Birmingham City v Fulham

BLUES NEWS

Birmingham City v Fulham Wednesday 15 September 2021 Kick-off 7.45pm ISSUE 06 | £3

Main Interview

Jeremie Bela

T

here is little that should be considered a surprise in football given the truly unpredictable nature of the world’s favourite sport, but Jeremie Bela as a fully-fledged wing-back is perhaps one of them.

How have you found working with Lee Bowyer?

He is a great person. Very honest and hard-working. He makes sure we are working hard as well [laughing] - I can’t lie! I enjoy playing for him on the pitch.

We share a similar mindset: to enjoy every day, to play football and to keep improving. He is a man that commands respect that’s for sure.

Identified by the Head Coach, Lee Bowyer, as having both the fitness and character to fulfil one of the most demanding roles in the modern game, Bela has adjusted to his new-found position in exemplary fashion to leave everybody scratching their heads in amazement.

You’ve adapted to a new position this season at wing-back, how has that been?

Very new to me [laughing]! I have never played here before and I admit I am still learning game after game. But my teammates have been fantastic with me, teaching me about my body shape and positioning - they help me a lot. I’m playing games, we are winning, and it means I am in the team. I’d play goalkeeper if I was asked!

Not only has the Angolan maintained his discipline in knowing when to push on and when to stay at home, he has also showcased the quality to keep some of the Sky Bet Championship’s trickiest players from hurting Blues.

BIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Then, on Friday night against Derby County, he once more reminded everyone of his offensive capabilities with a fine finish in front of the Tilton. That Bela goal added to his three assists this campaign and brought a familiar grin, which is never far away, back to his face.

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

Is Jeremie Bela now a winger or a defender then?

[Laughing] I’m a winger but now I do both! I’m helping my team and that is the best feeling in the world. I have played as a winger, number 10 and a striker, this is another skill for me to have and that is a good thing for me as a player.

Still smiling and as jovial as ever, Blues News caught up with the man of the hour to discuss the season so far and his new position in the team.

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Great to be talking to you Jeremie - how are things going for you in the first part of the season?

I am feeling very good! I think everyone can see it - the atmosphere is good amongst the squad, coaches and fans. The new players have done very well and more than anything, they are good people. That makes all the difference - so I am very happy.

A first goal of the season against Derby - was it a nice feeling to score in front of the fans at St. Andrew’s?

It was very important for me. The gaffer is encouraging me to get forward - he reminds me I’m a winger and I can provide goals and assists. The defensive work is important, but I’m given freedom to go forward and we saw that against Derby. The fans are so important to us all. I’m so grateful for their support.

Six games played, 11 points earned and just one defeat in the league - that is a very solid opening by anyone’s standards - why have we started so well?

I think the most important thing for this group is that we trust each other. The Gaffer tells us every day to do that and to work for the team. We are good friends as well as teammates and that is making the difference at the moment.

And finally, how do you feel fitness wise?

I feel stronger physically than I have for a long time. This was my first proper preseason at the Club really. The first year I missed it because I joined in November, then coronavirus disrupted last year so it’s been important for me. This year I’ve worked incredibly hard to get myself very fit and I think it is showing on the pitch.

6 | BLUES NEWS

BCFC BOARD Directors: Wenqing Zhao, Chun Kong Yiu, Gannan Zheng, Yao Wang, Honorary Vice President: Mike Wiseman

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

IN THIS ISSUE Managed by Alan Dicks, the men from Ashton Gate were in fine form.

They had won four and drawn two of their six games so far having won their previous match 4-0 and already having a 5-1 away win at Sheffield Wednesday in their locker.

Bob Latchford had seen off the Addicks with a hat-trick in the previous home game and he was the difference between the sides again but this time he only needed to score once. The future England man’s first half goal was the only one of a tight game in which Mike Kelly was equal to the best Bristol could throw at him.

The result meant Blues joined Middlesbrough in being the only Division Two (now Championship) club with a 100% home record. The two points lifted City to ninth in the table, level on points with seventh placed QPR and three behind the leaders who were now the Canaries rather than the Robins, Norwich City having beaten Oxford United. Norwich City would go on to win the league with Blues accompanying them in the second and last promotion place in this era long before play-offs. It would be a long time before Blues started to threaten the top of the table but this win over Bristol City was a sign of things to come.

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT Technical Director: Craig Gardner Head Coach: Lee Bowyer

First Team Development Coach: Paul Harsley Goalkeeping Coach: Andy Marshall Head of Physical Performance: Sean Rush Head of Performance Analysis: Carl Blakemore 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

CLASS OF 71/72

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

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Birmingham City’s Gordon Taylor on the ball

MIKE KELLY Goalkeeper Mike Kelly came back into the team for the game against Bristol City featured today and kept an important clean sheet. Now 78, Kelly was born in Northampton and did not come into the Football League until he was 23 when he joined Queens Park Rangers after playing 200 games for then non-league Wimbledon, with whom he won the FA Amateur Cup in 1963 as well as two Isthmian League titles.

Capped by England at amateur level Kelly debuted as a sub against Liguria in Italy in May 1964. This was part of an amateur international tournament in which Mike later made a start against Germany. That may have been the highest level Mike reached internationally as a player but later as a goalkeeping coach he worked with England from 1984 to 1990 working at three FIFA World Cups in total. This included the 1994 tournament by which time he was assisting Switzerland under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, who he later worked for at Fulham and Liverpool. Kelly also managed Minnesota Kicks in 1976 before taking charge of Plymouth Argyle and becoming assistant manager of Fulham as well as coaching Crystal Palace, Portsmouth and WBA.

BRISTOL CITY: Cashley, Wimshurst, Drysdale, Emanuel (Spiring), Rooks, Merrick, Tainton, Fear, Galley, Sweeney, Gow. ATTENDANCE: 28,745

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.

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Trevor Francis

by ROB MASON

T

he arrival of Bristol City to St. Andrew’s 50 years ago this weekend was eagerly anticipated. So much so that 28,745 turned up, the best gate of the season so far. The unbeaten Robins were perched at the top of the table but after Blues had won both of their previous home games – the most recent by 4-1 over Charlton Athletic – hopes were high that Birmingham would come out on top.

Freddie Goodwin made two changes from the previous weekend’s goalless draw at Luton. After being absent for the trip to Kenilworth Road Mike Kelly replaced Dave

Latchford in goal while Gordon Taylor also returned after missing the match at Luton Town. The future PFA Chairman came in for George Smith who dropped to the bench with Garry Pendrey moving back into defence to accommodate Taylor.

The visitors were unchanged. In this seventh game of the season all but one of their players had started every game. Hardly surprising they were top of the table then.

Settled sides are usually successful ones. However, then one man they were missing – as he had been for the previous two games – was star striker Chris Garland.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Trevor Francis

Assistant Head Coach: Mark Kennedy

www.bcfc.com

18 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL Today’s visitors Fulham had a tough season in 1971/72. As Blues pushed for promotion the Cottagers fought a battle at the other end of the table, eventually avoiding relegation by a point. As Blues were beating Bristol City Fulham were on the wrong end of a 4-0 score-line at Swindon Town that dumped them at the bottom of the league.

In his own playing days after joining QPR for £3,000 his habit of kicking both goalposts and touching the crossbar was soon witnessed as part of his pre-match routine. It was a superstition for which Kelly was always noted. Renowned for being particularly vocal, Mike made the first of his 63 appearances for QPR at home to Bristol City in August 1967. He came to Birmingham in 1970, debuting against his old club QPR on the opening day of the season and going on to play 74 times for Blues.

In the top flight a bright start by Sheffield United saw them two points ahead of Manchester United at the top of the table, Alan Woodward’s winner for the Blades at Leicester City leaving them unbeaten nine games into the campaign. Only 1,398 more people saw the league leaders than were at St. Andrew’s where the gate exceeded the top-flight attendances at Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 19

Supporters

MESSAGES

Ahead of tonight’s showdown with Marco Silva’s side, Blues News has dug into the archives to look back on and take inspiration from previous successes over Fulham.

28 December 2004

Fulham 2-3 Blues Blues made it four Premiership wins on the bounce in December 2004 after a superb festive victory at Craven Cottage.

Former England international Emile Heskey got the ball rolling with a clever strike, having played a neat one-two with fellow forward Clinton Morrison.

Fulham equalised against the run of play before goals from Darren Carter and a wonder strike from Robbie Savage set Blues on their way before Tomasz Radzinski pulled one back late on.

to the Blues! Can’t for being our taxi DAD!! Thank u you, singing and another year with wait to spend Megan and Ellie-May you Dad! From celebrating. Love

21 November 2009

Blues 1-0 Fulham Lee Bowyer scored his fourth goal of the season as Blues earned a narrow victory over Fulham, extending their unbeaten run to a quartet of games.

The midfielder latched on to James McFadden's clever pass before dinking the ball over Mark Schwarzer to hand Blues a hard-fought win at St. Andrew's.

A mention for my Dad, Joe Doody, who passed away just before Christmas and my Mom, Molly Doody who passed away last week.

Both were lifelong Blues supporters. Dad was 92 when he died and at his funeral we gave everyone a Blues scarf to wear, he would of loved that!

KRO Janet Johnson

Joe Hart made a smart save in the home side’s goal by tipping over Clint Demspey's header as he and his teammates stood firm to inflict the visitor's first loss in six games.

Many Happy Returns to Lifelong Bluenose Margaret who is 92 years young on Saturday!

Have a wonderful day lots of love from John, Chris & Richard xxxx

10 September 2016

Fulham 0-1 Blues Clayton Donaldson missed one penalty before scoring another as Blues beat 10-man Fulham.

The striker’s first spot-kick was saved by David Button after Che Adams was brought down in the box by Michael Madl.

But the Austrian did receive his marching orders for bringing down Donaldson in a separate incident. And try as they might, the Cottagers could not halt Donaldson for the duration as scored the winner when Adams was fouled a second time in the box, this time by Floyd Ayite.

22 | BLUES NEWS

My girlfriend, Vic, attended her first match when we played West Brom ever football in pre-season and now she’s a massive blues fan!

Jake and Victoria.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

The Barber boys, Henry (age 8) and (age 5), kept right Stanley on to the end of to reach John the road O’Groats this summer, proudly wearing Blues shirts of course!

Paul.

Moms favourite play was Trevor Hockey, she loved singing eye eye Hockey, Hockey eye. They would so thrilled at the way we are playing at the moment.

www.bcfc.com

Happy Birthday Paz (Paul) Parrish.

Hopefully a win over Fulham on your Birthday!

From all your Bluenose family and friends.

support through Thanks for all your and been through everything we’ve Aaron, have a Happy Birthday from Courtney.

Keep Right On, BLUES NEWS | 23

BLUES NEWS | 7

04 LEE BOWYER 06 jeremie bela 09 The Opposition: fulham 15 Harlee Dean 18 72@50 22 flashback 23 supporters’ messages 24 under-18s match report 25 under-23s match report 26 action replay 27 blues women

Lee

F

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

We head into this one full of confidence after the weekend’s result but also acknowledge the challenge ahead of us.

It was a real team performance on Friday and although there were lots of positives from the game, nothing pleased me more than seeing the appreciation that the players and the supporters have for each other.

Those extra few thousand in the Tilton End make a real difference and I think everyone can see just how much the players are giving at the moment.

I have said all along, our supporters will have a huge part to play this year and you can feel the difference down on the pitch when they are in full flow. Friday was bouncing at times and I look forward to getting even more of you in here in the near future.

In terms of the performance it was a solid, professional display. Even when the game got stretched in the second-half, I had full confidence that our shape and discipline out of possession would make us hard to beat.

We have got a real togetherness in the dressing room which I think you can see in the way the players work for one another. I was reminded that it is four clean sheets in the first six games and that gives us a great platform to build from.

And we have forwards who will score goals.

Scott Hogan is working hard for the team and is getting his rewards and I am delighted

4 | BLUES NEWS

for Jeremie Bela. He has adapted to playing the wing-back role tremendously well and whilst he offers a threat going forwards, he does not negate his defensive responsibilities either.

We have to carry that momentum into tonight’s game because we will have to be at our very best to get something from it.

Fulham are a side full of Premier League quality. They could afford to make a number of changes for our Carabao Cup tie and still field a team with some very good players at this level. They create a lot of chances and play an attractive brand of football.

Despite losing at the weekend, they are a real danger in this division and I, like everyone else, expect them to be challenging at the top of the table.

As with all of our opponents, we will respect Fulham but we don’t fear anyone and I am expecting a very different game to our cup tie a few weeks ago.

We have been competitive in all of our Sky Bet Championship games this season and we know, if everyone does their job and we work hard for each other, then we can be a match for anyone.

Especially here, with more of our supporters in the stands and getting behind the players, it can be a very difficult place for teams to visit.

Keep Right On, Lee Bowyer

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 5

Main Interview

Jeremie Bela

T

here is little that should be considered a surprise in football given the truly unpredictable nature of the world’s favourite sport, but Jeremie Bela as a fully-fledged wing-back is perhaps one of them.

Identified by the Head Coach, Lee Bowyer, as having both the fitness and character to fulfil one of the most demanding roles in the modern game, Bela has adjusted to his new-found position in exemplary fashion to leave everybody scratching their heads in amazement.

Not only has the Angolan maintained his discipline in knowing when to push on and when to stay at home, he has also showcased the quality to keep some of the Sky Bet Championship’s trickiest players from hurting Blues.

Then, on Friday night against Derby County, he once more reminded everyone of his offensive capabilities with a fine finish in front of the Tilton. That Bela goal added to his three assists this campaign and brought a familiar grin, which is never far away, back to his face.

Still smiling and as jovial as ever, Blues News caught up with the man of the hour to discuss the season so far and his new position in the team.

How have you found working with Lee Bowyer?

He is a great person. Very honest and hard-working. He makes sure we are working hard as well [laughing] - I can’t lie! I enjoy playing for him on the pitch.

We share a similar mindset: to enjoy every day, to play football and to keep improving. He is a man that commands respect that’s for sure.

You’ve adapted to a new position this season at wing-back, how has that been?

Very new to me [laughing]! I have never played here before and I admit I am still learning game after game. But my teammates have been fantastic with me, teaching me about my body shape and positioning - they help me a lot. I’m playing games, we are winning, and it means I am in the team. I’d play goalkeeper if I was asked!

Is Jeremie Bela now a winger or a defender then?

[Laughing] I’m a winger but now I do both! I’m helping my team and that is the best feeling in the world. I have played as a winger, number 10 and a striker, this is another skill for me to have and that is a good thing for me as a player.

Great to be talking to you Jeremie - how are things going for you in the first part of the season?

I am feeling very good! I think everyone can see it - the atmosphere is good amongst the squad, coaches and fans. The new players have done very well and more than anything, they are good people. That makes all the difference - so I am very happy.

A first goal of the season against Derby - was it a nice feeling to score in front of the fans at St. Andrew’s?

It was very important for me. The gaffer is encouraging me to get forward - he reminds me I’m a winger and I can provide goals and assists. The defensive work is important, but I’m given freedom to go forward and we saw that against Derby. The fans are so important to us all. I’m so grateful for their support.

Six games played, 11 points earned and just one defeat in the league - that is a very solid opening by anyone’s standards - why have we started so well?

I think the most important thing for this group is that we trust each other. The Gaffer tells us every day to do that and to work for the team. We are good friends as well as teammates and that is making the difference at the moment.

And finally, how do you feel fitness wise?

I feel stronger physically than I have for a long time. This was my first proper preseason at the Club really. The first year I missed it because I joined in November, then coronavirus disrupted last year so it’s been important for me. This year I’ve worked incredibly hard to get myself very fit and I think it is showing on the pitch.

6 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 7

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Fact file

Nickname: The Cottagers Formed: 1879 Stadium: Craven Cottage Stadium Capacity: 19,286 Chairman: Shahid Khan Manager: Marco Silva Last season finish: 18th in the Premier League

The Opposition

FULHAM

ONE TO WATCH

Aleksander Mitrovic STRIKER DOB: 16 September 1994 The Serbian targetman has been Fulham’s leading marksman for two of the last three seasons, so there was little surprise his employers were so keen to extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

Although he registered just three Premier League goals during last term’s relegation campaign, the Cottagers’ top-brass were delighted their prized asset penned a five-year deal last month.

Fulham boss Tony Khan saying: “Mitro has been a driving force in both of our recent promotion campaigns in 2018 and 2020, as he’s scored many important goals and created numerous indelible memories for Fulham.”

The former Anderlecht and Newcastle striker turns 27 tomorrow and will be looking for an early celebration this evening as he targets a fifth league goal of the campaign.

FULHAM’S SILVA LINING

F

ulham’s five-game winning run and unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, as divisional newcomers Blackpool upset the form book.

The Cottagers had not conceded a goal in their previous three outings, beating Hull City and Stoke City at Craven Cottage either side of a Carabao Cup win at St. Andrew’s, but they were left red- faced after a trip to the Seasiders.

Fulham captain Tim Ream is certain that Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, with 43 goals in 66 appearances, will leave his mark on Championship defenders once again.

He told the Daily Mail: “He’s a handful to deal with. When you know he’s on his game, everything is going to come off. You can play the ball to him and it will stick or he can play someone in. If you put the right guys around him, it’s a dangerous combination.”

10 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

IN THE DUGOUT

Marco Silva DOB: 12 July 1977 Appointed: July 2021 The Portuguese tactician’s first month as a Championship boss could not have gone much smoother, with Fulham the division’s early pacesetters heading into September’s international break.

Despite inheriting a side relegated from the Premier League, Silva has eased the transition of Scott Parker’s departure with a six-game unbeaten start in league and cup, scoring 15 times.

Such an opening month to 2021/22 saw Silva, who is in his first managerial role since 2019, collect August’s Manager of the Month accolade.

A solo effort from former Fulham youngster Josh Bowler shortly after half-time stunned the early Championship leaders to give Blackpool a first success in the second-tier since January 2015.

Fulham Head Coach Marco Silva was frustrated that his side, who were without Harry Wilson and Fabio Carvalho, could not find their normal attacking groove.

Silva lamented about the first loss of his tenure to BBC Radio London, saying: “It’s a disappointing result, a frustrating afternoon for us and for our fans as well. We wanted to give again a good result, a good performance, and there were a good number of fans here to support our team, but unfortunately we didn’t give them that.

and show the players why this has happened. It’s a good moment for us to learn because the Championship is like this, but to be at the top you have to win football matches every single afternoon, so we will keep working hard to get a result in the next game.”

The club’s first defeat at Bloomfield Road since 1998 is the solitary blot on the copybook for Silva since he took charge in July, with his side making an imperious start to 2021/22.

Following a bleak Premier League campaign which saw them collect just five wins under Scott Parker, and finish 11 points adrift of safety, Fulham have underlined their title credentials from the off this time around as they search for a third promotion in the last five seasons.

“We were not good enough, it was not a good performance, and from the first minute we didn’t play with intensity, with pace, with the aggressiveness without the ball and with the ball that we must do, and without the quality that we’ve shown since the beginning of the season.

Their unbeaten start to this campaign included a 5-1 success at Huddersfield thanks to an Ivan Cavaleiro double, a slick passing display saw them emerge 2-1 victors at The Den and there have been convincing successes over Hull and Stoke back in SW6.

“It’s a moment for us to analyse

The Portuguese boss has used

www.bcfc.com

He told Sky Sports: “I’m pleased to receive the award for August which is recognition for the collective work carried out by all of us at the club. My staff, the players and everyone that works at Fulham FC have all put in a lot of effort.”

The 44-year-old masterminded silverware for Sporting CP and Olympiakos before making an impression in the Premier League with Hull City in 2017. Despite eight wins in 22 games in charge he could not save the Tigers from relegation and switched to Watford to remain in the top flight.

A decent start to life at Vicarage Road was disrupted after temptations from Goodison Park could not be resisted, and Silva guided Everton to an eighthplace finish in his first campaign before leaving with the Toffees ten places lower in 2019.

BLUES NEWS | 11

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

AROUND THE GROUNDS It’s a ‘City at Home’ set of fixtures this evening, with five of the six matches taking place involving teams with a City suffix on home soil.

One such City are high-flying Stoke who host Barnsley at bet365 Stadium. The Potters will be aiming to preserve their 100 per cent home record, after Mario Vrancic created both goals to see them come from behind to beat Huddersfield on Saturday. Their visitors are winless on their travels and will be smarting from a 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth thanks to left-back Jordan Zemura registering his first goals, either side of a Dominic Solanke tap-in.

familiarity at the back as the bedrock for the impressive start.

Summer recruit from Tottenham Paulo Gazzaniga has kept two clean sheets from his first six outings, but was not used in the cup visit to Blues. The Argentine shot-stopper has been protected by fellow league ever-presents in centreback pairing Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream, while the latter’s USA international team-mate Antonee Robinson hasn’t missed a beat at left-back.

Former Spurs youth Josh Onomah and Ivory Coast international Jean Seri have formed a solid understanding in central midfield in Silva’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, allowing Fulham to unleash their plethora of attacking luminaries.

Two-time Championship promotion winner Cavaleiro and Jamaican international Bobby DecordovaReid offer both pace and guile down the channels. Welsh set-piece specialist Harry Wilson, a £12 million capture from Liverpool in July, has already proved himself at this level with goal-laden loan stints at both Derby County and Cardiff City.

Homegrown teenage sensation www.bcfc.com

Fabio Carvalho has three goals in five outings, loanee Quina was part of Watford’s promotion-winning side and Neeskens Kebano is a DR Congo international who started out at Paris Saint-Germain. All have been interchangeable behind the irrepressible Aleksander Mitrovic this season, who has four goals in six appearances.

The Cottagers enjoyed 70 per cent possession and four times as many shots as their Lancashire hosts at the weekend and Decordova-Reid certainly does not believe Fulham will alter their playing style despite returning to the banks of the Thames empty-handed.

He told Fulham’s official channel: “We tried, huffed and puffed, but they had something to hold onto. It’s a learning curve for us. We’ve got to keep working ahead of Wednesday, keep plugging away and never give up.

“We’ll definitely have a reaction. We know the quality we’ve got in our squad, we’ve got a big squad as well and we’re ready to go again. It’s just a bump and we’ll be back from it.

We’ve got to dust ourselves off and go again on Wednesday.”

Fresh from taking a point from unbeaten West Brom at The Hawthorns, Millwall travel with renewed confidence to Swansea.com Stadium tonight. New Swansea boss Russell Martin’s wait for a first home league win continues after a goalless stalemate with Hull at the weekend.

Bristol City are also among the group of four winless on home turf this season. A 0-0 draw with Preston extended the Robins’ winless run at Ashton Gate to 13 games, something they will be looking to end at Luton’s expense this evening. Although the Hatters managed a 2-2 draw at Blackburn last time out courtesy of Luke Berry’s 98th-minute leveller.

Elsewhere, Coventry and Nottingham Forest are swapping opponents.

The play-off placed Sky Blues will be looking to maintain their perfect home record against a Cardiff side that won 2-1 at the City Ground on Sunday via teenager Rubin Colwill’s double, with the rock-bottom Reds hosting winless-on-the-road Middlesbrough tonight.

TONIGHT’S OTHER FIXTURES Bristol City vs Luton Town Coventry City v Cardiff City Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough Stoke City v Barnsley Swansea City v Millwall

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

G

Harlee dean ood evening and welcome back to St. Andrew’s for tonight’s game against Fulham.

Last time we were here, we enjoyed a superb victory against Derby County live on Sky Sports under the lights. It is impossible to understate how important wins like these are, scoring a couple of good goals and keeping a clean sheet as well - it was the perfect night.

The game marked a fourth defensive shutout in six games as well, a fantastic team effort and I am proud of the boys for their continued hard work. It is not just the backline but the midfield and strikers that lead by example when we have not got possession and the harder we graft for each other, the more chance we have got of picking up results.

No team in the Championship has conceded fewer than us in our opening six fixtures and we are creating plenty of chances each game too. I feel we are striking that balance between defence and attack really well.

I was also delighted for Jeremie Bela who scored his first of the season on Friday. As I am sure you have read in his feature at the start of the programme, playing at left wing-back is entirely new for him but he has adapted really well. Bela’s willingness to play somewhere brand new and doing so well highlights the fantastic mindset running throughout this squad. www.bcfc.com

We welcome Fulham to St. Andrew’s for the second time this season tonight and I am expecting a competitive encounter after the Carabao Cup clash a few weeks ago. Marco Silva’s side are defensively sound and have a squad full of players that can score goals, so we will have to be at our best to get something from the game.

But if the last few weeks are anything to go by, we certainly will not fear them and if we keep creating chances and doing the right things in defence, we have got a real chance of getting something from the game. Even on the pitch, I can see the progress we are making week by week and seeing continued improvement is what it is all about.

Looking up and seeing so many smiling faces in the Tilton last week was also a real highlight of not just the game, but the season itself. Having that level of support roaring us on will make the difference on a number of occasions to come - I’m sure of that.

Let’s keep the ball rolling and continue working for one another. There is a real spirit flowing around St. Andrew’s at the moment and I want to keep that going for as long as possible.

Enjoy the game and Keep Right On! Harlee Dean

BLUES NEWS | 15

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W

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Birmingham City’s Gordon Taylor on the ball

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.

@

T

by ROB MASON

he arrival of Bristol City to St. Andrew’s 50 years ago this weekend was eagerly anticipated. So much so that 28,745 turned up, the best gate of the season so far. The unbeaten Robins were perched at the top of the table but after Blues had won both of their previous home games – the most recent by 4-1 over Charlton Athletic – hopes were high that Birmingham would come out on top.

Freddie Goodwin made two changes from the previous weekend’s goalless draw at Luton. After being absent for the trip to Kenilworth Road Mike Kelly replaced Dave

Latchford in goal while Gordon Taylor also returned after missing the match at Luton Town. The future PFA Chairman came in for George Smith who dropped to the bench with Garry Pendrey moving back into defence to accommodate Taylor.

The visitors were unchanged. In this seventh game of the season all but one of their players had started every game. Hardly surprising they were top of the table then.

Settled sides are usually successful ones. However, then one man they were missing – as he had been for the previous two games – was star striker Chris Garland.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Trevor Francis 18 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

Managed by Alan Dicks, the men from Ashton Gate were in fine form.

They had won four and drawn two of their six games so far having won their previous match 4-0 and already having a 5-1 away win at Sheffield Wednesday in their locker.

Bob Latchford had seen off the Addicks with a hat-trick in the previous home game and he was the difference between the sides again but this time he only needed to score once. The future England man’s first half goal was the only one of a tight game in which Mike Kelly was equal to the best Bristol could throw at him.

The result meant Blues joined Middlesbrough in being the only Division Two (now Championship) club with a 100% home record. The two points lifted City to ninth in the table, level on points with seventh placed QPR and three behind the leaders who were now the Canaries rather than the Robins, Norwich City having beaten Oxford United. Norwich City would go on to win the league with Blues accompanying them in the second and last promotion place in this era long before play-offs. It would be a long time before Blues started to threaten the top of the table but this win over Bristol City was a sign of things to come.

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

BRISTOL CITY: Cashley, Wimshurst, Drysdale, Emanuel (Spiring), Rooks, Merrick, Tainton, Fear, Galley, Sweeney, Gow. ATTENDANCE: 28,745

Trevor Francis

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL Today’s visitors Fulham had a tough season in 1971/72. As Blues pushed for promotion the Cottagers fought a battle at the other end of the table, eventually avoiding relegation by a point. As Blues were beating Bristol City Fulham were on the wrong end of a 4-0 score-line at Swindon Town that dumped them at the bottom of the league.

In the top flight a bright start by Sheffield United saw them two points ahead of Manchester United at the top of the table, Alan Woodward’s winner for the Blades at Leicester City leaving them unbeaten nine games into the campaign. Only 1,398 more people saw the league leaders than were at St. Andrew’s where the gate exceeded the top-flight attendances at Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. www.bcfc.com

CLASS OF 71/72 MIKE KELLY Goalkeeper Mike Kelly came back into the team for the game against Bristol City featured today and kept an important clean sheet. Now 78, Kelly was born in Northampton and did not come into the Football League until he was 23 when he joined Queens Park Rangers after playing 200 games for then non-league Wimbledon, with whom he won the FA Amateur Cup in 1963 as well as two Isthmian League titles.

Capped by England at amateur level Kelly debuted as a sub against Liguria in Italy in May 1964. This was part of an amateur international tournament in which Mike later made a start against Germany. That may have been the highest level Mike reached internationally as a player but later as a goalkeeping coach he worked with England from 1984 to 1990 working at three FIFA World Cups in total. This included the 1994 tournament by which time he was assisting Switzerland under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, who he later worked for at Fulham and Liverpool. Kelly also managed Minnesota Kicks in 1976 before taking charge of Plymouth Argyle and becoming assistant manager of Fulham as well as coaching Crystal Palace, Portsmouth and WBA. In his own playing days after joining QPR for £3,000 his habit of kicking both goalposts and touching the crossbar was soon witnessed as part of his pre-match routine. It was a superstition for which Kelly was always noted. Renowned for being particularly vocal, Mike made the first of his 63 appearances for QPR at home to Bristol City in August 1967. He came to Birmingham in 1970, debuting against his old club QPR on the opening day of the season and going on to play 74 times for Blues.

BLUES NEWS | 19

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Ahead of tonight’s showdown with Marco Silva’s side, Blues News has dug into the archives to look back on and take inspiration from previous successes over Fulham.

28 December 2004

Fulham 2-3 Blues Blues made it four Premiership wins on the bounce in December 2004 after a superb festive victory at Craven Cottage.

Former England international Emile Heskey got the ball rolling with a clever strike, having played a neat one-two with fellow forward Clinton Morrison.

Fulham equalised against the run of play before goals from Darren Carter and a wonder strike from Robbie Savage set Blues on their way before Tomasz Radzinski pulled one back late on.

21 November 2009

Blues 1-0 Fulham Lee Bowyer scored his fourth goal of the season as Blues earned a narrow victory over Fulham, extending their unbeaten run to a quartet of games.

The midfielder latched on to James McFadden's clever pass before dinking the ball over Mark Schwarzer to hand Blues a hard-fought win at St. Andrew's.

Joe Hart made a smart save in the home side’s goal by tipping over Clint Demspey's header as he and his teammates stood firm to inflict the visitor's first loss in six games.

10 September 2016

Fulham 0-1 Blues Clayton Donaldson missed one penalty before scoring another as Blues beat 10-man Fulham.

The striker’s first spot-kick was saved by David Button after Che Adams was brought down in the box by Michael Madl.

But the Austrian did receive his marching orders for bringing down Donaldson in a separate incident. And try as they might, the Cottagers could not halt Donaldson for the duration as scored the winner when Adams was fouled a second time in the box, this time by Floyd Ayite.

22 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

Supporters

MESSAGES Can’t xi to the Blues! for being our ta and ng gi sin u, DAD!! Thank u yo ith another year w -May d lie en El sp d to an it n wa om Mega ve you Dad! Fr celebrating. Lo A mention for my Dad, Joe Doody, who passed away just before Christmas and my Mom, Molly Doody who passed away last week.

Both were lifelong Blues supporters. Dad was 92 when he died and at his funeral we gave everyone a Blues scarf to wear, he would of loved that!

The Barber bo ys, Henry (age 8) and Stanley (age 5), kept rig ht on to the en d of the road to reach John O’Groats this su mmer, proudly wearing Blues shirts of course ! Paul.

Moms favourite play was Trevor Hockey, she loved singing eye eye Hockey, Hockey eye. They would so thrilled at the way we are playing at the moment.

KRO Janet Johnson Many Happy Returns to Lifelong Bluenose Margaret who is 92 years young on Saturday!

Have a wonderful day lots of love from John, Chris & Richard xxxx

My girlfriend, Vi c, attended he r first ever foot match when we ball played West Br om in pre-seas and now she’s on a massive blue s fan!

Jake and Victor ia. www.bcfc.com

Happy Birthday Paz (Paul) Parrish.

Hopefully a win over Fulham on your Birthday!

From all your Bluenose family and friends.

ugh ur support thro Thanks for all yo and h ug ro ’ve been th everything we ron, Aa y da rth Bi y have a Happ . , from Courtney Keep Right On BLUES NEWS | 23

Match Report

B

Under 18s

lues Under-18s were beaten

by Chelsea in their latest Premier League South fixture.

A first-half effort from Louis Flower and a Malik Mothersille brace after the break proved the difference at Cobham on Saturday.

The opener came when Alfie Brooks was dispossessed to give Flower a simple finish, but from then until the interval it was Blues asking the questions. George Hall, Callum Sullivan and Jordan James all had attempts as the home side were put on the back foot and left feeling relieved to end the opening 45 still in front.

Chelsea’s irritation at being unable to shake off Blues continued when Brooks did well to deny Michael Golding early in the second-half.

However, with 65 minutes played the league leaders managed to double their advantage through Mothersille.

The attacker finished well following a check inside before he struck again from a Ronnie Stutter pass in the final ten minutes, with the third goal coming on the back of a spell in which Blues had continued to test Teddy Curd in the home side’s goal.

24 | BLUES NEWS

Defeat to the only side with a one hundred per cent record meant Blues were unable to build on their recent success over Tottenham Hotspur in terms of points, but Martyn Olorenshaw was able to identify plenty of positives from the weekend’s game.

He told BCFC.com: “We were really pleased on the whole with the performance, we were really dominant. We had 68% possession first-half and a lot was in their half.

We were really pleased with how we pressed, we went aggressive and high up the pitch. We were very good at times.

“3-0 sounds like a stroll for them and it was anything but.”

The Lead Under-18s Coach went on to outline the learnings from Blues’ four matches to date and where they can turn good showings into points.

He said: “We are trying to be as competitive as we can in every game. We have got good players in the group. We are getting stronger in every game and learning around the level. Four games in and we are still learning.

“If we can balance our performance

with taking good moments when they come we could have got a different result.

“But there was so much good and so many positives to take from the game. We have to focus on them, tidy things up and hope that in weeks to come we can turn the result our way.”

Blues return to action on Saturday as they welcome Manchester United to Wast Hills Training Ground in the Premier League Cup. Chelsea: Curd; Olise, Wilson, Gee, Silcott-Duberry, Golding (Thomas 61), Castledine (Denny 71), Boniface, Flower (George 86), Stutter, Mothersille.

Substitutes not used: Luke Campbell Scorers: Flower 21; Mothersille 65, 83 Booking: Gee Blues: Brooks, Sullivan, Oni (Khela 65), Nguepissi, Browne, Ogore, Hall, James, Wakefield, Patterson, Bellingham (Rushton 75) Substitutes not used: Mayo, Home, Oduka.

Booking: James BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

Match Report

B

Under 23s

lues Under-23s picked up their first win of the season as they deservedly beat Sunderland at Wast Hills Training Ground last Friday.

The Premier League 2 success came courtesy of Leo Dos Reis’ well taken goal after 54 minutes, a strike which capped off a fine performance from the frontman who gave a masterclass in leading the line.

But as well as the Spaniard’s eyecatching performance, there were a series of notable individual displays within a sterling team effort from Steve Spooner’s side.

In front of Neil Etheridge, who continues his reintegration after COVID-19, centre-halves Mitchell Roberts and Tommy Fogarty protected their goal admirably.

Meanwhile, Marcel Oakley continues to impress, with his display at right-back to keep Swedish youth international Benji Kimpioka at bay setting the tone for a gusty Blues showing early on.

Such defensive resilience gave the hosts a platform from which to threaten in the second period,

following an opening 45 that was fascinatingly poised despite there not being any major goalmouth action to report.

Although when Blues had got within striking distance of the visitor’s goal, it was invariably the quality of Jordan Graham’s deliveries that caused problems and so it proved again after the break – this time bringing the winning goal.

The wideman’s sweeping centre was curled home by Dos Reis for what proved to be the matchwinner against the Black Cats. But the advantage could have been extended when Alfie Chang grazed the crossbar and Juan Castillo saw a low effort well saved by the boot of Jacob Carney.

Blues: Neil Etheridge, Marcel Oakley, Juan Castillo, Alfie Chang, Tommy Fogarty, Mitch Roberts ©, Jordan Graham, Remi Walker, Leo Dos Reis (Zohore 80), Caolan BoydMunce, Kyle Hurst (Williams 80).

Substitutes not used: Rico Browne, Archie Matthews, Jordan James.

Booking: Hurst 78 Sunderland: Jacob Carney, Kenton Richardson, Nathan Newall (Dyce 67), Tom Scott, Oliver Yonnger, Patrick Almond, Ellis Taylor (Kelly 80), Harrison Sonha, (Kachosa 67), Will Harris, Stephen Wearne ©, Benji Kimpioka.

Substitutes not used: Jack McIntyre, Luke Chapman Booking: Oliver Yonnger 29

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 25

Blues 2 0 Derby County SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP | FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

I

t was a matter of all thrills and no spills as Blues delivered a business-like performance to ease past Derby County live on Sky Sports with minimum fuss at St. Andrew’s on Friday.

Blues (3-5-2): Matija Sarkic, Harlee Dean (Captain), Marc Roberts, Kristian Pedersen, Maxime Colin, Gary Gardner, Ryan Woods, Tahith Chong, Jeremie Bela, Lukas Jutkiewicz (Troy Deeney 67), Scott Hogan (Gary Gardner 74).

Substitutes not used: Connal Trueman, Dion Sanderson, George Friend, Riley McGree, Chuks Aneke Booking: Sunjic 57.

Derby County (4-3-3): Kelle Roos, Nathan Byrne, Phil Jagielka, Curtis Davies, Lee Buchanan, Sam Baldock, Graeme Shinnie (Jack Stretton 46), Ravel Morrison, Max Bird, Tom Lawrence (captain) (Jason Knight 83), Sam Baldock, Louie Sibley (Dylan Williams 82).

Substitutes not used: Ryan Allsop, Richard Stearman, Jordan Brown, Louie Watson.

Booking: Shinnie 24, Morrison 76, Lawrence 76.

Referee: Gavin Ward Attendance: 14,912 26 | BLUES NEWS

A goal in either half for the hosts was enough to secure a third Sky Bet Championship victory of the season on an evening when Lee Bowyer’s side kept a Rams outfit with plenty of attacking potential at arm’s length.

Scott Hogan found the net on home soil for the first time this term in the 31st minute, finishing well after good anticipation from Lukas Jutkiewicz created a situation that left the goal of Wayne Rooney’s side exposed.

It was then Jeremie Bela who wrapped up the three points, as he completed a flowing move in which fellow wing-back Maxime Colin was

heavily involved with an emphatic near-post finish in front of an occupied Tilton.

Local Boy Troy There was no debut goal for Troy Deeney as he made his first appearance in royal blue, but there was no doubting his impact in B9.

His entrance alone gave a seismic boost to an already booming atmosphere under the lights, pushing Birmingham onto a valuable victory. There was also an instant show of the quality Bluenoses can expect in the weeks and months ahead when his reverse pass drew ‘ooohs’ of excitement from the crowd.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

blues women MATCH REPORT

Blues 0 5 Brighton BARCLAYS FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE | SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

B

lues Women ran out in front of their home supporters for the first time since February 2020 on Sunday, but it was not the result that they had hoped for against a ruthless Brighton & Hove Albion side.

The Seagulls found the net five times in B9 as they capitalised on opportunities that presented themselves and generally had the rub of the green during the Barclays FA Women’s Super League clash.

Playing at St. Andrew’s, the team’s abode for all home fixtures throughout the 2021/22 campaign, Blues suffered a tricky start when Victoria Williams profited from a loose ball after just two minutes to bundle home from close range.

But having settled into the game and recovered from the early setback,

with an indirect Veatriki Sarri free-kick struck blocked by dubiously close Brighton defenders, Blues were left feeling further aggrieved when Harriet Scott was adjudged to have fouled Aileen Whelan inside the box on the cusp of half-time.

Inessa Kaagman confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick before a near-post finish from Danielle Carter just five minutes after the interval gave Hope Powell’s side significant breathing space.

Goals four and five from Emma Koivisto and Kayleigh Green arrived before the seventy-minute mark, however, this failed to deter Blues and their fighting spirit continued until the final whistle.

There was so nearly a first counter of the season for Scott Booth’s side as

Sarah Ewens forced Megan Walsh into a save and Lucy Quinn had a goalbound header scrambled away late on, but it just was not to be for the hosts ahead of the international break.

Blues Women: Emily Ramsey, Cecilie Sandvej, Harriet Scott, Louise Quinn (captain), Veatriki Sarri, Lisa Robertson (Libby Smith 60), Sarah Ewens (Emily Whelan 75), Jamie Finn, Lucy Quinn, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Jade Pennock 60), Rebecca Holloway.

Substitutes not used: Lily Simkin, Lucy Whipp, Gemma Lawley, Abi Cowie, Marie Hourihan (g/k).

Booking: None Brighton & Hove Albion: Megan Walsh, Emma Koivisto, Danique Kerkdijk (Felicity Gibbons 46), Maya Le Tissier, Aileen Whelan, Geum-min Lee (Ellie Brazil 77), Inessa Kaagman (Rinsola Babajide 64), Kayleigh Green (Maisie Symonds 77), Danielle Carter (Katie Robinson 64), Emily Simpkins, Victoria Williams.

Substitutes not used: Danielle Bowman, Megan Connolly, Juliet Arimoro, Fran Stenson (g/k).

Booking: Maisie Symonds 80, Emily Simpkins 90+5.

Referee: Lucy May

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 27

28 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs FULHAM

ROLL CALL & LEAGUE TABLE PLAYER

LEAGUE APPS GLS

FA CUP APPS GLS

LEAGUE CUP APPS GLS

CHUKS ANEKE

0 (4) 1

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

POS.

JEREMIE BELA

6 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 6 4 2 0 7 14

JOBE BELLINGHAM

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 FULHAM

6 4 1 1 9 13

TATE CAMPBELL

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

3 STOKE CITY

6 4 1 1 2 13

ALFIE CHANG

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

TAHITH CHONG

5 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

4 QUEENS PARK RANGERS

6 3 3 0 6 12

MAXIME COLIN

6 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

5 BOURNEMOUTH

6 3 3 0 6 12

HARLEE DEAN

6 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

6 COVENTRY CITY

6 4 0 2 2 12

TROY DEENEY

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

7 BIRMINGHAM CITY

6 3 2 1 6 11

NEIL ETHERIDGE

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

8 CARDIFF CITY

6 3 2 1 4 11

GEORGE FRIEND

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

9 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

6 3 1 2 1 10

10 BLACKBURN ROVERS

6 2 3 1 1 9

11 BRISTOL CITY

6 2 2 2 0 8

12 LUTON TOWN

6 2 2 2 -2 8

13 PRESTON NORTH END

6 2 1 3 -2 7

14 MILLWALL

6 1 3 2 -2 6

P

W

D

L

GD PTS

GARY GARDNER

3 (2) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

NICO GORDON

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JORDAN GRAHAM

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

SCOTT HOGAN

5 (1) 3

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

IVAN SANCHEZ

0 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JUAN CASTILLO

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ

6 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

15 MIDDLESBROUGH

6 1 3 2 -2 6

CHARLIE LAKIN

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

16 DERBY COUNTY

6 1 3 2 -2 6

JONATHAN LEKO

1 (3) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

17 BARNSLEY

6 1 3 2 -3 6

RILEY MCGREE

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

18 SHEFFIELD UNITED

6 1 2 3 -2 5

MARCEL OAKLEY

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 1

19 BLACKPOOL

6 1 2 3 -3 5

KRISTIAN PEDERSEN

6 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MARC ROBERTS

6 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

20 HULL CITY

6 1 2 3 -3 5

MITCHELL ROBERTS

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

21 SWANSEA CITY

6 1 2 3 -4 5

DION SANDERSON

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

22 READING

6 1 1 4 -6 4

MATIJA SARKIC

6 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

23 PETERBOROUGH UNITED

6 1 1 4 -8 4

24 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

6 0 1 5 -5 1

KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

IVAN SUNJIC

4 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

CONNAL TRUEMAN

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

REMI WALKER

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

RYAN WOODS

6 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 29

Fixtures & RESULTS 2021/22 DATE

KO

OPPONENT

RES

COMP

POS

ATT 29,043

STARTING XI

AUGUST SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN 1 ■

TRUEMAN

OAKLEY 1

GORDON

FRIEND

CASTILLO

SUNJIC

10,189

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

11

9,922

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN

CHONG

8

10,014

SARKIC

ROBERTS 1 ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

-

4,783

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

FRIEND

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

8

13,950

SARKIC

COLIN

DEAN

PEDERSEN

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

14,912

SARKIC

ROBERTS ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC ■

Sat 07

8.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

A

1-0

LEAGUE

5

TUE 10

7.45PM

COLCHESTER UNITED

H

1-0

EFL CUP

-

Sat 14

3.00pm

STOKE CITY

H

0-0

LEAGUE

10

WED 18

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

H

0-2

LEAGUE

SAT 21

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

A

5-0

LEAGUE

TUE 24

7.45PM

FULHAM

H

0-2

EFL CUP

Sat 28

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

A

1-1

LEAGUE

FRI 10

8.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

H

2-0

LEAGUE

7

WED 15

7.45pm

FULHAM

H

GARDNER ■

SEPTEMBER LEAGUE

SAT 18

3.00pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

A

LEAGUE

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 LEAGUE

Wed 20

7.45pm

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

A

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

JANUARY

Sat 22

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

H

LEAGUE

Sat 29

3.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

A

LEAGUE LEAGUE

FEBRUARY SAT 05

3.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

H

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 LEAGUE

APRIL sat 02

3.00pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

H

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 FULHAM

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

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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

FULHAM HEAD COACH: MARCO SILVA

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1 MAREK RODAK GK 2 KENNY TETE 3 MICHAEL HECTOR 4 DENIS ODOI 5 TERENCE KONGOLO 6 HARRISON REED 7 NEESKENS KEBANO 8 HARRY WILSON 9 ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC 10 TOM CAIRNEY 11 ANTHONY KNOCKAERT 13 TIM REAM 14 BOBBY DE CORDOVA-REID 16 TOSIN ADARABIOYO 17 IVAN CAVALEIRO 20 MAXIME LE MARCHAND 21 PAULO GAZZANIGA GK 22 CYRUS CHRISTIE 23 JOE BRYAN 24 JEAN MICHAEL SERI 25 JOSH ONOMAH 26 ALFIE MAWSON 28 FABIO CARVALHO 29 ANDRE-FRANCK ZAMBO ANGUISSA 31 FABRICO AGOSTO RAMIREZ GK 33 ANTONEE ROBINSON 35 TYRESE FRANCOIS 43 STEVEN SESSEGNON

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PRESTON NORTH END

REFEREE DAVID WEBB

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2021 KICK-OFF 3PM

ASSISTANT REFEREE AKIL HOWSON

ASSISTANT REFEREE MARK POTTAGE 4TH OFFICIAL BEN TONER