder Kevin McDonald who is entering the final year of his current deal.

The lack of progress over McDonald’s new contract has put some fans on edge. “McDonald is undoubtedly the one who makes us tick in midfield. I would be very disappointed if he were to go”, “Whether you think he is great or not one thing is for sure. We will be a worse team without him.”

The two first-team squad arrivals are central midfielders Conor Coady from Huddersfield and Jed Wallace from Portsmouth, both signing three-year contracts. Fans were frustrated at missing out on former Town loan striker Chris Wood who opted instead to join Leeds.

Jed Wallace

“A very good player with great ability and finally we have got a natural penalty taker”, “We have been calling for a true number 10 and now we have him. We have two styles of play at number nine and 10 with Wallace, Dicko and Benik Afobe”, “A tip of the hat to the club for making this signing.”

“He looks like he has time in the final third, doesn’t panic, gets his head up and picks his spot”, “The big test will be whether he can find the time and space at a higher level”, “Central midfield is a tough old position in the Championship”, “He may need a while to bed in but is a very composed finisher.”

Conor Coady

“Coady doesn’t shine at any particular talent. He’s just proficient at everything.” Fans have expressed reservations about Jed Wallace’s lack of Championship experience but with Conor Coady they are more concerned over whether he will be an improvement on what they already have.

“His career tally of one goal every 10 games doesn’t promote confidence that he will improve central midfield’s goal output”, “If we have bought a like-for-like replacement holding midfielder I don’t see the point. I don’t see more than an average to decent midfielder that won’t help us as we progress.”

He has his supporters. “I’m happy with this signing. He could be exactly the right type of player we need beside McDonald. He brings lots of energy, a physical presence, efficient passing and he is more dynamic than our current midfielders”, “He has a good pedigree and a tidy all-round game.”

Ipswich, Mick and Mings

“I don’t think Murphy will be able to replicate last season”, “I suspect Mick will have Ipswich up there again though.” Many Wolves had Ipswich in the play-off positions in their season forecast polls. They also had some kind words to say about our now-departed left-back.

“Mings could prove to be exceptional. He’s one of that rare breed in English football, having the ability to take his playground football on to a bigger stage and make it work. He has excellent intelligence s and he should go in the same direction as Lilian Thuram. It’s his choice now.”

Milton Keynes - No Need To Panic Yet

“Almost anything is possible next season. We could end up anywhere in the league, most probably towards the bottom but never mind. Anything upwards of 21st is nothing short of shockingly good so let’s treat it as such”, “Let’s enjoy the anticipation rather than fear the worst.”

“This place is going to be as depressing as hell in a couple of months when everyone realises what a step up the Championship is. We were sharks in League One. Now we are little more than plankton”, “Still, let’s get in the beers and have a nice time visiting all those nice new stadia with lots of fans.”

A thread forecasting various league positions saw most Milton Keynes fans put their team 16th or below, with a third predicting their immediate relegation. “At this stage I feel a bit like Norwich fans must feel whenever they get promotion.”

“We had a fantastic season. Last time out it all came together and everything that could go right did go right. In all the seasons you watch football you will see very few like that one. This season is going to contain some absolute thrashings. We may go months without a win or games without a goal.”

“We have a responsibility to recreate last year’s atmosphere. Even if we are losing by so many we have lost count we can’t let that stop us having a good time, making noise and giving a good account of ourselves”, “Let’s go out and enjoy it while it lasts. We can’t have any regrets about this season.”

“We are conceding defeat far too early. A ball hasn’t been kicked and, who knows, our style might suit the Championship better”, “Let’s cut to the chase. We need this bloody season to start soon so we can see how good bad or indifferent we will be.”

Karl Robinson

“We have a manager here who cares deeply about the club”, “Over five years we have had a decent win rate, some cracking cup shocks, success in the loan market, playing an appealing brand of football and top 10 finishes on moderate spending. All reasons to keep Robbo as manager.”

“Buzzing. Massive news.” Fans were delighted with the news that both their manager and assistant Richie Barker had penned new contracts. “I’m delighted we have secured Karl’s future so we can concentrate on the team and maintain our continuity and stability.”

“Do you think we would have signed loan players of the quality of Benik Afobe, Patrick Bamford and Lewis Baker if it was not for Robbo’s respect and contacts within the industry?”, “The links he has forged with Arsenal, Chelsea and other strong teams is very valuable to the club.”

“Robinson has a fantastic opportunity to really build something and a chairman that will give him time”, “Pete Winkleman is a brilliant chairman but he is never going to have the financial clout of other clubs at this level”, “We are not a cash rich club and never have been.”

Transfer Dealings

“Work needs to be done and fast. I’m totally nonplussed by the signings so far and they would be deemed distinctly average League One signings. Are we really that skint?” Much of the club’s efforts have been focussed on retaining the players who got the team promoted last season.

Nine players have had contract extensions, keepers David Martin and Charlie Burns, defenders Anthony King, Dean Lewington, Lee Hodson, Tom Flanagan and Harry Hickford and midfielders Daniel Powell and Dean Bowditch. Winger Danny Green is the one player to depart (to Luton).

Five new players have arrived - former Town academy goalkeeper Cody Cropper (from Southampton), defender Joe Walsh (from Crawley), winger Dale Jennings (from Barnsley), striker Simon Church (from Charlton) and Peru international midfielder Cristian Benavente from Real Madrid’s reserve Castilla side.

“It’s just like watching Peru”, “No player has understood a word Robbo has said over the last five years so he’ll be in good company.” Little is known about the ‘Peruvian Ronaldinho’ but his arrival has generated a degree of excitement. “Wow, if this is true it will be a coup.”

Little has also been said about Cody Cropper - “a decent keeper and a good signing to compete with Dave Martin” - or Joe Walsh, but many fans believe that much of their strengthening will come from the loan signings. “We are so much weaker than last season”, “At the moment.”

Dale Jennings

“I’m surprisingly optimistic about Jennings”, “Jennings seems to be doing a lot better than I thought and has created lots of opportunities”, “He is solid, slightly overweight but stickily built”, “His ability is there in spaces. We need to just get his diet and attitude to align.”

There has been much discussion about the former Bayern Munich winger’s physique. “Any professional footballer whose shape bears more than a passing resemblance to Karl Robinson has got a bit of a problem at this level. Fully fit he would be first choice, but fully fit he certainly is not.”

“He can generate pace on the break and makes darting runs to cover defensively and when leading attacks. He can run at and beat players and put good balls into the box”, “He cannot go down the line when on the left wing but has to cut inside on to his right foot every time.”

Simon Church

“It’s a pretty scary thought that we have few forward options is Church gets injured”, “I think he’s going to be better than some of us think”, “His record up to now is hardly amazing”, “Chances in the Championship will be a lot harder to come by”, “He’s not the most prolific in the world.”

The arrival of the 26-year-old had caused little excitement. “He is a quicker version of [former loan signing] Will Grigg but just needs to sort his finishing out and if he does he will get 15+ goals”, “He has the physical attributes and a bit of height which we haven’t had for a couple of seasons.”

Franchise FC

“Since when has being a franchise been a negative thing? Most franchises are successful as they are modelled on existing successful business plans. It’s a compliment. Yes, we know we are a franchise. Thank you very much indeed.” Many Milton Keynes fans will argue that they can’t change the past.

To say that they are defiant is probably an overstatement, but they are as aware as all football supporters of the controversial circumstances of their creation. They politely make the case for their existence but accept that many supporters will always despise their team just for being there.

“Wimbledon was a failed business. We are the opposite of a franchise. We are a rebrand due to a failed business plan”, “Whoever first used the term should be thanked for providing us with the very thing which gives us identity.”

Message Boards

There are several busy Birmingham forums and some interesting comments can be found at the official Birmingham City FC Forum. The liveliest Wolves site is Molineux Mix and Milton Keynes’s busiest message board is the appropriately named The Concrete Roundabout.

On Friday, we will head down to the M4 to see how new season preparations are taking shape at Cardiff City, newly-promoted Bristol City and Reading.

Harry's Notes by Club

Birmingham
Blackburn Rovers
Bolton Wanderers
Brighton and Hove Albion
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Derby County
Huddersfield Town
Hull City
Preston North End
Leeds United
Middlesbrough
Milton Keynes
Nottingham Forest
Reading
Rotherham United
Sheffield Wednesday
Wolverhampton Wanderers


Photo: Action Images



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bluefeast added 11:23 - Jul 29
Your a top man Harry. Thank you once again for your efforts.
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HarryfromBath added 11:42 - Jul 29
Cheers Bluefeast. These were an interesting set of teams to do. Birmingham fans were so full of praise for Rowett's steering of the club last season and Wolves' criticism of their lack of strength in depth and lack of investment was very familiar.

I was surprised by the pessimism of Milton Keynes supporters given the terrific season they just had, having dumped Manchester United out of the Capital One Cup and gone up automatically. They seriously lack fire-power and survival may come down to the strength of any loan strikers they manage to secure from Premier League teams.
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sh123 added 14:58 - Jul 29
I think MK will be the suprise team of the season. Not quite to the extent of Bournemouth, but in an around the top 10 I think.

as for Wolves, I think they will be around the same as last year, but as for Birmingham, I agree with their fans that say they will struggle a bit more.
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Slambo added 18:47 - Jul 29
“At this stage I feel a bit like Norwich fans must feel whenever they get promotion.”

Hey, I'm starting to warm to those Milton Keynes lads..!
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