Birmingham City v Swansea City

BLUES NEWS

Birmingham City v Swansea City Saturday 23 October 2021 Kick-off 3pm ISSUE 09 | £3

Repairtech Services (UK) Limited

Suppliers of Professional After-Sales Care Proud to sponsor Birmingham City Football Club

If it’s “Broke” – We Fix it!

Don’t call ‘Bodge-it and Scarper’...

Rely on the people who will really get your domestic appliances up and running again.

service@repairtechuk.co.uk

Main Interview

T

Ivan Sunjic

he phrase ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ springs to mind when the name Ivan Sunjic is mentioned. A diligent and disciplined individual, the Croatian continues to marshal a midfield that can be one of the Sky Bet Championship’s most dynamic.

A summer arrival from Dinamo Zagreb in 2019, Sunjic chalked up a major milestone for Blues in recent weeks. His outing against Queens Park Rangers at the end of September was his 100th appearance for the Football Club.

BIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Having completed his tonne, the man who also turned 25 earlier this month sat down with Blues News to discuss the season so far and more!

Telephone: 0121 772 0101

Ivan, great to be catching up! How has the season started for you personally?

In myself, I feel great - very fit and healthy. But saying that, I am a team player and if we aren’t doing as well as we can on the pitch that is not good. I think we need one win to lift our confidence and from there,

Ticket Office: 0121 772 0101 (ext 2) Commercial: 0121 772 0101 (ext 3)

Store: www.blues.clubstore.co.uk 6 | BLUES NEWS

Honorary Vice President: Mike Wiseman

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

IN THE DUGOUT

Russell Martin

Technical Director: Craig Gardner Head Coach: Lee Bowyer Assistant Head Coach: Mark Kennedy

Promoted five times during his playing career and a former captain at both Norwich City and Peterborough United underline the credentials Russell Martin brings to the dugout.

ONE TO WATCH

Jamie Paterson

The former Scotland international has taken those leadership qualities and determination to succeed into management, but also has a playing philosophy that he doesn’t stray far from.

FORWARD DOB: 20 December 1991 A footballer’s career trajectory is very rarely linear and Paterson admits he experienced the full spectrum of emotions in recent months.

The 29-year-old underwent an arduous summer after being released from long-term employers Bristol City following a season blighted by injury. Yet from being downcast and unwanted to his South Wales derby heroics last weekend just underlines the graft he has had to put in to get himself back to his productive best.

The former Walsall and Nottingham Forest playmaker opened the scoring against Cardiff City in scintillating fashion for his fourth goal of the season, as well as providing two assists, and credits “a lifeline” from Russell Martin that has got him back playing with a smile on his face once again.

MARTIN PROVIDING JACK’S LEVERAGE

I

f Swansea City boss Russell Martin could have scripted his first experience of a South Wales derby, it probably wouldn’t have differed drastically to how proceedings panned out last Sunday.

It wasn’t just that his Swans side

thumped bitter rivals Cardiff City 3-0 in front of a vociferous Jack Army, it was the way they achieved the result and the maturity his players showed in handling the occasion that provided the most gratification.

A vibrant display saw Swansea in complete control from the

Head of Physical Performance: Sean Rush

“He has been frustrated he has not scored a few more goals already, but defensively what he does for the team is really important. He has become a really important player for us, he has real quality and a brilliant mentality.”

Martin was certainly fulsome in support of his players after the

10 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

First Team Analyst: Dan Millard Under-23s Head Coach: Steve Spooner Academy Director: Paul Williams Head Physiotherapist: Pete Shaw First Team Physiotherapists: Dave Hunt & Dave Singleton Club Secretary: Zoe Jones

emphatic result, telling the South Wales Evening Post: “It was an incredible performance. I am just really proud of the players, the courage they showed on an occasion like this.

“I felt like it had been coming, a performance like that. I feel like we have been really dominant in games and not quite created enough or, when we have, not quite had the composure and poise to finish it off.

Today the guys have handled the occasion brilliantly.

“We spoke before the game about weathering the storm early on whilst Cardiff have intensity, energy and aggression. After that first 15 minutes I thought we controlled the match. The connection is building all the time and the way we hurt Cardiff in the second half was excellent.”

The 35-year-old likes his sides to perform with an intensity, pressing high up the pitch and had his former employers MK Dons boasting a possession percentage as high as Manchester City and Barcelona.

In Buckinghamshire he guided MK Dons away from relegation in his first season, then steered them to 13th in League One during 2020/21.

Now the amiable coach is fostering a real sense of togetherness in South Wales, as the Swans look to bounce back from last season’s Play-off Final defeat.

Swansea Chief Executive Julian Winter certainly believes they got the right man, saying: “We are delighted with the appointment of Russell as our new head coach. He very much fits the profile of a young and hungry coach who wants to succeed. After earning plaudits with Milton Keynes Dons for the attractive, attacking style that he implemented, we quickly realised Russell would be the right person to take us forward.”

Although it was a seismic result for the Swans, being only a third league win of the season, it also acted as vindication of the ideology

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 11

home fans had seen more than twice as many goals. The four shared with Preston took the tally to 15 for and seven against. In contrast away from home only leaders Norwich could better the frugal six conceded but only Swindon had scored fewer than Blues’ three. Birmingham had nudged ahead of The Robins meagre two goals by drawing 1-1 at Swindon seven days before the Preston match.

Arthur Horsfield – once Swindon’s record signing – gave the home side a first half lead before that man Bob Latchford again came to Birmingham’s rescue with a second half leveller. Player- manager for the Robins was the legendary Dave Mackay in his first season in management. Three seasons later Mackay would be managing Derby County to the top-flight title, a trophy he had won in 1961 as part of the great Spurs team who became the first side of the twentieth century to do the double of league and cup.

Birmingham would come close to their own double of league and cup this season, albeit as second tier promotion winners as runners’ up and FA Cup semi-finalists. Such glories seemed a long way away in mid-October as Blues failed to make inroads into the promotion pack. There were to be only two wins in the next two months. Things were destined to get worse before they would get better.

TEAMS SWINDON TOWN 1 : Jones R., Thomas, Trollope, Butler, Harland, Mackay, Bunkell, Horsfield, Jones C., Smart, Rogers

7250

Half a century on from the glorious 1971/72 season when Freddie Goodwin’s Blues dramatically clinched promotion to the top flight having also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, we turn the Blues News spotlight on recalling one of the finest seasons in Blues’ post-war history.

F

BLUES 2: Kelly, Martin, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Robinson, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Smith, Taylor.

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL

CLASS OF 71/72 DAVE ROBINSON Centre-back Dave ‘Sugar’ Robinson played in both of the games featured today. The Preston game would be his 12th appearance of the promotion season, but also his last.

almost 6,000 more than the division’s second highest gate of the day for the top of the table clash at Millwall. Bluenoses went home disappointed as Alan Tarbuck, North End’s new signing from Chester, found a second half equaliser. City had led 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from the double act of Bob Latchford and Trevor Francis which had outgunned the visitors’ goal from Gerry Ingram.

As Blues were held by Preston half a century ago today, elsewhere in the division goals flew in. Cardiff smashed six past Charlton, Bristol City beat Orient 5-3 and Pompey pummelled Fulham 6-3.

There were six goals too for top flight Spurs against Forest while in the bottom tier promotion chasing Workington (Remember them?) beat Reading 5-0. On the other hand today’s visitors Swansea were playing a goalless third division draw at Bolton.

Robinson had joined Blues straight from Bartley Green School in 1964. A loyal club servant, in total he played 127 times for the club scoring four times, most famously a penalty which earned an FA Cup draw with Manchester United in 1969.

At this point there was a hint of symmetry to the home and away form. At home Blues had won four, drawn three and lost none. On the road however there had been no wins, four draws and three defeats. In terms of entertainment however

Midweek European football had also seen a big score when Inter Milan staggeringly lost 7-1 at Borussia Moenchengladbach – the ground where the most unpopular supporter was the one who shouted, ‘Give us a B.’ However as the Italian’s striker Roberto Boninsegna was carried off after being hit on the head by a beer can Inter claimed the game despite the score-line! A few days later UEFA cancelled the result and ordered a replay to be played in West Berlin. Never mind Workington – remember West Berlin?

He went on to play for Walsall between 1973 and 1978 before finishing his playing days with Tamworth and managing Oldbury United between 1980 and 1982. Born in Birmingham in July 1948 he passed away in March 2016 at the age of 67.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Trevor Francis 18 | BLUES NEWS

ATTENDANCE: 14,024

ATTENDANCE: 28,956

by ROB MASON

ifty years ago today a 2-2 home draw with Preston North End provided a fourth draw in five games.

With the other in that sequence being a defeat Blues found themselves off the promotion pace.

Remembering it was two points for a win, and only two went up with no play-off places to aim for, Freddie Goodwin’s side were down in eighth position. There was a five point gap to second place Millwall who narrowed the gap to leaders Norwich by beating the Canaries at the Den as Blues were being held by a Preston side without an away win.

BLUES 1: Kelly, Martin, Pendrey (Summerhill), Page, Hynd, Robinson, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Smith, Taylor.

PRESTON NORTH END 2: Kelly, McMahon, Ritchie (Spark), Bird, Hawkins, Spavin, Heppolette, Tarbuck, McIIlmoyle, Lyall, Ingram

@

Support was still solid. Almost 29,000 packed St. Andrew’s,

Head of Performance Analysis: Carl Blakemore

first whistle, with a high passing accuracy and 74 per cent possession allowing them to show both the graft and guile to their game. They were resolute and composed enough at the back to earn a Championship high seventh clean-sheet of the campaign, yet at the other end also illustrated a cutting-edge that many thought they lacked.

Despite having one of the division’s most anaemic frontlines so far this season, scoring just 12 times in as many games before Wednesday night’s clash with West Bromwich Albion, a wonder strike from Jamie Paterson broke the deadlock at Swansea.com Stadium to set the tone. That was followed up in the second half with goals from Joel Piroe and Jake Bidwell, as the Swans inflicted a sixth straight defeat on their rivals and a heaviest derby loss since 2014.

Martin has certainly been a long-term admirer of his Championship Team of the Week representative, telling WalesOnline: “He is a player I have always liked… I really like ‘Pato’ as a character, he is brilliant around the place. I think he has improved very quickly and has a brilliant understanding of his role.

First Team Development Coach: Paul Harsley Goalkeeping Coach: Andy Marshall

It was a busy summer with lots of new arrivals, how have the new lads settled in?

I feel like we have a strong squad this season in every position, which is very important. It is a long campaign with many games and we

will need everyone to be ready when it is time to play. The new boys have started well, and I am happy to be playing with them.

You have worked with Lee Bowyer for several months now, have you enjoyed it?

Of course! Last season when the Gaffer came in, we needed to figure things out and get back to basics.

We stayed up and showed people the determination that Lee brought to the team.

www.bcfc.com

IN THIS ISSUE DOB: 10 December 1979 Appointed: August 2021

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

How unforgiving is the English game when it comes to those real fine margins?

There have been a couple of games that we have lost where we have created chances and got nothing.

That is the nature of the division – it is so competitive. But that is the game, if you don’t score and concede then you won’t win but we know we can change that.

You have been here a little while now, how have you found living in and around the city for the last few years?

This is my third season now but even from my first, I settled quickly, and Birmingham felt like home. I have had a warm welcome wherever I have been here. I enjoy meeting the fans and it feels like I have been here longer actually! I look forward to what the future holds for the team.

Web: www.bcfc.com

Directors: Wenqing Zhao, Chun Kong Yiu, Gannan Zheng, Yao Wang,

After such a strong start, what do you put the recent form down to?

We had a great start to the season with a couple of fantastic victories over strong teams. But at the moment we are on a difficult run and we know. In football and with our team that can be changed, and we are working to do that.

This summer we had a great preseason and things started so well and that is why I am confident things can improve. Defensively we need to be more solid, and we need to be more clinical too but there are things we are doing right as well and that comes down to the Gaffer.

Club Superstore / Mail Order: 0121 772 0101 (ext 4)

BCFC BOARD

things will begin to go smoothly again.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 19

BLUES NEWS | 7

05 LEE BOWYER 06 Ivan Sunjic 09 The Opposition: Swansea City 15 Harlee Dean 18 72@50 22 community 23 player sponsorship 24 under-18s match report 25 under-23s match report 26 action replay 29 Stats 30 supporters’ messages

Open to individuals of all genders and abilities whom have a disability which prevents them from participating in mainstream football

Socialise while improving both physical and mental health

For more information, please contact BCFC community on: community@bcfc.com or call 0121 202 5921

Fun, safe and inclusive programme

Adults: Archbishops Ilsley School every Wednesday at 5:00 - 6:30pm OR 6:30 - 8:00pm

Lee

F

BOWYER

irstly,I would like to welcome Russell Martin, his staff, players and everyone connected with Swansea City to St. Andrew’s for today’s game.

Russell has gone in this summer and will have a clear idea of how he wants his side to play. They arrive in confident mood following their win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and we know they will be a dangerous proposition.

Swansea, like ourselves, are a team I expect to improve as the season progresses. It always takes time for a new manager to implement his ideas but the players seem to be buying into what he is asking of them and they restrict you to very few chances.

As a Club, they have always had a tradition of playing a particular brand of football and it is something we are trying to develop ourselves - an identity and philosophy which people associate with Birmingham City.

I thought we showed a lot of our battling qualities at Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening. It is never easy going away to a top six side who are on a good run of form. There were clear openings for us in the first-half and but for a bit more care, I am sure we would have created a few more opportunities than we did.

Our defeat to West Bromwich Albion was tough on the players. Again, we have competed with one of the stronger teams in the division but came away with nothing to show for our efforts.

On the balance of chances created, you would have to say we were the better team but got punished for a momentary lapse in concentration. We have gone close on a number of occasions, created chances (again!) but it just would not go in.

Despite this run of results, our performance levels have been encouraging but we have just been on the wrong end of those fine margins.

There is not much between a lot of the teams in the Sky Bet Championship and games are so often decided by that bit of quality or a mistake.

I still feel there are goals in this team and once we get one, however it comes, then I’m sure we will put a run together.

It is unlike any of my sides to go this long without scoring so let’s hope we break that run this afternoon and can record a positive result in front of our own supporters.

Thank you for your continued support.

Keep Right On,

Defensively, it’s always pleasing to keep a clean sheet. After the run we have been on, we have had to go back to being solid and difficult to beat so it is about getting the balance right now at both ends of the pitch. www.bcfc.com

Lee Bowyer

BLUES NEWS | 5

6 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

Main Interview

T

Ivan Sunjic

he phrase ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ springs to mind when the name Ivan Sunjic is mentioned. A diligent and disciplined individual, the Croatian continues to marshal a midfield that can be one of the Sky Bet Championship’s most dynamic.

A summer arrival from Dinamo Zagreb in 2019, Sunjic chalked up a major milestone for Blues in recent weeks. His outing against Queens Park Rangers at the end of September was his 100th appearance for the Football Club.

Having completed his tonne, the man who also turned 25 earlier this month sat down with Blues News to discuss the season so far and more!

Ivan, great to be catching up! How has the season started for you personally?

In myself, I feel great - very fit and healthy. But saying that, I am a team player and if we aren’t doing as well as we can on the pitch that is not good. I think we need one win to lift our confidence and from there,

things will begin to go smoothly again.

After such a strong start, what do you put the recent form down to?

We had a great start to the season with a couple of fantastic victories over strong teams. But at the moment we are on a difficult run and we know. In football and with our team that can be changed, and we are working to do that.

How unforgiving is the English game when it comes to those real fine margins?

There have been a couple of games that we have lost where we have created chances and got nothing.

That is the nature of the division – it is so competitive. But that is the game, if you don’t score and concede then you won’t win but we know we can change that.

It was a busy summer with lots of new arrivals, how have the new lads settled in?

I feel like we have a strong squad this season in every position, which is very important. It is a long campaign with many games and we

will need everyone to be ready when it is time to play. The new boys have started well, and I am happy to be playing with them.

You have worked with Lee Bowyer for several months now, have you enjoyed it?

Of course! Last season when the Gaffer came in, we needed to figure things out and get back to basics.

We stayed up and showed people the determination that Lee brought to the team.

This summer we had a great preseason and things started so well and that is why I am confident things can improve. Defensively we need to be more solid, and we need to be more clinical too but there are things we are doing right as well and that comes down to the Gaffer.

You have been here a little while now, how have you found living in and around the Second City for the last few years?

This is my third season now but even from my first, I settled quickly, and Birmingham felt like home. I have had a warm welcome wherever I have been here. I enjoy meeting the fans and it feels like I have been here longer actually! I look forward to what the future holds for the team.

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 7

E R E H T IS R E T T A BE O T Y A W R U O Y BUY ?

R A C NEXT O O Z A C !

H A E Y

Buy or finance a car online and we’ll deliver it to your door with a 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.

Fact file

Nickname: The Swans Formed: 1912

Stadium: Swansea.com Stadium Stadium Capacity: 21,088 Head Coach: Russell Martin Last season finish: 4th in the Championship

The Opposition

SWANSEA CITY

ONE TO WATCH

Jamie Paterson FORWARD DOB: 20 December 1991 A footballer’s career trajectory is very rarely linear and Paterson admits he experienced the full spectrum of emotions in recent months.

The 29-year-old underwent an arduous summer after being released from long-term employers Bristol City following a season blighted by injury. Yet from being downcast and unwanted to his South Wales derby heroics last weekend just underlines the graft he has had to put in to get himself back to his productive best.

The former Walsall and Nottingham Forest playmaker opened the scoring against Cardiff City in scintillating fashion for his fourth goal of the season, as well as providing two assists, and credits “a lifeline” from Russell Martin that has got him back playing with a smile on his face once again.

MARTIN PROVIDING

I

f Swansea City boss Russell Martin could have scripted his first experience of a South Wales derby, it probably would not have differed drastically to how proceedings panned out last Sunday.

It was not just that his Swans side

thumped bitter rivals Cardiff City 3-0 in front of a vociferous Jack Army, it was the way they achieved the result and the maturity his players showed in handling the occasion that provided the most gratification.

A vibrant display saw Swansea in complete control from the

Martin has certainly been a long-term admirer of his Championship Team of the Week representative, telling WalesOnline: “He is a player I have always liked… I really like ‘Pato’ as a character, he is brilliant around the place. I think he has improved very quickly and has a brilliant understanding of his role.

“He has been frustrated he has not scored a few more goals already, but defensively what he does for the team is really important. He has become a really important player for us, he has real quality and a brilliant mentality.”

10 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

IN THE DUGOUT

Russell Martin DOB: 10 December 1979 Appointed: August 2021 Promoted five times during his playing career and a former captain at both Norwich City and Peterborough United underline the credentials Russell Martin brings to the dugout.

The former Scotland international has taken those leadership qualities and determination to succeed into management, but also has a playing philosophy that he does not stray far from.

G JACK’S LEVERAGE first whistle, with a high passing accuracy and 74 per cent possession allowing them to show both the graft and guile to their game. They were resolute and composed enough at the back to earn a Championship high seventh clean sheet of the campaign, yet at the other end also illustrated a cutting-edge that many thought they lacked.

Despite having one of the division’s most anaemic frontlines so far this season, scoring just 12 times in as many games before Wednesday night’s clash with West Bromwich Albion, a wonder strike from Jamie Paterson broke the deadlock at Swansea.com Stadium to set the tone. That was followed up in the second-half with goals from Joel Piroe and Jake Bidwell, as the Swans inflicted a sixth straight defeat on their rivals and a heaviest derby loss since 2014.

Martin was certainly fulsome in support of his players after the www.bcfc.com

emphatic result, telling the South Wales Evening Post: “It was an incredible performance. I am just really proud of the players, the courage they showed on an occasion like this.

“I felt like it had been coming, a performance like that. I feel like we have been really dominant in games and not quite created enough or, when we have, not quite had the composure and poise to finish it off.

Today the guys have handled the occasion brilliantly.

“We spoke before the game about weathering the storm early on whilst Cardiff have intensity, energy and aggression. After that first 15 minutes I thought we controlled the match. The connection is building all the time and the way we hurt Cardiff in the second-half was excellent.”

The 35-year-old likes his sides to perform with an intensity, pressing high up the pitch and had his former employers Milton Keynes Dons boasting a possession percentage as high as Manchester City and Barcelona.

In Buckinghamshire he guided MK Dons away from relegation in his first season, then steered them to 13th in League One during 2020/21.

Now the amiable coach is fostering a real sense of togetherness in South Wales, as the Swans look to bounce back from last season’s Play-off Final defeat.

Swansea Chief Executive Julian Winter certainly believes they got the right man, saying: “We are delighted with the appointment of Russell as our new head coach. He very much fits the profile of a young and hungry coach who wants to succeed. After earning plaudits with Milton Keynes Dons for the attractive, attacking style that he implemented, we quickly realised Russell would be the right person to take us forward.”

Although it was a seismic result for the Swans, being only a third league win of the season, it also acted as vindication of the ideology BLUES NEWS | 11

Giving Football Back to Small Business At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven.

Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering.

But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs.

That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities. So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

AROUND THE GROUNDS It was a drama-filled Tuesday evening as four of the five Championship fixtures saw result-changing goals in the final 10 minutes.

Jake Cooper produced an injurytime winner at Bramall Lane as Millwall inflicted a third defeat in four games on Sheffield United, with boss Slavisa Jokanovic demanding a response on Sunday when the Blades look for a first success at Barnsley since 2015.

Martin is integrating into a side he only inherited in August after Steve Cooper’s departure.

The Glamorgan-based side operate a 3-4-2-1 system, with three centrebacks protecting well-travelled gloveman Ben Hamer, who had kept five shutouts in eight appearances before Wednesday night.

The long-serving Kyle Naughton, Republic of Ireland international Ryan Manning and Ryan Bennett, a Premier League defender with both Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, have been regulars in the rearguard, and Wales international Ben Cabango is another dependable option.

from Ipswich Town last summer.

Although alternatives include homegrown prospect Liam Cullen or former Birmingham City loanee Liam Walsh.

At the top end of the pitch goals had been a rare commodity prior to the weekend’s result, although that is not entirely unexpected given Jamal Lowe left for AFC Bournemouth and last season’s leading scorer Andrew Ayew departed to Qatar.

Swansea’s system depends heavily on industrious wing backs. Down the left they have exactly that in Jake Bidwell who managed more than 3,400 minutes last season, as well as providing nine assists. Along the opposite flank Martin can call upon former Manchester City youth Joel Latibeaudiere or Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird.

It has meant pressure on the shoulders of former Bristol City duo Korey Smith and Jamie Paterson, who have operated in floating roles behind lone striker Joel Piroe.

Coventry-born Paterson has already scored four times this term though, as many as he managed in 22 outings during 2020/21, while Dutch frontman Piroe has certainly adjusted to life in the Championship like a… swan to water. The summer signing from PSV Eindhoven has seven goals in a dozen outings already and has quickly become a fans’ favourite with the ‘No Piroe, no party’ chant a regular from the stands.

Dictating the tempo is Swans’ talismanic captain Matt Grimes. The omnipresent central midfielder who has played in 148 of 150 games since Swansea’s relegation from the Premier League in 2018 - has often been paired alongside Flynn Downes, a £1.5million acquisition

After successive play-off campaigns this season was always destined to be one of transition for the club, but if Martin can prove his methodologies can earn points and not just plaudits more regularly then he could be the man to get the Swans soaring once again.

www.bcfc.com

There was also midweek woe for Bristol City as Nottingham Forest extended the Robins’ winless run at Ashton Gate to 17 matches. Lyle Taylor scored two injury-time goals to continue the Reds’ rejuvenation under new boss Steve Cooper, although their six-game unbeaten run will come under scrutiny from high-flying Fulham tomorrow.

A late goal also gave QPR a narrow victory over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, as they maintained their impressive form at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Morocco international Ilias Chair provided the match winner, as the R’s climbed into the play-off spots and they will look to maintain that momentum today on a trip to struggling Peterborough United.

League leaders AFC Bournemouth, winners at Stoke City in midweek, are looking to defend their unbeaten home record against Huddersfield Town this afternoon. While rock bottom Derby County, who drew for a third successive time against Luton Town four days ago, travel to Coventry City today as the Sky Blues look to preserve the only perfect home record remaining in the division.

Elsewhere, there is a first league West Lancashire derby for 11 years to whet the appetite between Blackpool and Preston North End. BLUES NEWS | 13

Football is a game of many opinions, but there is one that we must all share. There is no place for discrimination in our game. If you do not agree, then you are not welcome.

If you see or hear discrimination in this stadium, please report it to the nearest steward or via the Kick it Out App. Because we are all #TogetherAgainstDiscrimination Download the Kick it Out app for free from your app store.

EFL.com

Captain

Harlee dean G

ood afternoon and welcome back to St. Andrew’s for today’s clash with Swansea City.

We come into today’s game after holding Huddersfield Town to a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Wednesday evening.

The Terriers are a team heading in the right direction in the Sky Bet Championship and I think a point is a solid result after we came so close against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. That one was a fixture we did not deserve to lose so to bounce back with a gritty point and a clean sheet was welcomed by all.

Barring a defeat to Fulham in London at the end of September, they have not been beaten in the league since August. There are a few draws in there but coming from 3-0 down away to get a point at Luton Town shows fight, whilst an eye-catching win over local rivals Cardiff City sent out a big statement as well.

Russell Martin plays a possession-heavy style of football, so we will have to be at the races to ensure we are ready to really get at them.

I was also pleased for Riley McGree and Jordan Graham. Riley has been backwards and forwards for international fixtures the past few weeks and has had to be patient for game time, but he came in on Wednesday and gave us something different in the midfield.

We have been creating plenty of chances for weeks now and I would worry if that was not the case. Now, we need to start being more ruthless in front of goal.

We have the quality in that department; now it is about making things click going forwards and I am sure it will come.

Likewise, with Jordan, he has waited for his opportunity and took it at the John Smith’s Stadium. Drafted in late due to an injury picked up by Jeremie Bela, his delivery looked good and his defensive work was solid. Having those versatile players that can come in and help at this point in the season is vitally important.

St. Andrew’s can be a fortress, and we need to keep making it that way in the weeks to come as we approach another busy junction of fixtures. As always, thank you for your continued support of the team and we hope to reward you with a result this afternoon.

Today’s opponents Swansea come here after beating West Brom in midweek and they will be full of confidence.

Enjoy the game and Keep Right On!

www.bcfc.com

Harlee Dean

BLUES NEWS | 15

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W

OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

7250

Half a century on from the glorious 1971/72 season when Freddie Goodwin’s Blues dramatically clinched promotion to the top flight having also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, we turn the Blues News spotlight on recalling one of the finest seasons in Blues’ post-war history.

@

F

by ROB MASON

ifty years ago today a 2-2 home draw with Preston North End provided a fourth draw in five games.

With the other in that sequence being a defeat Blues found themselves off the promotion pace.

Remembering it was two points for a win, and only two went up with no play-off places to aim for, Freddie Goodwin’s side were down in eighth position. There was a five point gap to second place Millwall who narrowed the gap to leaders Norwich by beating the Canaries at the Den as Blues were being held by a Preston side without an away win.

Support was still solid. Almost 29,000 packed St. Andrew’s,

almost 6,000 more than the division’s second highest gate of the day for the top of the table clash at Millwall. Bluenoses went home disappointed as Alan Tarbuck, North End’s new signing from Chester, found a second half equaliser. City had led 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from the double act of Bob Latchford and Trevor Francis which had outgunned the visitors’ goal from Gerry Ingram.

At this point there was a hint of symmetry to the home and away form. At home Blues had won four, drawn three and lost none. On the road, however, there had been no wins, four draws and three defeats. But in terms of entertainment

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Trevor Francis 18 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

home fans had seen more than twice as many goals. The four shared with Preston took the tally to 15 for and seven against. In contrast away from home only leaders Norwich could better the frugal six conceded but only Swindon had scored fewer than Blues’ three. Birmingham had nudged ahead of The Robins meagre two goals by drawing 1-1 at Swindon seven days before the Preston match.

Arthur Horsfield – once Swindon’s record signing – gave the home side a first-half lead before that man Bob Latchford again came to Birmingham’s rescue with a second-half leveller. Player-manager for the Robins was the legendary Dave Mackay in his first season in management. Three seasons later Mackay would be managing Derby County to the top-flight title, a trophy he had won in 1961 as part of the great Spurs team who became the first side of the twentieth century to do the league and cup double.

Birmingham would come close to their own double of league and cup this season, albeit as second tier promotion winners as runners’ up and FA Cup semi-finalists. Such glories seemed a long way away in mid-October as Blues failed to make inroads into the promotion pack. There were to be only two wins in the next two months. Things were destined to get worse before they would get better.

TEAMS SWINDON TOWN 1 : Jones R., Thomas, Trollope, Butler, Harland, Mackay, Bunkell, Horsfield, Jones C., Smart, Rogers BLUES 1: Kelly, Martin, Pendrey (Summerhill), Page, Hynd, Robinson, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Smith, Taylor.

ATTENDANCE: 14,024 BLUES 2: Kelly, Martin, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Robinson, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Smith, Taylor.

PRESTON NORTH END 2: Kelly, McMahon, Ritchie (Spark), Bird, Hawkins, Spavin, Heppolette, Tarbuck, McIIlmoyle, Lyall, Ingram ATTENDANCE: 28,956

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL

CLASS OF 71/72 DAVE ROBINSON Centre-back Dave ‘Sugar’ Robinson played in both of the games featured today. The Preston game would be his 12th appearance of the promotion season, but also his last.

As Blues were held by Preston half a century ago today, elsewhere in the division goals flew in. Cardiff smashed six past Charlton, Bristol City beat Orient 5-3 and Pompey pummelled Fulham 6-3.

There were six goals too for top flight Spurs against Forest while in the bottom tier promotion chasing Workington (remember them?) beat Reading 5-0. On the other hand, today’s visitors Swansea were playing a goalless third division draw at Bolton.

Robinson had joined Blues straight from Bartley Green School in 1964. A loyal club servant, in total he played 127 times for the club scoring four times, most famously a penalty which earned an FA Cup draw with Manchester United in 1969.

Midweek European football had also seen a big score when Inter Milan staggeringly lost 7-1 at Borussia Moenchengladbach – the ground where the most unpopular supporter was the one who shouted, ‘Give us a B.’ However, as the Italian’s striker Roberto Boninsegna was carried off after being hit on the head by a beer can Inter claimed the game despite the scoreline! A few days later UEFA cancelled the result and ordered a replay to be played in West Berlin. Never mind Workington – remember West Berlin?

He went on to play for Walsall between 1973 and 1978 before finishing his playing days with Tamworth and managing Oldbury United between 1980 and 1982. Born in Birmingham in July 1948 he passed away in March 2016 at the age of 67.

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 19

New Customer Mobile Exclusive > > > > > > > >

BET £10 GET £20 IN FREE BETS

THIS IS BETTING

New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Payment method restrictions. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

GET THE APP

Bet Responsibly

World Mental Health Day Sunday 10th October marked this year’s World Mental Health Day with the good people over at Moving Minds (In partnership with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Sport Birmingham and Newman University) taking part in a session with a special guest - no other than Birmingham City’s Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. He spectated from the sidelines as the players took part in training before sitting down to discuss his routine and the importance of staying active to help with mental health. The day was capped off with him signing autographs and chatting individually to those taking part, a great day for all those who participated.

Community Trust Staff CPD Event The Community Trust staff held their first CPD event of the new academic year which was based around the launch of the new 3 year strategic plan, alongside the mission, vision and values which have been devised from consultation and feedback from staff, workers and stakeholders over the past 18 months. This gave the staff a fantastic opportunity to come together and understand the plans and what is needed to become successful over the coming years. Simon Hill, a member of the Academy Recruitment team also spoke to the staff who might aspire to confine down the coaching or scouting pathway in the future. The session was very interactive and the staff left feeling happy that the Trust is heading in a positive direction.

Football Education Programme Pathway The Community Trust’s Football and Education 16-19 programme is currently recruiting for next year’s students and for the first time there will be a male and female cohort. In partnership with University College Birmingham, the programme gives the students the chance to wear the Birmingham City shirt whilst also receiving an education from the Trust’s experienced lecturers and mentors. Coaching will be given from UEFA B coaches and it really is a fantastic opportunity for the student to develop their football ability whilst also looking towards university, as well as a future career path. There is a trial day during half term on Tuesday 26th October from 10am – 12pm at Avery Fields Sports Centre, Birmingham, B17 8DT – if you know someone who is interested in attending, please email FootballEducation@bcfc.com so numbers can be catered for on the day.

22 | BLUES NEWS

for2022/2023

Programme

BRAND NEW

wOMEN’S Programme Open Evening

Open Evening MON 11 OCT MON 13 DEC MON 7 FEB 6.30PM-8PM 6.30PM-8PM 6.30PM-8PM

MON 11 OCT MON 13 DEC MON 7 FEB 6.30PM-8PM 6.30PM-8PM 6.30PM-8PM

MON 4 APR 6.30PM-8PM

V E N U E : S T. A N D R E W ’ S S T A D I U M , B 9 4 R L

TUE 12 APR 10AM-12PM

V E N U E : AV E R Y F I E L D S , B17 8 D T

MON 4 APR 6.30PM-8PM

V E N U E : S T. A N D R E W ’ S S T A D I U M , B 9 4 R L

Football assessment

Football assessment TUE 26 OCT 10AM-12PM

TUE 21 DEC 10AM-12PM

TUE 22 FEB 10AM-12PM

TUE 26 OCT 10AM-12PM

TUE 21 DEC 10AM-12PM

TUE 22 FEB 10AM-12PM

TUE 12 APR 10AM-12PM

V E N U E : AV E R Y F I E L D S , B17 8 D T in partnership with

endorsed by

BCFC ACADEMY

in partnership with

endorsed by

BCFC WOMEN

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

52

20

Anna-Leigh Brooks

www.bcfc.com

23

ADAN GEORGE

50

available

CRAIG GARDNER

12

13

15

17

18

JORDAN GRAHAM

CONNAL TRUEMAN

10

11

RILEY McGREE

09

07

06

IVAN SANCHEZ

CHUKS ANEKE

MATIJA SARKIC

HARLEE DEAN

JEREMIE BELA

LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ

SCOTT HOGAN

TAHITH CHONG

RYAN WOODS

01

02

MAXIME COLIN

NEIL ETHERIDGE

04

05

GEORGE FRIEND

MARC ROBERTS

03 KRISTIAN PEDERSEN

Simon & Rosemarie Nash

27

available

NICO GORDON

available

LEE BOWYER

JUAN CASTILLO

DION SANDERSON

GARY GARDNER

available

24

available available

44 CAOLAN BOYD-MUNCE

21

TROY DEENEY

Simone Ingram available

40

36

IVAN SUNJIC Oliver Collinson Simone Ingram

54 KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS

TATE CAMPBELL

34 Simone Ingram

53

MARCEL OAKLEY

BIRMINGHAM CITY SHIRT SPONSORSHIP 2021/22 For more information regarding player shirt sponsorship please contact us on 0121 772 0101 option 3 or email Commercial@bcfc.com

available

Spotswood Facilities Management

available

available

available

Simone Ingram

BLUES NEWS | 23

Match Report

B

Under 18s

lues Under-18s comfortably beat West Bromwich Albion away on Saturday lunchtime.

The Premier League Cup success was just reward for a controlled performance on the road that saw the hosts fail to register an effort on target.

A goal in either half secured victory across the West Midlands, with Rico Patterson’s header setting Blues on their way midway through the period. A short-corner routine gave Jordan James the chance to deliver, and his cross was headed back across the ‘keeper by the midfielder for the opener.

Further chances came and went for the visitors before the win was wrapped up with 15 minutes left to play. An impressive team move saw the ball worked across the entire backline and then through the heart of Albion. George Hall was slipped in behind and his cutback was confidently slotted home from the edge of the area by Brandon Khela.

Speaking after the game, Martyn Olorenshaw gave his reaction as Blues returned to winning ways with success over their local rivals.

He told BCFC.com: “We are delighted as staff and delighted for the players. It has been a tough set of fixtures and it was nice to get a win. But most importantly, it was a really good performance in and out of possession. We had a sloppy spell just after half-time but we then got back on track and killed the game off.

“We changed how we built up from the back a little bit. We tweaked a few details that we felt would help and cause West Brom some problems. The players are getting clearer, better at executing things and more consistent. Especially out of possession, I was really pleased with our strategy.”

24 | BLUES NEWS

The victory was Blues’ first of the campaign in the PL Cup and lifts them to second in the current Group F standings behind Manchester United, with the Under-18s Lead Coach hoping the result can be used as a launchpad ahead of facing Crystal Palace next.

Olorenshaw said: “It is something that we really want to build on.

Unfortunately, we have let an early goal in during most games this season. That is something we are trying to address and change by being more patient. We can build ourselves into the game and build upon the good stuff we have done against West Brom.

“[Against Crystal Palace] we are expecting a really tough game. They are a very athletic team with some good players. Plus, we have a long journey, so it will be tough but if we can build on Saturday and get to grips with it then I still think we can come away with a positive result.”

Blues: A. Brooks, Oni, Carsley, Browne, Ogor, Manton, James (Oduwa 80), Home, Hall (Rushton 73), Patterson (Khela 70), Wakefield.

Substitutes not used: Mayo, Beresford.

Goalscorers: Patterson 23, Khela 75.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

Match Report

B

Under 23s

lues Under-23s were beaten in the First Round of the Birmingham Senior Cup by Sutton Coldfield Town on Monday evening.

First-half goals from Alex Smith, Reece Gibson, Emem Jones and Alex Smith sealed the win for the Royals, whilst Jordan James responded just after half-time for the young visiting side.

Blues put in a much-improved second-half performance as they grew into the tie and could have reduced the deficit further but Keke Simmonds missed a penalty as Blues hunted for a second.

Steve Spooner praised his side’s showing in the second 45 but admits his team need to start games on the front foot.

www.bcfc.com

He told BCFC.com: “In the second-half, we played well. It was unfortunate to miss another penalty but the nature of some of the goals disappointed me. Our decision making needs to be better at times.

We had a young side but so did they.

“We need to begin starting games more strongly. I acknowledge that there will always be twists and turns in games and no team will dominate for ninety minutes.

“But we need to start playing as well as I know we can for longer spells to give ourselves more of a chance.”

Next up for Blues is a trip to Norwich City in the Premier League 2 on Friday night.

Sutton Coldfield Town: Lewis Williams, Dalmar Morrison (Jordan Francis), Harry Eden, Emem Jones, James Beresford (captain), Alex Smith (Aris Christophorou), John Dodd (Ryan Shaw), Jack Burgess, Reece Gibson, Leo Brown (Isai Marselia), Max Brogan (Callum King-Harmes).

Blues: Alfie Brooks, Ife Oni, Callum Sullivan, Caolan BoydMunce (Remi Walker), Cianole Nguepissi, Rico Browne, Oriol Soldevila (Rico Patterson), Jordan James, Kyle Hurst (Kieran Wakefield), George Hall, Keyandrah Simmonds Substitutes not used: Oliver Basey, Tommy Fogarty.

BLUES NEWS | 25

HUDDERSFIELD 0 0 Blues SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP | WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER

Huddersfield Town (3-4-3): Lee Nicholls, Matty Pearson, Tom Lees, Levi Colwill, Sorba Thomas, Jonathan Hogg (captain), Lewis O’Brien, Harry Toffolo, Danel Sinani (Josh Koroma 71), Danny Ward (Fraizer Campbell 76), Duane Holmes (Ollie Turton 87).

Substitutes not used: Nicholas Bilokapic, Josh Ruffels, Scott High, Naby Sarr.

Booking: Colwill 24, Pearson 40, Lees 85.

Blues (3-5-2): Matija Sarkic, Dion Sanderson, Marc Roberts, George Friend, Jordan Graham, Gary Gardner, Ivan Sunjic, Riley McGree, Kristian Pedersen, Lukas Jutkiewicz (captain) (Troy Deeney 70), Tahith Chong.

Substitutes not used: Connal Trueman, Harlee Dean, Ryan Woods, Ivan Sanchez, Chuks Aneke, Scott Hogan.

Booking: McGree 83.

Referee: Andy Woolmer Attendance: 15,608 (1,061) 26 | BLUES NEWS

B

lues collected their first point of the month at the John Smith’s Stadium, delivering a performance full of heart that was just missing the final touch in West Yorkshire.

Lee Bowyer’s men created opportunities in either half against a side currently sitting inside the Sky Bet Championship’s play-off spots. Riley McGree, who along with Jordan Graham was making his first league start of the season, had two chances snuffed out before the interval.

After the break, Gary Gardner had arguably Blues’ best opening of the night. His header seemed destined to break the deadlock, only for the ball to fly

the wrong side of the post in front of the loyal, travelling Bluenoses.

At the other end, Matija Sarkic recorded his sixth clean sheet of an impressive campaign to date. Although there was a slice of luck as long-time Blues nemesis Fraizer Campbell hit the woodwork twice, including from a long-range effort in the game’s dying embers.

Impressive Peds!

Kristian Pedersen put in a sterling display away from home, being mightily unlucky that his defensive prowess on the night was not rewarded with more than a point.

The Danish defender was imperious in his aerial battles on the left flank and helped contribute to Blues’ attacks which were unfortunate to not result in anything greater than near misses.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

Repairtech Services (UK) Limited

Suppliers of Professional After-Sales Care Proud to sponsor Birmingham City Football Club

If it’s “Broke” – We Fix it!

Don’t call ‘Bodge-it and Scarper’...

Rely on the people who will really get your domestic appliances up and running again.

service@repairtechuk.co.uk www.repairtechuk.com

ROLL CALL & LEAGUE TABLE PLAYER

LEAGUE APPS GLS

FA CUP APPS GLS

LEAGUE CUP APPS GLS

CHUKS ANEKE (F)

0 (10) 1

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

POS.

P

JEREMIE BELA (F)

11 (1) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 BOURNEMOUTH

13 9 4 0 13 31

JOBE BELLINGHAM (F)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 FULHAM

13 8 2 3 15 26

TATE CAMPBELL (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

3

13

ALFIE CHANG (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

TAHITH CHONG (M)

12 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MAXIME COLIN (D)

12 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

HARLEE DEAN (D)

11 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

TROY DEENEY (F)

3 (4) 1

0 (0) 0

NEIL ETHERIDGE (G)

0 (0) 0

GEORGE FRIEND (D)

3 (0) 0

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

W

7

D

4

L

2

GD PTS

11

25

4 COVENTRY CITY

13 7 2 4 3 23

5 QUEENS PARK RANGERS

13 6 3 4 4 21

6 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

13 6 3 4 4 21

0 (0) 0

7 STOKE CITY

13 6 3 4 2 21

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

8 READING

13 6 1 6 -2 19

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

9 LUTON TOWN

13 4 6 3 4 18

10 MIDDLESBROUGH

13 5 3 5 2 18

11 MILLWALL

13 4 6 3 -1 18

12 BLACKPOOL

13 5 3 5 -3 18

13 BLACKBURN ROVERS

13 4 5 4 4 17

14 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

13 5 2 6 2 17

GARY GARDNER (M)

6 (3) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

NICO GORDON (D)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JORDAN GRAHAM (M)

1 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

SCOTT HOGAN (F)

10 (1) 3

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

IVAN SANCHEZ (M)

0 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JUAN CASTILLO (D)

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ (F)

11 (2) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

15 SWANSEA CITY

13 4 5 4 -1 17

CHARLIE LAKIN (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

16 BRISTOL CITY

13 4 4 5 -2 16

JONATHAN LEKO (M)

1 (3) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

17 SHEFFIELD UNITED

13 4 3 6 -2 15

RILEY MCGREE (M)

1 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

18

13

MARCEL OAKLEY (D)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 1

KRISTIAN PEDERSEN (D) 11 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MARC ROBERTS (D)

12 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MITCHELL ROBERTS (D)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

DION SANDERSON (D)

4 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

MATIJA SARKIC (G)

13 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

PRESTON NORTH END

3

6

4

-2

15

19 BIRMINGHAM CITY

13 3 4 6 -6 13

20 PETERBOROUGH UNITED

13 3 2 8 -12 11

21 CARDIFF CITY

13 3 2 8 -12 11

22 HULL CITY

13 2 3 8 -10 9

0 (0) 0

23 BARNSLEY

13 1 5 7 -10 8

24

13

KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS (F) 0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

IVAN SUNJIC (M)

10 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

CONNAL TRUEMAN (G)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

REMI WALKER (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

RYAN WOODS (M)

11 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

DERBY COUNTY

3

7

3

-1

4*

Fixtures & RESULTS 2021/22 DATE

KO

OPPONENT

RES

COMP

POS

ATT

STARTING XI

AUGUST Sat 07

8.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

A

1-0

LEAGUE

5

29,043

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN 1 ■

TUE 10

7.45PM

COLCHESTER UNITED

H

1-0

EFL CUP

-

6,199

TRUEMAN

OAKLEY 1

GORDON

FRIEND

CASTILLO

SUNJIC

Sat 14

3.00pm

STOKE CITY

H

0-0

LEAGUE

10

10,189

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

WED 18

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

H

0-2

LEAGUE

11

9,922

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN

CHONG

SAT 21

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

A

5-0

LEAGUE

8

10,014

SARKIC

ROBERTS 1 ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

TUE 24

7.45PM

FULHAM

H

0-2

EFL CUP

-

4,783

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

FRIEND

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

Sat 28

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

A

1-1

LEAGUE

8

13,950

SARKIC

COLIN

DEAN

PEDERSEN

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

FRI 10

8.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

H

2-0

LEAGUE

7

14,912

SARKIC

ROBERTS ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC ■

WED 15

7.45pm

FULHAM

H

1-4

LEAGUE

10

14,562

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

SAT 18

3.00pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

A

0-3

LEAGUE

11

12,199

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

DEENEY

Sat 25

3.00pm

PRESTON NORTH END

H

0-0

LEAGUE

12

14,925

SARKIC

SANDERSON

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

TUE 28

7.45pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

A

0-2

LEAGUE

13

12,257

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

SANDERSON

COLIN

SUNJIC ■

Sat 02

3.00pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

H

0-3

LEAGUE

16

15,148

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

Sat 16

3.00pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

A

0-1

LEAGUE

16

24,870

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

Wed 20

7.45pm

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

A

0-0

LEAGUE

19

15,618

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC

Sat 23

3.00pm

SWANSEA CITY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 30

3.00pm

MIDDLESBROUGH

A

LEAGUE

GARDNER ■

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER Tue 02

7.45pm

BRISTOL CITY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 06

3.00pm

READING

H

LEAGUE

Sat 20

3.00pm

HULL CITY

A

LEAGUE

Tue 23

7.45pm

COVENTRY CITY

A

LEAGUE

Sat 27

3.00pm

BLACKPOOL

H

LEAGUE LEAGUE

DECEMBER SAT 04

3.00pm

MILLWALL

A

Sat 11

3.00pm

CARDIFF CITY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 18

3.00pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS

A

LEAGUE

Sat 26

3.00pm

FULHAM

A

LEAGUE

Tue 29

7.45pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

H

LEAGUE

Sat 01

3.00pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

H

LEAGUE

Sat 15

3.00pm

PRESTON NORTH END

A

LEAGUE

Su pporter s

MESSAGES

JANUARY

Sat 22

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 29

3.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

A

LEAGUE

FEBRUARY SAT 05

3.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

H

LEAGUE

WED 09

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

A

LEAGUE

SAT 12

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

H

LEAGUE

SAT 19

3.00pm

STOKE CITY

A

LEAGUE

TUE 22

8.00pm

READING

A

LEAGUE

Sat 26

3.00pm

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

H

LEAGUE

MARCH Sat 05

3.00pm

BRISTOL CITY

A

LEAGUE

Sat 12

3.00pm

HULL CITY

H

LEAGUE

TUE 15

7.45pm

MIDDLESBROUGH

H

LEAGUE

Sat 19

3.00pm

SWANSEA CITY

A

LEAGUE

APRIL sat 02

3.00pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

H

LEAGUE

sat 09

3.00pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

A

LEAGUE

fri 15

3.00pm

COVENTRY CITY

H

LEAGUE

mon 18

3.00pm

BLACKPOOL

A

LEAGUE

sat 23

3.00pm

MILLWALL

H

LEAGUE

Sat 30

3.00pm

CARDIFF CITY

A

LEAGUE

12.30pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS

H

LEAGUE

iggins to Vince H th birthday celebrating.

Happy 60 nd ke ee eat w have a gr Andy A big blues shoutout to lifetime true blue & season ticket holder, Bethan Thomas, who will be celebrating her 18th Birthday on the 1st November. With much love from all of your family and friends. Enjoy your day & KRO Bethan!

MAY Sat 01

30 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SWANSEA CITY

SUB 1

SUB 2

SUB 3 CASTILLO (78) ■

UNUSED SUBS

WOODS ■

CHONG

BELA

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

LEKO (68) ■

SUNJIC (74)

SANCHEZ

LAKIN

GRAHAM

LEKO

ANEKE

CAMPBELL (73)

McGREE (74)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, ANEKE, SANCHEZ

GARDNER

WOODS

BELA

HOGAN ■

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE (66)

LEKO (71)

GARDNER

WOODS

BELA

LEKO

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE (70)

HOGAN (79)

SÁNCHEZ (87)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, CASTILLO, SUNJIC TRUEMAN, FRIEND, CASTILLO, LEKO

SARKIC, BELLINGHAM, WALKER, CHANG, ROBERTS TRUEMAN, FRIEND, SÁNCHEZ, McGREE, CASTILLO

CHONG

WOODS

BELA

HOGAN 2

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE 1 (61)

SÁNCHEZ (70)

GARDNER 1 (81)

McGREE

FAMILIA-CASTILLO

LEKO

ANEKE

GRAHAM

LAKIN (61)

SIMMONDS (62)

CHANG (73)

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ 1

CHONG

ANEKE (76)

LEKO (89)

BELA 1

WOODS

HOGAN 1

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

DEENEY (67)

GARDNER (74)

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG ■

DEENEY 1 (53)

GARDNER (60) ■

ANEKE (75) ANEKE (58) ■

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, HOGAN, McGREE

McGREE (71)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, GRAHAM, CHANG

BELA

WOODS ■

GARDEN ■

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

SANDERSON (45)

SUNJIC (45)

BELA ■

WOODS

DEENEY

HOGAN

CHONG

ANEKE (67)

JUTKIEWICZ (68)

BELA

WOODS

DEENEY

HOGAN

CHONG

JUTKIEWICZ (56)

ANEKE (71)

TRUEMAN, BELLINGHAM, WALKER TRUEMAN, FRIEND, SÁNCHEZ, McGREE, GARDNER TRUEMAN, FRIEND, ANEKE, McGREE, SANDERSON TRUEMAN, FRIEND, McGREE, SANDERSON TRUEMAN, McGREE, GRAHAM, CHANG, OAKLEY

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ ■

CHONG

McGREE (58)

ANEKE (58)

DEENEY (70)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, SANDERSON, GRAHAM

GARDNER

FRIEND

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

BELA (47)

ANEKE (78)

GRAHAM (83)

TRUEMAN, WOODS, DEAN, DEENEY

GARDNER

GRAHAM

McGREE ■

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

DEENEY (70)

Happy Birthday Adrian, I’m so proud of you!

Love mum xx

y to our craz h Birthday e always Happy 7t ov L e. ui o xx ,L Bluenose l your Blues family and al Mom, Dad

es Connor Jam Dean O’toole, 18/12/96 – 28/06/21. e Rest in peac Uncle Con. ke, Love Mom, Lu all Elz, Jay and the family x

www.bcfc.com

TRUEMAN, WOODS, HOGAN, DEAN, ANEKE, SÁNCHEZ

Happy 60th birthday to Ian (Dough) Suffolk. Have a great day. With love from Pat, children, grandchildren and Blues family & friends. KRO.

Everyone at the Club was devasted to hear of the details of the death of young Bluenose Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. The Club will host a tribute to Arthur before this Saturday’s fixture as well as installing a memorial brick at the Kop, honouring his short life. RIP Arthur.

BLUES NEWS | 31

BIRMINGHAM CITY HEAD COACH: LEE BOWYER GK

NEIL ETHERIDGE 1 ■ ■

MAXIME COLIN 2 ■ ■ KRISTIAN PEDERSEN 3 ■ ■ MARC ROBERTS 4 ■ ■ GEORGE FRIEND 5 ■ ■ RYAN WOODS 6 ■ ■

TAHITH CHONG 7 ■ ■ SCOTT HOGAN 9 ■ ■ LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ 10 ■ ■

JEREMIE BELA 11 ■ ■

HARLEE DEAN 12 ■ ■ GK

MATIJA SARKIC 13 ■ ■ CHUKS ANEKE 15 ■ ■ IVAN SANCHEZ 17 ■ ■ RILEY McGREE 18 ■ ■

GARY GARDNER 20 ■ ■

DION SANDERSON 21 ■ ■

JUAN CASTILLO 23 ■ ■

JORDAN GRAHAM 24 ■ ■ GK

CONNAL TRUEMAN 27 ■ ■

IVAN SUNJIC 34 ■ ■

TROY DEENEY 36 ■ ■

ADAN GEORGE 40 ■ ■ CAOLAN BOYD-MUNCE 44 ■ ■

NICO GORDON 50 ■ ■

KYLE HURST 51 ■ ■

MARCEL OAKLEY 52 ■ ■

TATE CAMPBELL 53 ■ ■

KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS 54 ■ ■

NEXT UP AT ST. ANDREW’S BRISTOL CITY TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2021 KICK-OFF 7.45PM

SWANSEA CITY HEAD COACH: RUSSELL MARTIN

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1 STEVEN BENDA GK 2 RYAN BENNETT 3 RYAN MANNING 4 FLYNN DOWNES 5 BEN CABANGO 6 JAY FULTON 7 KOREY SMITH 8 MATT GRIMES 11 MORGAN WHITTAKER 12 JAMIE PATERSON 14 KYLE JOSEPH 16 BRANDON COOPER 17 JOEL PIROE 18 BEN HAMER GK 19 TIVONGE RUSHESHA 20 LIAM CULLEN 21 YAN DHANDA 22 JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE 23 CONNOR ROBERTS 24 JAKE BIDWELL 26 KYLE NAUGHTON 27 ETHAN LAIRD 28 LIAM WALSH 31 OLI COOPER 35 LINCOLN McFAYDEN 37 DANIEL WILLIAMS

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE OLIVER LANGFORD ASSISTANT REFEREE MARK RUSSELL ASSISTANT REFEREE GEORGE BYRNE 4TH OFFICIAL MATTHEW DONOHUE