Birmingham City v AFC Bournemouth

BLUES NEWS

Birmingham City vs AFC Bournemouth Wednesday 18 August 2021 Kick-off 7.45pm ISSUE 03 | £3

2 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

going onto the Olympics was a real whirlwind as well - but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You made your debut against Kuwait in the first of four World Cup Qualifying matches in June - how were you feeling when you were called by the coaches to come on?

I was thinking about friends and family, back at home. They made a lot of sacrifices for me growing up and I had those goosebumps, I’d always dreamt of as a kid when I’d imagine pulling on the green and gold shirt. It was great to represent my country and, hopefully, there will be many more caps to come in the future as well.

After the qualifiers, you headed to Tokyo to compete in the Olympic Games - how special was it to be there?

BIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Olympic memories

riley mcgree

Telephone: 0121 772 0101 Ticket Office: 0121 772 0101 (ext 2)

Playing international football for your country? The stuff of dreams.

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man on loan from MLS expansion side Charlotte FC sat down with Blues News to discuss his Socceroos summer.

Representing your country at the Olympics? The stuff of dreams.

How do you even start putting this summer’s international journey with Australia into words?

The thought of combining the two pales all other fairy tales into insignificance, and that is what Blues’ Riley McGree discovered when he was part of an Australia side that mixed it with the very best out in Japan.

Club Superstore / Mail Order: 0121 772 0101 (ext 4) Store: www.blues.clubstore.co.uk

Honorary Vice President: Mike Wiseman

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Scott Parker Parker has been tasked with chauffeuring Bournemouth back to the Premier League, a feat he achieved with Fulham in his first campaign in management.

The 40-year-old former England international midfielder earned play-off promotion at Fulham’s expense in 2019-20 with the Cottagers at Wembley, only for life in the top-flight to last just one season.

Philip Billing Attacking midfielder DOB: 11 June 1996 The marauding Denmark international has certainly lived up to his ‘top Billing’ reputation at the start of the new season.

Three goals in as many games operating from a number eight role alongside new midfield partner Emiliano Marcondes have drawn admiring glances for the rangy 25-year-old’s services, most recently reported from Premier League newcomers Norwich City.

Head Coach: Lee Bowyer

Despite the obvious ‘outside distractions’, the former Huddersfield Town Player of the Year is determined to maintain his focus on returning his south-coast employers back to the top-flight.

Assistant Head Coach: Mark Kennedy

He explained to BBC Radio Solent: “Under Scott Parker I would love to stay here. I feel like the next step I need to take is with his experience and his mentality, just on the training pitch I feel like it affects me and right now this is the right place for me to be, especially with the new gaffer.”

A Premier League player with both Huddersfield and Bournemouth, he became a £15million signing in 2019 and has been a growing influence at the Dorset club ever since. Last term he contributed eight goals as Bournemouth reached the Championship play-offs, before kickstarting 2021-22 with a goal blitz against MK Dons, West Brom and Nottingham Forest.

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here will have been thoughts of ‘what might have been’ for Bournemouth supporters as their play-off conquerors raised the curtain on a new Premier League campaign in style with victory against Arsenal.

The Cherries finished their first term outside the top-flight in five years in sixth place last season, before losing 3-2 on aggregate in the playoffs to eventual winners Brentford.

Yet new manager Scott Parker, who

succeeded Jonathan Woodgate at the Dorset club this summer, has full confidence that his ambitious young side can regain the club’s Premier League status at the second time of asking.

The former Fulham boss earned a first league victory of 2021-22 last Saturday away at Nottingham Forest, with Philip Billing and David Brooks on the scoresheet.

Bournemouth had to earn their firstever win at the City Ground the hard way though, playing the final halfan-hour with 10-men after Brooks’ dismissal, yet Parker was thrilled with the resolve his side displayed.

He told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “It was a game of twists and turns. It was a game with 11 men where we had to try and assert ourselves with our quality in the way we played and I thought we did that.

“When you get a man sent-off, then you have to show another side to you. That side is one which is a desperation to keep the ball out of your net, a desperation to hold onto the three points, and I thought the boys did that very well.

“I think we’ll stand here for a lot of

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First Team Development Coach: Paul Harsley

First Team Analyst: Dan Millard

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04 LEE BOWYER

DOB: 13 October 1980 Appointed: June 2021

ONE TO WATCH

Head of Physical Performance: Sean Rush

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IN THIS ISSUE

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Goalkeeping Coach: Andy Marshall

For sure! As the game grows and players progress, there’s a great group to choose from. There’s also a lot of young talent knocking on the door - more than perhaps we’ve ever had before - so it’s certainly an exciting time ahead for the national team.

Now back in the Second City and with minutes under his belt in the Carabao Cup victory over Colchester United, the

IN THE DUGOUT

Technical Director: Craig Gardner

Yeah, it was quite close [laughing].

Of course, I wish it had crept in but

Australian football seems to be heading in the right direction both internationally and domestically - do you get the feeling standards are improving?

It is quite hard to sum up in a sentence actually! I’m so proud and what I experienced away with the national team was absolutely awesome. To get a first cap with the senior men’s is something I’ll never forget and then, of course,

6 | BLUES NEWS

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

You opened with a 2-0 win against Argentina which was considered a major upset was it not?

You have a habit of scoring wonder goals and in that game against Argentina, you nearly added another with a bicycle kick that was well saved - how close was it?

credit to the keeper, he saved it well.

The goal would’ve been nice, but we got the win and that was the most important thing.

Whilst his Club teammates were undertaking their pre-season schedule at Wast Hills Training Ground, McGree was the best part of 10,000 miles east embarking on a journey he will never forget, which is made all the more remarkable given his senior international debut only came in June of this year.

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BCFC BOARD

Going and playing in the Olympics is something that no one can ever take away from me. I’m an Olympian and it’s just as equal an honour as representing the senior Socceroos in other games. It was a great experience and already, something I look back on with real fondness.

Absolutely, we set out to shock the world in that first game - very few gave us a chance ahead of kick-off.

Obviously, results after that didn’t quite go our way which was a real shame but taking a win against one of the biggest footballing nations is a massive result to take now it’s over.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

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games this year and say, ‘you’ve had to show resilience there’. I think that was probably West Brom on the first Friday when they put us under it and we stood up to that, and again with 10 men against Forest we’ve stood up to it. And in this division you know too well that’s what you’ve got to show.”

Characters in the dressing room Parker has in long-serving Adam Smith and two-time promotion winner Junior Stanislas, who have both been in BH7 since 2014. Steve Cook is also approaching 350 league starts and combative Columbian Jefferson Lerma played 48 times last season.

Parker has taken a holistic approach to recruitment, promoting from the Academy and adding quality rather than quantity to the ranks. Highlyrated Dane Emiliano Marcondes, who scored in last season’s Championship Play-off Final, arrived from Brentford and has already shown his pedigree in opening his account in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. Full-back Leif Davis has also signed up for a second successive season on loan from Leeds United.

Enticed by the “long-term vision” on offer with the Cherries this June, Parker signed a three-year deal and will be determined to make sure his decision to leave Craven Cottage was the right one.

The amiable and mild-mannered tactician, who was Player of the Year at both Charlton Athletic and West Ham United during a distinguished playing career, told BBC Sport upon his appointment: “At this moment in my career what’s important is to be around a football club that has a vision.

There’s a long-term goal here that fits to where I needed to be.

“I’ve lived around football for a long time and feel I have some clear ideas on what clubs need to be successful. I feel I’ve come to a place where I can implement them, around people that also understand. There’s a process here. I’m looking forward to try to develop and move on as a club.”

Scott Booth My squad so far he 2021/22 Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign gets underway in a shade over a fortnight, with Blues Women’s preparations ramping up at Wast Hills Training Ground ahead of their season opener on the road to Tottenham Hotspur.

achieving their dreams. I would love it if Gemma can do the same. She will definitely get the opportunity. As a defender she likes to be on the front foot. She has a fantastic work ethic and is ready to do what it takes to make that central defensive position her own.

going forward. Despite being sidelined over the last year, she has shown incredible professionalism for a young player. The whole club can’t wait to have her playing again for Blues! I can’t wait to see her further development.

Scott Booth’s side are undertaking a comprehensive pre-season programme as they – boosted by a new broadcast deal - get set for the biggest season that the Women’s game in England has seen to date.

And following the Head Coach’s arrival in June, he has worked tirelessly with the Club to build a team that the loyal fans can be proud of.

Christie Murray: I know Christie well; our paths have crossed before. She was at Glasgow City with me a few years back, so we know how each other work. She is a technically gifted footballer and a great communicator that uses her experience to help others. That said, Christie is hungry to develop herself and be the best she can be. I’m delighted to be working with her again.

Lucy Whipp: Lucy is a player I immediately related to. She is a very technical player but ultimately just wants to get the job done. Lucy is unselfish, she is the cement a team needs to progress. She will continue to grow as a player at Blues and I look forward to working with her more and more.

Taking time after training, the Scotsman spoke in detail to Blues News about the squad he has assembled so far, which includes a number of returning players and many exciting new talents.

BACK FOR MORE!

Veatriki Sarri: What can I say about V other than she impresses me daily.

A typical gifted lefty! Great balance, technically excellent, and a cannon for a left foot. She will be incredibly important for us this season and will give us moments of inspiration for sure.

Sarah Ewens: Of course, Sarah is a player I know well from my time in Scotland. I have watched her closely as someone in the opposition who can hurt you and deserves great respect. She is hard to pin down and always offers a threat. I’m delighted to finally have her on my side!

Rebecca Holloway: We will need players we can rely on this season and Rebecca is one of those. She is able to play in a number of positions and will help us predominantly down our left-hand side. She has great experience and that will be crucial this season, as well as offering quality in possession which I feel we will need to have in many matches.

Harriet Scott: Harriet is a player that fills me with confidence as a coach.

She’s an experienced Internationalist and has proven herself domestically.

A team player off and on the pitch, she is someone that wants nothing but the best for her Club. She is a huge asset and a player I am definitely looking forward to working with.

Jade Pennock: Jade is a player I have liked for a number of years and it is great to have got her here!

She has so many attributes. She is dangerous to the opposition but a team player at heart - that’s a great combination. I am Looking forward to having her as a Blue!

Gemma Lawley: As a coach, I take great pleasure in developing young players. It’s never a quick process but it’s really worth it when you see them

Lily Simkin: We are all delighted for Lily that her time at the Club has been extended. She will undoubtedly figure heavily for the First Team

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NEW IN BLUE!

Louise Quinn: I am not going to hide from the fact that I have wanted her on my side for years now! She is a player that contributes so much but ultimately, she just wants to defend.

She prides herself on it - model BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

09 The Opposition: AFC BOURNEMOUTH 15 Harlee Dean

Although Jack Wilshere, Sam Surridge, Diego Rico and Asmir BLUES NEWS | 11

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blues women BULLETIN

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pro. A dedicated player who loves representing her nation. Louise will be an incredible asset to our Club and our team this season. I’m really happy I have her onboard… at last!

20 under 23 match report

Lucy Quinn: We brought Lucy back because she offers us fantastic quality and an understanding of what it takes to be at Blues. Her experience and know-how will be a huge asset this season. She is another great team player within our ranks and one I expect to help us foster a positive Club culture this season.

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Emily Ramsey: Emily comes to the club with a great record in youth Internationals and from a club with a fantastic football pedigree. She is ambitious, intelligent and confident.

All the traits a young goalkeeper should possess. The coaching staff, especially Goalkeeping Coach, Daniel Matraszek, look forward to working with her here.

Lisa Robertson: Lisa is a player I have wanted to coach for a long time and, finally, she is our player at Birmingham. She is an Internationalist, with huge experience and a desire to be the best she can be. Lisa will give us everything and our fans will love her, and her quality will give us a chance in every match.

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Cecilie Sandvej: Cecilie is a vastly experienced player who, like many of our new signings, puts the team first!

She knows her role in the side and uses all of her attributes to succeed.

Physicality, intelligence, endeavour and quality are her strengths. She also has a winning mentality which we will need this season.

32 squad lists

Libby Smith: For such a young player, Libby is incredibly versatile! She is very athletic, has excellent technique and work ethic. It’s time for her to find her ultimate position and shine. I will help her do that and look forward to seeing her develop hugely as a Blues player. www.bcfc.com

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First Team Physical Conditioning: Elliott Woolmer Under-23s Head Coach: Steve Spooner Head of Academy: Mike Dodds Head Physiotherapist: Pete Shaw First Team Physiotherapists: Dave Hunt & Dave Singleton Club Doctor: Kai Win Club Secretary: Zoe Jones www.bcfc.com

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Lee

BOWYER F

irstly, I would like to welcome you back to St. Andrew’s for tonight’s game.

For many of you, this will be your first match here in 18-months and I know what it will mean for you to be back.

I have said it on several occasions, and I will continue to say it. Your support can make a real difference to us this season and I know you’ll get behind the players as you always have.

On reflection, I thought our draw with Stoke City was a fair result. Whenever you play a Stoke side you know what you are going to get. They are a big, powerful team and I think they would probably say the same about us!

There was not much in the game but if you go off the number of chances created then we probably shaded it. We have gone close in both halves and had the ball in the back of the net late on.

But they too had spells in the second-half where they controlled the game, so I have to say a point was deserved for both sides.

The result extends our unbeaten start to the season, adds another point on the board and it is also another clean sheet against a very competitive Sky Bet Championship side.

This group of players will always create chances, so it is important that we give ourselves a platform to build from.

Defensively, we had to stand up and be counted. We made Stoke work for every little opening and fought with a real togetherness to keep the point we started with.

4 | BLUES NEWS

So, we move onto tonight’s game with some momentum behind us, knowing it will be a very different challenge.

AFC Bournemouth have some fantastic players, of Premier League quality, and were just two games away from promotion last season.

They went to Forest and won with ten-men so they will be on a high and we will have to make sure we are at our best once again.

But I believe in this group of players, especially in front of our own supporters.

I can guarantee that we will always be competitive. I see how hard the players work and how well they want to do, for themselves and the Club.

Whilst the stadium situation is far from ideal, I am told the Club are working hard to fix it and it goes without saying that the sooner you are all back here the better. I look forward to seeing this place bouncing when that day comes.

For now, I want to thank you all. Those who were here on Saturday and those who have come to support us tonight.

I hope we can send you all home happy and keep this encouraging start to the season going.

Keep Right On, Lee Bowyer

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

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BLUES NEWS | 5

Olympic memories

riley mcgree

Playing international football for your country? The stuff of dreams.

Representing your country at the Olympics? The stuff of dreams.

The thought of combining the two pales all other fairy tales into insignificance, and that is what Blues’ Riley McGree discovered when he was part of an Australia side that mixed it with the very best out in Japan.

man on loan from MLS expansion side Charlotte FC sat down with Blues News to discuss his Socceroos summer.

How do you even start putting this summer’s international journey with Australia into words?

It is quite hard to sum up in a sentence actually! I’m so proud and what I experienced away with the national team was absolutely awesome. To get a first cap with the senior men’s is something I’ll never forget and then, of course,

Whilst his Club teammates were undertaking their pre-season schedule at Wast Hills Training Ground, McGree was the best part of 10,000 miles east embarking on a journey he will never forget, which is made all the more remarkable given his senior international debut only came in June of this year.

Now back in the Second City and with minutes under his belt in the Carabao Cup victory over Colchester United, the 6 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

going onto the Olympics was a real whirlwind as well - but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You made your debut against Kuwait in the first of four World Cup Qualifying matches in June - how were you feeling when you were called by the coaches to come on?

I was thinking about friends and family, back at home. They made a lot of sacrifices for me growing up and I had those goosebumps, I’d always dreamt of as a kid when I’d imagine pulling on the green and gold shirt. It was great to represent my country and, hopefully, there will be many more caps to come in the future as well.

After the qualifiers, you headed to Tokyo to compete in the Olympic Games - how special was it to be there?

Going and playing in the Olympics is something that no one can ever take away from me. I’m an Olympian and it’s just as equal an honour as representing the senior Socceroos in other games. It was a great experience and already, something I look back on with real fondness.

You opened with a 2-0 win against Argentina which was considered a major upset was it not?

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Absolutely, we set out to shock the world in that first game - very few gave us a chance ahead of kick-off.

Obviously, results after that didn’t quite go our way which was a real shame but taking a win against one of the biggest footballing nations is a massive result to take now it’s over.

You have a habit of scoring wonder goals and in that game against Argentina, you nearly added another with a bicycle kick that was well saved - how close was it?

Yeah, it was quite close [laughing].

Of course, I wish it had crept in but

credit to the keeper, he saved it well.

The goal would’ve been nice, but we got the win and that was the most important thing.

Australian football seems to be heading in the right direction both internationally and domestically - do you get the feeling standards are improving?

For sure! As the game grows and players progress, there’s a great group to choose from. There’s also a lot of young talent knocking on the door - more than perhaps we’ve ever had before - so it’s certainly an exciting time ahead for the national team.

BLUES NEWS | 7

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BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

The Opposition

AFC BOURNEMOUTH Fact file

Nickname: The Cherries Formed: 1899 Stadium: Vitality Stadium Stadium Capacity: 11,379 Joint Chairmen: Jeff Mostyn Manager: Scott Parker Last season finish: 6th in the Championship

ONE TO WATCH

Philip Billing Attacking midfielder DOB: 11 June 1996 The marauding Denmark international has certainly lived up to his ‘top Billing’ reputation at the start of the new season.

Three goals in as many games operating from a number eight role alongside new midfield partner Emiliano Marcondes have drawn admiring glances for the rangy 25-year-old’s services, most recently reported from Premier League newcomers Norwich City.

Despite the obvious ‘outside distractions’, the former Huddersfield Town Player of the Year is determined to maintain his focus on returning his south-coast employers back to the top-flight.

A Premier League player with both Huddersfield and Bournemouth, he became a £15million signing in 2019 and has been a growing influence at the Dorset club ever since. Last term he contributed eight goals as Bournemouth reached the Championship play-offs, before kickstarting 2021-22 with a goal blitz against MK Dons, West Brom and Nottingham Forest.

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here will have been thoughts of ‘what might have been’ for Bournemouth supporters as their play-off conquerors raised the curtain on a new Premier League campaign in style with victory against Arsenal.

The Cherries finished their first term outside the top-flight in five years in sixth place last season, before losing 3-2 on aggregate in the playoffs to eventual winners Brentford.

Yet new manager Scott Parker, who

He explained to BBC Radio Solent: “Under Scott Parker I would love to stay here. I feel like the next step I need to take is with his experience and his mentality, just on the training pitch I feel like it affects me and right now this is the right place for me to be, especially with the new gaffer.”

10 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

IN THE DUGOUT

Scott Parker DOB: 13 October 1980 Appointed: June 2021 Parker has been tasked with chauffeuring Bournemouth back to the Premier League, a feat he achieved with Fulham in his first campaign in management.

The 40-year-old former England international midfielder earned play-off promotion at Brentford’s expense in 2019-20 with the Cottagers at Wembley, only for life in the top-flight to last just one season.

succeeded Jonathan Woodgate at the Dorset club this summer, has full confidence that his ambitious young side can regain the club’s Premier League status at the second time of asking.

The former Fulham boss earned a first league victory of 2021-22 last Saturday away at Nottingham Forest, with Philip Billing and David Brooks on the scoresheet.

Bournemouth had to earn their firstever win at the City Ground the hard way though, playing the final halfan-hour with 10-men after Brooks’ dismissal, yet Parker was thrilled with the resolve his side displayed.

He told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “It was a game of twists and turns. It was a game with 11 men where we had to try and assert ourselves with our quality in the way we played and I thought we did that.

“When you get a man sent-off, then you have to show another side to you. That side is one which is a desperation to keep the ball out of your net, a desperation to hold onto the three points, and I thought the boys did that very well.

“I think we’ll stand here for a lot of www.bcfc.com

games this year and say, ‘you’ve had to show resilience there’. I think that was probably West Brom on the first Friday when they put us under it and we stood up to that, and again with 10 men against Forest we’ve stood up to it. And in this division you know too well that’s what you’ve got to show.”

Characters in the dressing room Parker has in long-serving Adam Smith and two-time promotion winner Junior Stanislas, who have both been in BH7 since 2014. Steve Cook is also approaching 350 league starts and combative Columbian Jefferson Lerma played 48 times last season.

Parker has taken a holistic approach to recruitment, promoting from the Academy and adding quality rather than quantity to the ranks. Highlyrated Dane Emiliano Marcondes, who scored in last season’s Championship Play-off Final, arrived from Brentford and has already shown his pedigree in opening his account in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. Full-back Leif Davis has also signed up for a second successive season on loan from Leeds United.

Enticed by the “long-term vision” on offer with the Cherries this June, Parker signed a three-year deal and will be determined to make sure his decision to leave Craven Cottage was the right one.

The amiable and mild-mannered tactician, who was Player of the Year at both Charlton Athletic and West Ham United during a distinguished playing career, told BBC Sport upon his appointment: “At this moment in my career what’s important is to be around a football club that has a vision.

There’s a long-term goal here that fits to where I needed to be.

“I’ve lived around football for a long time and feel I have some clear ideas on what clubs need to be successful. I feel I’ve come to a place where I can implement them, around people that also understand. There’s a process here. I’m looking forward to try to develop and move on as a club.”

Although Jack Wilshere, Sam Surridge, Diego Rico and Asmir 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

12 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

AROUND THE GROUNDS The Championship’s competitive nature was laid bare once again last weekend, with no team managing back-to-back wins from their campaign’s opening two games.

Early leaders Hull City were crushed 3-0 at their MKM Stadium by QPR, but the Championship newcomers are back on Humberside soil again this evening and will want to add to Wayne Rooney’s woes.

Begovic departed, the best business of the window for the Cherries has been keeping stellar assets such as last season’s 17-goal leading scorer Arnaut Danjuma, Wales international Brooks and Norwegian powerhouse Billing despite admiring glances from a myriad of Premier League suitors.

against MK Dons was the perfect early confidence booster, something that helped ease the pressure on burgeoning homegrown youngsters such as goalkeeper Mark Travers, centre-back Zeno Rossi, central midfielder Gavin Kilkenny and tireless frontman Jaidon Anthony.

If they are still tied to the Vitality Stadium when the transfer window shuts, Parker will know he possesses one of the division’s most formidable frontlines. Billing and Brooks have both scored three times in as many games already operating off Dominic Solanke, a £17million signing from Liverpool in 2019, who was back on the goals trail himself last term with a career-best return of 15.

Parker has some clear ideas of what is required to get out of the Championship, having led Fulham to the Premier League in 2019-20, but is not afraid to place his faith in youth.

A gruelling pre-season against Chelsea and La Liga’s Granada has been vital in allowing the club to come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. A 5-0 Carabao Cup success

He explained: “You look at this team out there [against Forest] and you look at this squad, this is a young side with an average age of 23. They are kids, some of them, and they are experiencing this for the first time in the proper arena. It’s football on the main stage, it’s in the main league.

I thought they dealt with that very, very well and I’m immensely proud of them.”

The Derby County manager saw his side slump to a 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United, as substitutes Harrison Burrows and Siriki Dembele inspired a stunning comeback for Posh with goals in the 91st and 100th minutes.

After collecting four points from their opening games, Mark Warburton’s QPR travel to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium this evening, where they have won on their previous two visits. Yet wily septuagenarian Neil Warnock will be keen to see his new acquisitions continue their excellent start, with debutants Uche Ikpeazu and Matt Crooks earning a first league win last time out against Bristol City to spoil ex-player Nigel Pearson’s return.

Fellow four pointers Blackburn Rovers had Chile international Ben Brereton’s second goal in as many games to thank for a point at Millwall, and he will be looking to continue his hot streak as he returns to former employers Nottingham Forest tonight.

Elsewhere, relegated Premier League duo West Brom and Sheffield United meet for the 116th time.

Valerien Ismael enjoyed a winning home debut at The Hawthorns against Luton Town and will be hunting successive wins to crank up the pressure on Slavisa Jokanovic, who is still searching for a first win as Blades boss after a goalless draw at Swansea City.

TONIGHT’S OTHER FIXTURES Hull City vs Derby County Middlesbrough vs QPR Nottingham Forest vs Blackburn Rovers West Brom vs Sheffield United

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BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Captain

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Harlee dean

ood evening and welcome back to St. Andrew’s for tonight’s fixture against AFC Bournemouth.

After good wins against Sheffield United in the league and Colchester United in the Carabao Cup, I was happy to see us pick up another point against a physical Stoke City side here on Saturday.

We knew they would be difficult to breakdown and had players that could make things happen at any time. Although they had spells of possession in the game, it never felt like our defence would be breached and I was satisfied to pick up a third clean sheet in succession.

It’s testament to the lads hard-work on the training pitch that we continue to be a difficult team to breach. The gaffer is confident setting us up in a number of different ways and every player wants to do their best for the team.

Jeremie Bela is a great example. Typically a winger, for the second time this season we saw him play extremely well as a wing-back.

He typifies how this squad feels about playing for one another and doing what needs to be done for the betterment of the team.

I’m also happy that coming away from St. Andrew’s on Saturday with just a point felt like a slight disappointment. Stoke, like us, were unbeaten and I think they’ll have a decent season but with a little more ruthlessness in front of goal, we could’ve nicked it on the day.

A personal highlight on Saturday was meeting www.bcfc.com

Peggy, who presented me with the Man of The Match award after the game. It was her 90th birthday and she told everyone in the Jasper Carrot suite how she’d been following the team for over 70 years. Peggy remembers how the old trains used to blow smoke and steam across the pitch mid-match and it really hit home with me how much this Club means to the supporters.

I came back down to the dressing room after meeting her and told her story to the lads and reiterated how desperate we are to bring this Club some overdue success.

Tonight’s game against Bournemouth will be a tough one. The Cherries reached the play-offs last season and are widely expected to be there again this time around. Scott Parker is a good, young manager and he’ll have certain goals he expects to achieve in his first season in charge on the South Coast.

But we’ll play a lot of teams that will be ‘expecting’ to finish near the top-of-the-table and those are the fixtures I relish. We won’t fear anyone that comes to St. Andrew’s this season.

Tonight brings another opportunity to show how much we’ve progressed and we look forward to playing in front of you once again.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Keep Right On! Harlee Dean BLUES NEWS | 15

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W 16 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

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BLUES NEWS | 17

7250

Half a century on from the glorious 1971-72 season when manager 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.

@

by ROB MASON

H

aving picked up a point from the opening game of the season at Sunderland, Blues welcomed more opponents from the far north when Carlisle United were the first visitors to St. Andrew’s.

Trevor Francis 18 | BLUES NEWS

Goalless at half time, the most memorable goal of a five goal second half edged by City came just short of the hour mark when Keith Bowker put Blues 2-0 up with a thumping header from 12 yards as he ran on to a terrific right wing cross from George Smith who had latched onto a clearance from the Cumbrians’ future Burnley manager Stan Ternent. Bowker had also scored in the opening game but they would be his only two goals of a campaign in which he only played four more times. He would go on to have five games the following season in the top-flight, famously scoring against Arsenal before moving to Exeter City where he later became a postman after managing Taunton Town.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Phil Summerhill had opened the scoring for Freddie Goodwin’s City and Alan Campbell would go on to score the winner on a day when goals from Stan Welsh and Bob Hatton were insufficient to earn Alan Ashman’s Carlisle a point. Hatton certainly caught the eye and would be signed by City a couple of months later. He would become a key man in the promotion race – scoring 10 of his 15 league goals for Blues at St. Andrews while netting one of his away strikes came in the return fixture with Carlisle at Brunton Park.

With it still being two points for a win, after two games Blues were one of seven teams on three points but Blackpool had stolen a march on everyone having already played a third game. However, after losing at Millwall as Birmingham beat Carlisle the Tangerines were only a single point ahead of the pack.

Blues fans were providing solid backing to the team. The crowd of 26,254 for the Carlisle match was almost 6,000 higher than the division’s next highest gate at Middlesbrough. The St. Andrew’s faithful showed their loyalty when the crowd for the second home fixture only dipped by 1,023 despite two disappointing defeats on the road in between home games with Carlisle and Charlton. 1-0 losses at Portsmouth and Hull City turned a bright start into a poor one but Blues turned on the style in thrashing the Addicks 4-1, a goal from Trevor Francis being added to by a Bob Latchford hat-trick.

That result lifted Birmingham from 17th to 10th, heading a bank of five clubs on five points, three behind early leaders Blackpool and Bristol City as the early league table started to take shape.

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL As Blues were beating Carlisle on 18 August 1971, Bournemouth were making a good start of their own. A point from a goalless draw at Bolton left them second in Division Three (Now League One) having enjoyed a 3-1 home win over Shrewsbury the previous weekend. Then called Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic the Cherries had just been promoted and were to go close to making it back to back promotions.

They would finish third behind Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion but sadly for them only the top two went up and there were no playoffs.

Elsewhere on 18 August 1971, midweek fixtures included Bobby Charlton being one of Manchester United’s scorers as they won 3-2 at Chelsea while Francis Lee got two of Manchester City’s goals as they beat Crystal Palace 4-0.

CLASS OF 71/72 BOB LATCHFORD His hat-trick against Charlton would be the first goals of the season for Bob Latchford. The future England centre-forward would be City’s top scorer in the promotion season with 23 league goals, with another four for good measure in the FA Cup. He would hit the only goal of the game in the next home match with Bristol City and follow that up with another hat-trick next time out at St. Andrew’s. Once in the top-flight Latchford would be Blues top scorer again in 1972-73 with 19 goals, including a hat-trick against Manchester City.

The younger brother of Blues keeper Dave Latchford (Another brother, Peter, kept goal for West Brom, Celtic and Clyde) Bob formed brilliant partnerships with Trevor Francis and Bob Hatton.

Born at Loveday Street Maternity Hospital in Birmingham, Latchford was just 20 when the 1971/72 season got going but he would soon prove himself to be one of the hottest properties in the game. He would score a total of 84 goals in 194 games for Blues before moving to Everton in February 1974 for a British record transfer fee of £350,000 – a figure that included Howard Kendall and Archie Styles moving in the opposite direction along with £80,000 coming into Blues coffers.

For Everton Bob plundered 138 goals in 289 appearances, being the Toffees top scorer in six successive seasons. In 1981 he moved on to Swansea – scoring a debut hat-trick for them before continuing his career with NAC Breda, Coventry City, Lincoln City, Newport County and Merthyr Tydfil. He later returned to Birmingham, working in City’s commercial department before becoming a coach in 1999-2000.

In international football Bob won all of his 12 England caps while with Everton although he had won six Under-23 caps whilst still with Birmingham, even scoring on his Under 23 debut against Denmark at Portsmouth in November 1973. It was November 1977 when Latchford made his full debut, playing against Italy at Wembley. His first goal came on his third appearance – against Wales in Cardiff – whilst there would be other England goals against Denmark, the Republic of Ireland and two in a 4-0 Wembley win over Northern Ireland.

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 19

Match Report

Under 23s Blues Under-23s fell to defeat away at Stoke City on Monday night in the Premier League 2.

The fixture was Blues’ first at such a level since the Club was granted Category 1 status back in May, which came just 24 hours after Steve Spooner’s side had been crowned Professional Development League national champions.

Stoke City: Nathan Broome, Trialist (Kieran Coates 91), Edward Jones, Ibrahim Sy, David Okagbue, Lewis Macari, D’Margio WrightPhillips, Thomas Sparrow, Douglas James-Taylor (Trialist 73), Adam Porter (captain), Patrick Jarrett (Trialist 73).

Substitutes not used: Robbie Hemfrey, Matthew Baker.

Booking: None.

Blues: Archie Matthews, Marcel Oakley, Dion Sanderson (Callum Sullivan, 56), Tate Campbell, Josh Williams, Remi Walker, Alfie Chang (Caolan Boyd-Munce, 68), Charlie Lakin (captain), Mitchell Roberts, Keyendrah Simmonds, Leo Dos Reis (Yohan Zohore, 56).

Substitutes not used: Alfie Brooks, Rico Browne.

Booking: Roberts 67, Boyd-Munce 82, Walker 86.

But their maiden outing proved a testing one as they felt the force of a Stoke side that finished second in the division last term, with Keyendrah Simmonds’ 84th-minute goal coming too late to mount a comeback after the away side conceded twice in the first-half.

The Potters took the lead after 16 minutes, converting a spell of increasing pressure into the opening goal. Stoke skipper Adam Porter finished cooly beyond Archie Matthews after pouncing on a half-hearted clearance.

whilst hampering Stoke’s offensive output.

And the frontman doubled both his and the hosts’ advantage through another fine effort after 34 minutes. Moving forward, he shifted the ball onto his favoured left foot before firing in off the post.

Boyd-Munce also came off the bench and his arrival coincided with Blues getting a real grip on proceedings in Staffordshire that saw them half the arrears through Simmonds.

After failing to lay a glove on the home side before the break, Spooner introduced Yohan Zohore shortly after the interval and he contributed to a greater pressing effort that served to both boost Blues’ attacking product

The former Manchester City youngster benefitted from a fizzed Zohore centre, prodding the ball home at the second attempt to set up a grandstand finish.

However, try as they might, Blues could not fashion a final chance and left the bet365 Stadium empty-handed.

Referee: Robert Massey-Ellis 20 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 21

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BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

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BLUES NEWS | 23

Blues 0 0 Stoke City SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP | SATURDAY 14 AUGUST It exemplifies the great strides that Blues have made under Lee Bowyer when picking up a point against a well-equipped Stoke City side is greeted with a feeling of what could have been, after the home side had the better attacking moments during a tightly contested Sky Bet Championship match.

Blues (4-4-2): Matija Sarkic, Maxime Colin, Harlee Dean (captain), Marc Roberts, Kristian Pedersen, Jeremie Bela, Ryan Woods, Gary Gardner, Ivan Sunjic, Scott Hogan (Chuks Aneke 66), Lukas Jutkiewicz (Jonathan Leko 71).

Substitutes not used: Connal Trueman, Juan Castillo, George Friend, Ivan Sanchez, Riley McGree.

Booking: Hogan 49.

Stoke City (5-3-2): Joe Bursik, Tommy Smith, Leo Ostigard, Harry Souttar, Ben Wilmot, Josh Tymon, Sam Clucas, Joe Allen (captain), Nick Powell, Sam Surridge (Jacob Brown 76), Steven Fletcher (Jordan Thompson 90+2).

Substitutes not used: Adam Davies, Morgan Fox, Danny Batth, Alfie Doughty, Tom Ince.

Booking: Clucas 57, Powell 67.

Referee: Gavin Ward.

Attendance: 10,189 24 | BLUES NEWS

Scott Hogan came closest to scoring for either side, with the former Potters striker having the game’s two best opportunities. However, by looking to precisely find the bottom corner, Blues’ number nine just steered his efforts the wrong side of the post to leave the home crowd waiting patiently for a maiden home league goal of the 2021/22 season.

eventually being forced wide of goal by good Stoke recovery.

Although, this was not for the want of trying and two second-half substitutes almost combined for a winning goal. Former Charlton Athletic duo of Chuks Aneke and Jonathan Leko linked up to pierce the visitor’s defence, with the latter

The net bulged in the closing stages when Gary Gardner steered home from Harlee Dean’s well-directed header, but the celebrations were short-lived as the assistant referee raised his flag to ensure a shutout at both ends.

Safe Hands Sarkic Matija Sarkic has settled quickly into life between the sticks at Blues, carrying on the form he displayed in a successful pre-season trial period.

After keeping Sheffield United at bay on opening night, the 24-year-old stopper repeated the trick last Saturday by being a dynamic last line of defence on the way to recording a second clean sheet in succession.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

GOLD FOR GALAL Blues were thrilled to welcome the City's Olympic Gold Medallist, Galal Yafai, to St. Andrew’s for the weekend meeting with Stoke City.

On the same day Lee Bowyer’s side were picking up a prized three points at Bramall Lane in their season opener, Yafai was putting in his own stellar performance across the globe in the next chapter of Team GB’s impressive Olympic Boxing heritage.

to take up the Club’s invitation that followed on from a heart-warming television interview in which he made crystal clear where his footballing loyalties lie in the Second City.

Yafai now plans to go professional, following in the footsteps of older brothers Kal and Gamal, and has

set his sights on becoming world champion.

The Club would like to congratulate Galal on his Olympic glory, everyone associated with Birmingham City is extremely proud of your achievements and looks forward to seeing your career flourish further in the future.

The 28-year-old, who was born in Birmingham, gained a 4-1 points decision at the Kokugikan Arena to secure Britain's 19th gold medal of the Games, as he overcame Carlo Paalam of the Philippines in Tokyo.

And a week on from his golden hour, the Olympic flyweight champion was back on home soil to take in Blues’ first home league game of the new campaign, show off his medal, and take in the acclaim of his public at half-time of the Sky Bet Championship fixture.

He was presented on the pitch during the interval, having been delighted www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 25

blues women BULLETIN

Scott Booth My squad so far T

he 2021/22 Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign gets underway in a shade over a fortnight, with Blues Women’s preparations ramping up at Wast Hills Training Ground ahead of their season opener on the road to Tottenham Hotspur.

achieving their dreams. I would love it if Gemma can do the same. She will definitely get the opportunity. As a defender she likes to be on the front foot. She has a fantastic work ethic and is ready to do what it takes to make that central defensive position her own.

going forward. Despite being sidelined over the last year, she has shown incredible professionalism for a young player. The whole club can’t wait to have her playing again for Blues! I can’t wait to see her further development.

Scott Booth’s side are undertaking a comprehensive pre-season programme as they – boosted by a new broadcast deal - get set for the biggest season that the Women’s game in England has seen to date.

And following the Head Coach’s arrival in June, he has worked tirelessly with the Club to build a team that the loyal fans can be proud of.

Christie Murray: I know Christie well; our paths have crossed before. She was at Glasgow City with me a few years back, so we know how each other work. She is a technically gifted footballer and a great communicator that uses her experience to help others. That said, Christie is hungry to develop herself and be the best she can be. I’m delighted to be working with her again.

Lucy Whipp: Lucy is a player I immediately related to. She is a very technical player but ultimately just wants to get the job done. Lucy is unselfish, she is the cement a team needs to progress. She will continue to grow as a player at Blues and I look forward to working with her more and more.

Taking time after training, the Scotsman spoke in detail to Blues News about the squad he has assembled so far, which includes a number of returning players and many exciting new talents.

BACK FOR MORE!

Veatriki Sarri: What can I say about V other than she impresses me daily.

A typical gifted lefty! Great balance, technically excellent, and a cannon for a left foot. She will be incredibly important for us this season and will give us moments of inspiration for sure.

Sarah Ewens: Of course, Sarah is a player I know well from my time in Scotland. I have watched her closely as someone in the opposition who can hurt you and deserves great respect. She is hard to pin down and always offers a threat. I’m delighted to finally have her on my side!

Rebecca Holloway: We will need players we can rely on this season and Rebecca is one of those. She is able to play in a number of positions and will help us predominantly down our left-hand side. She has great experience and that will be crucial this season, as well as offering quality in possession which I feel we will need to have in many matches.

Harriet Scott: Harriet is a player that fills me with confidence as a coach.

She’s an experienced Internationalist and has proven herself domestically.

A team player off and on the pitch, she is someone that wants nothing but the best for her Club. She is a huge asset and a player I am definitely looking forward to working with.

Jade Pennock: Jade is a player I have liked for a number of years and it is great to have got her here!

She has so many attributes. She is dangerous to the opposition but a team player at heart - that’s a great combination. I am Looking forward to having her as a Blue!

Gemma Lawley: As a coach, I take great pleasure in developing young players. It’s never a quick process but it’s really worth it when you see them

Lily Simkin: We are all delighted for Lily that her time at the Club has been extended. She will undoubtedly figure heavily for the First Team

26 | BLUES NEWS

NEW IN BLUE!

Louise Quinn: I am not going to hide from the fact that I have wanted her on my side for years now! She is a player that contributes so much but ultimately, she just wants to defend.

She prides herself on it - model BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

pro. A dedicated player who loves representing her nation. Louise will be an incredible asset to our Club and our team this season. I’m really happy I have her onboard… at last!

Lucy Quinn: We brought Lucy back because she offers us fantastic quality and an understanding of what it takes to be at Blues. Her experience and know-how will be a huge asset this season. She is another great team player within our ranks and one I expect to help us foster a positive Club culture this season.

Emily Ramsey: Emily comes to the club with a great record in youth Internationals and from a club with a fantastic football pedigree. She is ambitious, intelligent and confident.

All the traits a young goalkeeper should possess. The coaching staff, especially Goalkeeping Coach, Daniel Matraszek, look forward to working with her here.

Lisa Robertson: Lisa is a player I have wanted to coach for a long time and, finally, she is our player at Birmingham. She is an Internationalist, with huge experience and a desire to be the best she can be. Lisa will give us everything and our fans will love her, and her quality will give us a chance in every match.

Cecilie Sandvej: Cecilie is a vastly experienced player who, like many of our new signings, puts the team first!

She knows her role in the side and uses all of her attributes to succeed.

Physicality, intelligence, endeavour and quality are her strengths. She also has a winning mentality which we will need this season.

Libby Smith: For such a young player, Libby is incredibly versatile! She is very athletic, has excellent technique and work ethic. It’s time for her to find her ultimate position and shine. I will help her do that and look forward to seeing her develop hugely as a Blues player. www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 27

28 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

ROLL CALL & LEAGUE TABLE PLAYER

LEAGUE APPS GLS

FA CUP APPS GLS

LEAGUE CUP APPS GLS

CHUKS ANEKE

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

POS.

P

JEREMIE BELA

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 FULHAM

2 1 1 0 4 4

JOBE BELLINGHAM

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 QUEENS PARK RANGERS

2 1 1 0 3 4

TATE CAMPBELL

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

3 CARDIFF CITY

2 1 1 0 2 4

ALFIE CHANG

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

TAHITH CHONG

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MAXIME COLIN

2 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

HARLEE DEAN

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

GEORGE FRIEND

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

GARY GARDNER

2 (0) 0

NICO GORDON

W

D

L

GD PTS

4 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 1 1 0 1 4 5 BOURNEMOUTH

2 1 1 0 1 4

6 BLACKBURN ROVERS

2 1 1 0 1 4

1 (0) 0

7 MIDDLESBROUGH

2 1 1 0 1 4

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

8 STOKE CITY

2 1 1 0 1 4

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

9 BARNSLEY

2 1 1 0 1 4

JORDAN GRAHAM

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

10 BIRMINGHAM CITY

2 1 1 0 1 4

SCOTT HOGAN

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

11 LUTON TOWN

2 1 0 1 2 3

IVAN SANCHEZ

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JUAN CASTILLO

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

12 HULL CITY

2 1 0 1 0 3

LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

13 READING

2 1 0 1 0 3

CHARLIE LAKIN

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

14 COVENTRY CITY

2 1 0 1 0 3

JONATHAN LEKO

0 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

15 PETERBOROUGH UNITED

2 1 0 1 -2 3

RILEY MCGREE

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

16 MILLWALL

2 0 2 0 0 2

MARCEL OAKLEY

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 1

17 BRISTOL CITY

2 0 1 1 -1 1

18 DERBY COUNTY

2 0 1 1 -1 1

19 SWANSEA CITY

2 0 1 1 -1 1

20 SHEFFIELD UNITED

2 0 1 1 -1 1

21 BLACKPOOL

2 0 1 1 -2 1

KRISTIAN PEDERSEN

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MARC ROBERTS

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MITCHELL ROBERTS

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MATIJA SARKIC

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

IVAN SUNJIC

1 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

CONNAL TRUEMAN

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

22 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

2 0 1 1 -4 1

REMI WALKER

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

23 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

2 0 0 2 -2 0

RYAN WOODS

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

24 PRESTON NORTH END

2 0 0 2 -4 0

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 29

Fixtures & RESULTS 2021/22 DATE

KO

OPPONENT

RES

COMP

POS

ATT

5

29,043

STARTING XI

AUGUST Sat 07

8.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

A

1-0

LEAGUE

TUE 10

7.45PM

COLCHESTER UNITED

H

1-0

EFL CUP

Sat 14

3.00pm

STOKE CITY

H

0-0

LEAGUE

TUE 18

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

H

LEAGUE

SAT 21

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

A

LEAGUE

TBC

FULHAM

H

EFL CUP

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

A

LEAGUE

FRI 10

8.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

H

LEAGUE

WED 15

7.45pm

FULHAM

H

LEAGUE

SAT 18

3.00pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

A

LEAGUE

Sat 28

TBC

10

10,189

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN 1 ■

TRUEMAN

OAKLEY 1

GORDON

FRIEND

CASTILLO

SUNJIC

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

GARDNER ■

SEPTEMBER

Sat 25

3.00pm

PRESTON NORTH END

H

LEAGUE

TUE 28

7.45pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

A

LEAGUE

OCTOBER Sat 02

3.00pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

H

LEAGUE

Sat 16

3.00pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

A

LEAGUE

Wed 20

7.45pm

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

A

LEAGUE

Sat 23

3.00pm

SWANSEA CITY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 30

3.00pm

MIDDLESBROUGH

A

LEAGUE LEAGUE

NOVEMBER Tue 02

7.45pm

BRISTOL CITY

H

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

DECEMBER SAT 04

3.00pm

MILLWALL

A

LEAGUE

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

Sat 22

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 29

3.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

A

LEAGUE

JANUARY

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

MAY Sat 01

30 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

SUB 1

SUB 2

SUB 3 CASTILLO (78) ■

WOODS ■

CHONG

BELA

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

LEKO (68) ■

SUNJIC (74)

SANCHEZ

LAKIN

GRAHAM

LEKO

ANEKE

CAMPBELL (73)

McGREE (74)

GARDNER

WOODS

BELA

HOGAN ■

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE (66)

LEKO (71)

www.bcfc.com

UNUSED SUBS TRUEMAN, FRIEND, ANEKE, SANCHEZ SARKIC, BELLINGHAM, WALKER, CHANG, ROBERTS TRUEMAN, FRIEND, SÁNCHEZ, McGREE, CASTILLO

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 ■ ■ JONATHAN LEKO 14 ■ ■ 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 ■ ■

CHARLIE LAKIN 31 ■ ■

IVAN SUNJIC 34 ■ ■

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 FULHAM W/C 23 AUGUST 2021 KICK-OFF TBC

AFC BOURNEMOUTH MANAGER: SCOTT PARKER

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3 STEVE COOK 4 LEWIS COOK 5 LLOYD KELLY 6 CHRIS MEPHAM 7 DAVID BROOKS 8 JEFFERSON LERMA 9 DOMINIC SOLANKE 10 ARNAUT DANJUMA 11 EMILIANO MARCONDES 15 ADAM SMITH 16 LEWIS COOK 17 JACK STACEY 19 JUNIOR STANISLAS 20 LEIF DAVIS 22 BEN PEARSON 26 GAVIN KILKENNY 28 KYLE TAYLOR 29 PHILLIP BILLING 32 JAIDON ANTHONY 33 JORDAN ZEMURA 35 ZENO IBSSEN ROSSI 40 WILL DENNIS GK 42 MARK TRAVERS GK

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE ANDY DAVIES ASSISTANT REFEREE MARK DWYER ASSISTANT REFEREE ADRIAN WATERS 4TH OFFICIAL THOMAS BRAMALL