Birmingham City v Sheffield United

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Main Interview

Onel Hernandez

I

t has been a busy start to life in royal blue for Onel Hernandez, who first lit up the stage as a Blues player on the road at Preston North End two weeks ago.

The charismatic Cuban has quickly chalked up five appearances under Head Coach, Lee Bowyer, and supporters have already seen what the 28-year-old’s dynamic game is all about.

Capable of dashing down flanks, playing off the attacking line and sticking the ball in the back of the net, as showcased against Barnsley, it is clear to see why gasps of excitement descend around stadiums when Hernandez gets the ball.

BIRMINGHAM CITY FC

So fresh from receiving his first man of the match award for the Club on Sunday against Derby County, Blues News caught up with the Norwich City loanee to find out how he has acclimatised to life in the Second City.

Telephone: 0121 772 0101

How are things going for you?

I have settled very well in Birmingham. It is a big city with great fans. There was nothing really to think about when I got the call. The Gaffer sold it well to me and I am happy to be here with the team.

Ticket Office: 0121 772 0101 (ext 2) Commercial: 0121 772 0101 (ext 3) Club Superstore / Mail Order: 0121 772 0101 (ext 4) Store: www.blues.clubstore.co.uk 6 | BLUES NEWS

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

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

Assistant Head Coach: Mark Kennedy

There was still a lot of work to do. With every club in the top half of the division having 15 of their 42 league games remaining Blues were in fourth place, four points (two points for a win remember) behind second-placed Millwall whose next game was away to leaders Norwich.

Only Luton versus Oxford took place in Division Two on the day of the FA Cup fourth round when Birmingham entertained top flight Ipswich.

The Portman Road club had only won one away game in the league all season but had won on the road in round three. However, that man Bob Latchford scored his 19th goal of the season to send the club through to the fifth round. Town boss Bobby Robson was not happy, claiming, “Diabolical refereeing cost us the game.”

TEAMS BLUES 4: Cooper, Carroll, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Harland, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Hatton Taylor.

SWINDON TOWN 1: Downsborough, Potter, Trollope, Jones, Burrows, Butler, Peterson, Smart, Horsfield, Noble, Rogers ATTENDANCE: 27,824

7250

BLUES 1: Cooper, Carroll, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Harland, Campbell, Francis, Campbell R., Hatton, Taylor.

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.

@

by ROB MASON

5

0 years ago this weekend, St. Andrew’s was packed with over 40,000 people clamouring to see an FA Cup fourth round meeting with Ipswich Town. That was 13,000 more than the previous week’s league visit of Swindon Town.

With Paul Peterson making his league debut at right-back for the visitors and Terry Hubbard making only his third league appearance in front of him on the right flank, Swindon had been smashed by Blues’ fabulous front three. Trevor Francis, Bob Hatton and Bob Latchford

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

18 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

IPSWICH TOWN 0: Best, Mills, Harper, Morris, Hunter, Jefferson, Robertson, Viljoen, Belfitt, McNeil (Miller), Hill.

ATTENDANCE: 40,709

CLASS OF 71/72 Phil Summerhill

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL The big news on FA Cup fourth round day 50 years ago this weekend was a third round game. In losing to Blues Ipswich weren’t the only top flight team to suffer an upset. Their defeat didn’t go down in football folklore in the way Newcastle United’s did. They were humiliated in a third round replay at non-league Hereford United where Ronnie Radford scored one of the great FA Cup goals as the Magpies lost 2-1. Newcastle’s wasn’t the only power cut – the FA had asked all clubs to bring forward their kick-off times to try and avoid potential power cuts affecting floodlights. This was due to a strike by the National Union of Mineworkers that lasted from 9 January to 28 February. It was the first official national miners’ strike since 1926 and succeeded in achieving a big pay rise.

These days TV money is the lifeblood for many clubs but back in 1972 Brian Clough’s Derby County refused to allow their cup tie with Notts County to be screened because the fee was too low. The fee was £87.50. How times have changed. The 39,450 who paid to see the game got good value for their money as the Rams won 6-0 with a hat-trick from Alan Durban.

Although he didn’t feature in the games focussed on today Phil Summerhill had made his contribution to the promotion season, starting seven league games and coming off the bench in another two up to January, and notably scoring City’s first goal at St. Andrews of the campaign in the win over Carlisle United.

He had also played in the only League Cup tie of the season.

Having joined the club from Aston Boys in 1963 he made a total of 131 appearances, scoring a very creditable 52 goals before a 1973 move to Huddersfield Town after just a couple of appearances in the top-flight in 1972-73.

Phil scored City’s fastest ever goal when he netted after just 12 seconds against Watford in March 1971, a season in which he was top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 19

First Team Development Coach: Paul Harsley Goalkeeping Coach: Andy Marshall Head of Physical Performance: Sean Rush Chief Medical Officer: Roddy Macdonald

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

Match Report

Blues 2 1 Sunderland VITALITY WOMEN’S FA CUP | SUNDAY 30 JANUARY

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lues Women advanced to the fifth round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with an extratime victory against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

post again that denied Blues. This time, Robertson whipped in a dangerous cross and Whelan climbed above her marker only to see her header come back off the post.

Interim Head Coach Darren Carter used the fourth round clash as an opportunity for some First Team players to gain valuable minutes. He made three changes to the side that lost 3-2 away at Reading last time out, with forward players Sarah Ewens and Emily Whelan coming in for Libby Smith and Jade Pennock. There was also a start for Lisa Robertson who replaced Jamie Finn.

As the game entered the final five minutes, Sunderland were gifted the chance to equalise against the run of play. Rebecca Holloway’s misdirected back pass forced Emily Ramsey to palm the ball away. From the subsequent indirect free kick, Keira Ramshaw fired low into the bottom corner to send the match into extra-time.

Veatriki Sarri continued her fine form to put Blues ahead after 28 minutes. The Greek midfielder turned smartly before firing a dipping effort from the edge of the area over Claudia Moan and into the top corner. Lucy Quinn had Blues’ next chance. She picked up the ball on the left and drove inside, but her effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.

It was a slow start to the second period, but Blues continued to dominate the ball, and it was Sarri again who brought the game to life. After tenacious work by Christie Murray, the ball came to the feet of the Greek interntional who shifted it onto her left and fired towards goal. The ball evaded Moan but came crashing back off the bar. Minutes later, it was the 24 | BLUES NEWS

Head of Performance Analysis: Carl Blakemore

www.bcfc.com

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That victory was a positive step towards promotion as on the same day several other teams at the top dropped points. Birmingham climbed above Middlesbrough, but Blues fans would rather Boro had won as their defeat was at second top Millwall. However, there was good news from Burnley where leaders Norwich City lost at Turf Moor and from Kenilworth Road where Luton Town held third place Queens Park Rangers. Promotion chasing Carlisle were also held to a draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday, with Sunderland the only other promotion chasers to take maximum points.

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Head Coach: Lee Bowyer

There was a feeling that the performance at Pride Park was one of the best of the season. How frustrating was it to draw the game having played so well?

I will be honest, I thought it was a good team performance, but I wanted to take the three points. It was nice to be named as man of the match but like I said, a win would have been better.

BLUES NEWS | 7

IN THIS ISSUE all scored, the latter getting two in a 4-1 win after Blues led 3-0 at the break. Swindon’s record signing Arthur Horsfield grabbed the Robins’ consolation.

Technical Director: Craig Gardner

It has been a busy time for you in terms of games, how do you feel your performances have been?

I think my performances have been okay. With more games and time on the pitch, I think I can do better but I know that starts with hard work, something I will continue to do in order to help this team.

Sheffield United are visiting St. Andrew’s this evening. It is expected to be another test with the Blades playing well. How do you see the game going?

Tonight’s match is a tough one against a very good side. There is absolutely no doubting that. We have to be focused and give 100% - that is the first thing. But we are playing at home and I think if we believe in ourselves, and get the fans behind us, we can get a result. Personally, of course, I will try my best for my teammates, the Club and the fans.

Web: www.bcfc.com

BCFC BOARD

You are with a new group of teammates, how have you found settling in with them?

It is a fantastic group of players.

There are some awesome characters in the dressing room, I must admit! I have had a very warm welcome.

It took Blues until the 100th minute to find the eventual winner. Gemma Lawley picked up the ball just inside the Sunderland half and floated in a cross towards Lucy Whipp. The midfielder drifted off her marker and planted a header beyond the reach of Moan.

HEAD COACH REACTION: “We got ourselves in front and dominated but in the first-half, I thought our quality was not quite there with the final pass. We still created chances and got a fantastic goal from V [Sarri] but we said at half-time about being better in possession and moving the ball a bit quicker. The girls did that really well in the second-half, but their keeper Claudia Moan had an absolute stormer,

credit to her because she made some great saves. We want to make this a fortress and we are building some momentum here so another game at home would be nice. This is a great competition and one that this Club has a great history in. We want to go as far as we possibly can.”

Blues Women: Emily Ramsey, Gemma Lawley, Louise Quinn (captain), Rebecca Holloway, Harriet Scott (Jade Pennock, 96), Christie Murray, Veatriki Sarri (Libby Smith, 106), Lisa Robertson, Emily Whelan (Jamie Finn 113), Sarah Ewens (Eleanor Ryan-Doyle 79), Lucy Quinn (Lucy Whipp 79).

Substitutes not used: Lucy Jones, Abi Cowie, Abbi Jenner, Mikayla Wildgoose.

Bookings: Scott 45+1, Lawley 109.

Sunderland: Claudia Moan, Jessica Brown (Eve Blakey, 106), Megan Beer, Neve Herron, Louise Griffiths, Faye Mullen (Grace Boyes 91), Libbi McInnes (Grace Ede 79), Abbey Joice, Keira Ramshaw, Holly Manders (Katy Watson 91), Maria Farrugia.

Substitutes not used: Allison Cowling, Emily Scarr, Daisy Burt.

Bookings: Manders 90+5.

Referee: Magdalena Golba.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

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Under 23s

lues Under-23s were beaten by Fulham in the Premier League 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Early goals from Ziyad Larkeche and Ollie O’Neil set the Cottagers on their way before Leo Dos Reis halved the deficit ahead of the half-hour mark at Nuneaton Borough’s Liberty Way. That strike would prove to be the Spaniard’s last in royal blue as he joined A.C. Monza in a permanent transfer on deadline day.

Fulham would go on to extend their lead seven minutes into the second-half when Tommy Fogarty inadvertently turned into his own net, after which the visitors hung on for victory in the Division 2 clash.

Speaking to BCFC.com following the match, Boss Steve Spooner admitted he was disappointed to miss out on the points after beating West Bromwich Albion a week earlier.

He said: “They are a good Fulham team, but I was disappointed with our level of performance against them.

“2-0 down, we got a goal – a very good goal. Then before half-time we go clean through and don’t take the chance to draw level and that is the difference. www.bcfc.com

“Our movement was not good enough.

Fair play to Fulham they pressed us very well.

“I said to the players, Fulham have adapted to the conditions better than us. We didn’t really do that.”

The Under-23s Head Coach admitted he was pleased with the continued goalscoring form of Dos Reis, who is enjoying a prolific spell having recovered from injury.

Spooner said: “He [Dos Reis] took it very well. It was a great run from Oriol Soldevila and Leo timed his run.

Soldevila timed his pass to perfection, and it was dispatched very well indeed.”

Off the pitch, Spooner admitted he was pleased to see Under-23s Captain Mitchell Roberts secure a deadline day move to Carlisle United, where he will continue his development on loan until the end of the season.

He explained: “It is fantastic for Mitch. Post-Christmas, he has really turned himself around. He has shown a level of consistency and showed more awareness of danger when defending. On the ball, he has been very comfortable.

“He knows when to do it better now.

His decision both in and out of possession has improved. He can play in a three, a two or as a wingback. Carlisle have got a very good player.”

Next up for Steve Spooner’s team is a trip to Wolves in the PL2 next Monday evening, kick-off 7pm.

Blues: Zack Jeacock, Tommy Fogarty, Rico Browne, Tate Campbell, Josh Williams, Brandon Khela, Remi Walker, Rico Patterson (Kyle Hurst 70), Jobe Bellingham, Oriol Soldevilla (Keke Simmonds 70), Leo Dos Reis (Kieran Wakefield 80).

Substitutes not used: Archie Matthews.

Booking: Tate Campbell, Josh Williams.

Fulham: Luca Ashby-Hammond, Luciano D’Auria-Henry, Charlie Robinson, Ibane Bowat, Ziyad Larkeche, Tyrese Francois, Adrion Pajaziti (Jonathon Page 71), Ollie O’Neill, Sonny Hilton, Jay Stansfield, Kieron Bowie.

Substitutes not used: Julian Schwarzer, Harvey Araujo, Luke Harris, Jean-Pierre Tiehi.

Booking: Charlie Robinson, Tyrese Francois, Sonny Hilton.

BLUES NEWS | 25

15 18 22 23 24 25 26 29 30

Lee Bowyer Onel Hernandez The opposition: Sheffield United Troy Deeney 72@50 Community Player Sponsorship Blues Women Under-23s Action Replay Stats Fixtures and Results

LEE

G

BOWYER ood evening and thank you for attending tonight’s game at St. Andrew’s.

Firstly, I want to extend a warm welcome to Paul Heckingbottom and his team at Sheffield United.

I think many of us come into tonight’s encounter with mixed feelings given the week we have just had.

I will be honest, the result at Pride Park felt like a loss. To a certain point in the game, it was a perfect away performance. For 80 minutes, I felt like we were in control. I did not feel like Derby County were threatening us too drastically, we looked settled, and I was relatively happy. Then, as we know, the game changed late on and we can only have ourselves to blame for that.

I thought we needed to be more disciplined towards the end of the game. We were charging into tackles, giving away possession and conceding cheap free kicks. From there, Derby began to grow in confidence and as we now know, eventually came back and got a point.

As I said after the game – we needed to be more clinical. Creating chances has not been a problem for us but putting away those opportunities at key times has cost us on multiple occasions in recent weeks, and that needs to change.

We are under no illusion as to how challenging this evening’s game will be.

Sheffield United will be looking to make an instant return to the Premier League and Paul has the Blades playing well. They have

4 | BLUES NEWS

strengthened in January, and I expect them to do well in the second-half of the season.

Saying that, I am also happy with the business we have done this window. You could see on Sunday what Lyle Taylor and Juninho Bacuna will bring us, and I thought they did excellently. Lyle is someone I know well from my time at Charlton Athletic, and it was great to see him start his time with us by getting a goal. He is experienced and an extremely capable frontman – I look forward to seeing him in action in the future.

Juninho knows this level well and gives us a great option in the middle of the park. He is a real all-rounder, and it is brilliant to have him with us. Add to them the additions of Teden Mengi, Taylor Richards and Onel Hernandez and I think we can all be pleased.

We know how hectic the Sky Bet Championship schedule is and we will need every one of these lads to come in and do a job at one point or another. I also look forward to reintroducing our new Club Captain, Troy Deeney, to that group when he is match fit again and, of course, Tahith Chong, who I am excited to see when his recovery is complete.

This is a big Friday night game, under the lights and live on Sky Sports. I loved playing in these matches here as a player and I look forward to them equally as much as Head Coach of this Football Club.

Let’s have St. Andrew’s rocking and get those three points.

Keep Right On, Lee Bowyer

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 5

6 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

Main Interview

Onel Hernandez

I

t has been a busy start to life in royal blue for Onel Hernandez, who first lit up the stage as a Blues player on the road at Preston North End two weeks ago.

The charismatic Cuban has quickly chalked up five appearances under Head Coach, Lee Bowyer, and supporters have already seen what the 28-year-old’s dynamic game is all about.

Capable of dashing down flanks, playing off the attacking line and sticking the ball in the back of the net, as showcased against Barnsley, it is clear to see why gasps of excitement descend around stadiums when Hernandez gets the ball.

So fresh from receiving his first man of the match award for the Club on Sunday against Derby County, Blues News caught up with the Norwich City loanee to find out how he has acclimatised to life in the Second City.

How are things going for you?

I have settled very well in Birmingham. It is a big city with great fans. There was nothing really to think about when I got the call. The Gaffer sold it well to me and I am happy to be here with the team.

You are with a new group of teammates, how have you found settling in with them?

It is a fantastic group of players.

There are some awesome characters in the dressing room, I must admit! I have had a very warm welcome.

It has been a busy time for you in terms of games, how do you feel your performances have been?

I think my performances have been okay. With more games and time on the pitch, I think I can do better but I know that starts with hard work, something I will continue to do in order to help this team.

There was a feeling that the performance at Pride Park was one of the best of the season. How frustrating was it to draw the game having played so well?

I will be honest, I thought it was a good team performance, but I wanted to take the three points. It was nice to be named as man of the match but like I said, a win would have been better.

Sheffield United are visiting St. Andrew’s this evening. It is expected to be another test with the Blades playing well. How do you see the game going?

Tonight’s match is a tough one against a very good side. There is absolutely no doubting that. We have to be focused and give 100% - that is the first thing. But we are playing at home and I think if we believe in ourselves, and get the fans behind us, we can get a result. Personally, of course, I will try my best for my teammates, the Club and the fans.

www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 7

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BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

Fact file

Nickname: The Blades Formed: 1889 Stadium: Bramall Lane Stadium Capacity: 31,884 Head Coach: Paul Heckingbottom Last season finish: 20th in Premier League

The Opposition

sheffield united www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 9

ONE TO WATCH

Billy Sharp STRIKER DOB: 5 February 1986 Blades’ inspirational frontman might be in the twilight of his career but there are no signs of him slowing as he continues to terrorise Championship defences.

United’s evergreen marksman, who turns 36 tomorrow, became the division’s all-time leading scorer recently when he opened the scoring against Peterborough United. It was the talismanic figure’s 122nd goal in the second tier since it rebranded in 2004 and the 258th of a remarkable career that has seen him score over a century of goals for his hometown club, twice be crowned Player of the Year and earn recognition in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions.

United’s current top scorer, having earned the accolade three times already, has been at his influential best yet again and manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke of his admiration for his beloved No.10, saying: “He works and trains hard and responds to getting pushed and has a hunger to score goals.

That record will mean a hell of a lot to him. Billy is trying to eek and squeeze everything he can out of his legs for as long as he possibly can and he is doing that, scoring goals in a difficult league and the youngsters can take a lot from him.”

10 | BLUES NEWS

BLADES SHARPEN

T

he relegation hangover from tumbling out of the Premier League has been all too apparent for Sheffield United supporters this season, but in manager Paul Heckingbottom they have finally discovered a managerial AlkaSeltzer.

The straight-talking Yorkshireman has provided some timely pain relief for the beleaguered Blades since returning to the Bramall Lane dugout at the end of November, following Slavisa Jokanovic’s illfeted 19-games in charge.

After finishing bottom of the pile in the top-flight last season with

29 defeats and bidding farewell to long-term supremo Chris Wilder, the South Yorkshire club struggled to eradicate a losing mentality under his successor. The club’s first-ever overseas boss failed to win any of his first four Championship matches in charge and the lacklustre start could not be shaken. Although there was a 6-2 thrashing of Peterborough United in September, under the Serb’s guidance the club only managed back-to-back league wins once.

Jokanovic’s eventual dismissal, after a 1-0 victory at struggling Reading, left the Blades as close to the relegation zone as the top six and Heckingbottom’s first task

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

IN THE DUGOUT

Paul Heckingbottom DOB: 17 July 1977 Appointed: November 2021 The Yorkshireman was in caretaker charge when the Blades were relegated from the Premier League last season and now has the task of guiding the club back to the top-flight.

After a rocky start to 2021/22 under Slavisa Jokanovic, the 44-year-old has revitalised an ailing squad after being handed the reigns permanently in November upon signing a four-and-ahalf-year deal.

Guiding hometown Barnsley to League One promotion in 2015/16, Heckingbottom then had a brief spell in charge of Leeds United across the county and Hibernian north of the border before returning to his Yorkshire roots in taking control of United’s Under-23s.

NING UP

upon taking up the mantle was to galvanise a squad capable of more.

The former caretaker boss has proved just the tonic. His positive outlook has had a restorative effect, with United winning five of his seven Championship games in charge.

Despite the sluggish first-half of the campaign, Heckingbottom believes reaching the play-offs is not unassailable, telling BBC Radio Sheffield: “I honestly believe promotion is achievable this season.

I have the added bonus that I have worked with them and they know me and I know them. I know we can do it, and it is my immediate aim this season. I am not writing this season off.” www.bcfc.com

A return to the familiarity of an energetic high-octane style in a 3-4-1-2 system has been redeployed once again and optimism is increasing that the gap to the play-offs can be overcome.

Keeping four clean-sheets under Heckingbottom’s short tenure already is an early indicator of the back to basics approach that has allowed them to gather upward momentum.

Republic of Ireland international John Egan has been ever-present in that resolute backline, alongside fans’ favourite Chris Basham, the reliable George Baldock or former Nottingham Forest man Jack Robinson.

A promotion winner at Sheffield Wednesday as a player, he is now impressing in the red half of the ‘Steel City’, winning five of his first seven Championship games at the helm, and is ably assisted by coach Stuart McCall and Head of Player Development Jack Lester.

Blades Chairman Yusuf Giansieacusa certainly has faith that he can replicate the club’s former glories, saying: “We look forward to embarking on a new era in Blades football with Paul at the helm.

Paul possesses the personal leadership qualities and technical football skills the board feels are essential to successfully implement the board’s strategic directives.”

The versatile Charlie Goode also strengthened the rear-guard when he arrived this week on loan from Brentford and he was not the only January reinforcement. Goalkeeper BLUES NEWS | 11

We’re handing over our matchday advertising to local businesses like Booghe around the UK. Birmingham-based toys, games and gifts business Booghe started their journey in 2012.

With eBay seller Krishna at the helm, they supply games, toys and gifts from a huge selection of brands.

With over 4,000+ items for sale at any one time, their eBay store is brimming with goodies for the kids. The perfect products are just a click away.

eBay Booghe

Whether it’s crayons, cuddly toys, books, board games, stationery or beyond, Booghe has got something for everyone.

Throughout the season, eBay are shining a light on local businesses by handing over advertising space in stadiums up and down the country so they can once again have their voice at the heart of football.

AROUND THE GROUNDS High-fliers AFC Bournemouth were the Championship’s big spenders during the closing of the January transfer window on Monday evening with five deadline-day acquisitions.

Adam Davies reunited with his former Barnsley boss in penning a six-month contract after leaving Stoke City and provides stern competition for Wes Foderingham.

Quality also abounds in midfield.

Left-footed orchestrator Conor Hourihane is a Republic of Ireland international, John Fleck has twice been crowned Blades’ Player of the Year and Oliver Norwood has been promoted from the Championship with three different clubs. Further options include dynamo Ben Osborn and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Morgan Gibbs-White, who has six goals this season.

Finding the back of the net often enough has been a problem inherited from last season - which saw United register only 20 times – and there have already been nine occasions during 2021/22 in which they have drawn a blank. Club record signing Rhian Brewster contributed his fourth of the season before pulling up with a hamstring problem last time out, Frenchman Iliman Ndiaye and the vastly experienced David McGoldrick have not scored this year and Scotland international Oli McBurnie is slowly returning from injury. With Lys Mousset leaving for US Salernitana this month, teenage forward Daniel Jebbison was recalled from loan at Burton Albion. All eyes have been on the predatory Billy Sharp to shoulder the scoring burden and the veteran has duly delivered, currently leading the club’s charts with nine. www.bcfc.com

Despite the injuries, Heckingbottom admitted he was reluctant to opt for short-term fixes in January’s window and would instead lean on the club’s prestigious Academy.

The Blades have a sustainability strategy and a reputation as one of the best developers of young talent, something which saw nine homegrown youngsters make their senior debuts during 2021.

With 13 home games remaining at Bramall Lane this season, Blades retain a vested interest in the promotion race and the pragmatic Heckingbottom believes a play-off place remains there for the taking.

He told the Yorkshire Post: “If we stay on this run we will be there or thereabouts, but there are that many games left that anything can happen. We have got three games left on some other teams and it could be a late run which gets someone in the play-offs. It is going to go right to the wire, but we focus on what we can control, focus on how hard we work every day and how we apply ourselves to games.”

Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and Liverpool defender Nat Phillips both joined on loan, Cardiff City allowed Wales international Kieffer Moore to leave in a deal reported to be worth £5million, Siriki Dembele signed from Peterborough United and Norwich City playmaker Todd Cantwell checked in late on as Cherries boss Scott Parker set his sights firmly on the Premier League.

Although the south coast club are in FA Cup action this weekend, promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers can edge further away in second place on Saturday if they can win at Swansea City. An under-strength Rovers were held to a goalless stalemate by Luton Town last week to remain five points behind leaders Fulham, but will fancy their chances against the inconsistent Swans despite not winning in West Glamorgan since 1983.

Elsewhere, Hull City are the only side in the division to have won their last three games and will want to maintain that upward thrust under new manager Shota Arveladze on home soil against Preston North End. Ryan Lowe’s visitors signed former Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby in midweek and will want another impressive away day shut-out after winning 0-2 at the Hawthorns recently.

Finally, Blackpool will be aiming for a fourth win in five games at Bloomfield Road this Saturday. The Tangerines are the third lowest scorers in the division on home soil but welcome travel averse Bristol City who have haemorrhaged 32 goals and not won away since October.

THIS WEEKEND’S OTHER CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES Blackpool v Bristol City Hull City v Preston North End Swansea City v Blackburn Rovers 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

Troy DeeneY Hello Bluenoses, I am writing to you in my first column since I was appointed Captain of Birmingham City Football Club and I need to start with saying how huge this is for me.

Since I arrived, I have played my position and watched as the other senior lads have run the dressing room and they have been brilliant. We have top pros here, Marc [Roberts], Harlee [Dean] when he was with us, George [Friend], Jukey [Lukas Jutkiewicz] – too many to name even.

When I was at Watford, I was exposed to so many different people and ways of doing things. In that sense, my footballing mind is experienced, and I want to put some of those experiences and suggestions across to our group and in turn, we can deliver more.

I feel I have found my feet at Blues and found ‘Troy’s’ position in that group. Now, the manager has made his decision to appoint me Captain and that has given me an opportunity to change some things I have seen that can improve us as a group. Everything I do is about me improving and making the team better – I can’t stress that enough.

One thing I must stress is that the lads we have at Blues are unbelievable. I have never ever been in a dressing room where everyone gets on. That is great!

However, at times, you need to have an understanding that we can upset each other. I am not talking personally, but about results and winning. The team is great, the work ethic is fantastic, but I think we need to be a bit cuter and that ties into what happened at Derby County.

for the goals, I mean it. Up to the 80th minute, we bossed the game, I thought it was done.

It has finished 2-2 and I recognise that can happen in football. But by being a bit cuter and doing some small things a bit differently, we can win games like those in the future and see them out.

On tonight’s match, funnily enough, I have memories of Blues kicking off the season against Sheffield United, watching the goal go in and thinking we can be a handful this season. We didn’t just take them on at their place, but we beat them. They had chances but physically we were better.

A lot has changed since then, of course, but it is the same for Sheffield United too. But look, Friday night, on TV, after a good footballing performance against Derby, we should be confident.

Scotty [Hogan] is in-form, Lyle [Taylor] has started well, Bacuna is in and the squad will get better. [Tahith] Chong will be coming back soon; Taylor Richards can add a bit of something, and I will get myself fit too. In that sense, I am looking forward to the game and the weeks ahead.

To you, the fans, I say this about the game. When it starts, get behind those boys. I said this when I arrived, and I will say it again. No one wants to play Birmingham City when the fans are up for it and the team is playing well. It starts from us on the pitch, and we know that. But you lot, generating an atmosphere for those lads out there can make a difference. I know that and you know I do.

Thanks again and I will check in with you all soon!

Keep Right On,

When I say I think that might have been our best performance of the season, barring maybe Luton Town www.bcfc.com

Troy Deeney BLUES NEWS | 15

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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.

@

5

by ROB MASON

0 years ago this weekend, St. Andrew’s was packed with over 40,000 people clamouring to see an FA Cup fourth round meeting with Ipswich Town. That was 13,000 more than the previous week’s league visit of Swindon Town.

With Paul Peterson making his league debut at right-back for the visitors and Terry Hubbard making only his third league appearance in front of him on the right flank, Swindon had been smashed by Blues’ fabulous front three. Trevor Francis, Bob Hatton and Bob Latchford

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CITY FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

18 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

all scored, the latter getting two in a 4-1 win after Blues led 3-0 at the break. Swindon’s record signing Arthur Horsfield grabbed the Robins’ consolation.

That victory was a positive step towards promotion as on the same day several other teams at the top dropped points. Birmingham climbed above Middlesbrough, but Blues fans would rather Boro had won as their defeat was at second top Millwall. However, there was good news from Burnley where leaders Norwich City lost at Turf Moor and from Kenilworth Road where Luton Town held third place Queens Park Rangers. Promotion chasing Carlisle were also held to a draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday, with Sunderland the only other promotion chasers to take maximum points.

There was still a lot of work to do. With every club in the top half of the division having 15 of their 42 league games remaining Blues were in fourth place, four points (two points for a win remember) behind second-placed Millwall whose next game was away to leaders Norwich.

Only Luton versus Oxford took place in Division Two on the day of the FA Cup fourth round when Birmingham entertained top flight Ipswich.

The Portman Road club had only won one away game in the league all season but had won on the road in round three. However, that man Bob Latchford scored his 19th goal of the season to send the club through to the fifth round. Town boss Bobby Robson was not happy, claiming, “Diabolical refereeing cost us the game.”

TEAMS BLUES 4: Cooper, Carroll, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Harland, Campbell, Francis, Latchford B., Hatton Taylor.

SWINDON TOWN 1: Downsborough, Potter, Trollope, Jones, Burrows, Butler, Peterson, Smart, Horsfield, Noble, Rogers ATTENDANCE: 27,824 BLUES 1: Cooper, Carroll, Pendrey, Page, Hynd, Harland, Campbell, Francis, Campbell R., Hatton, Taylor.

IPSWICH TOWN 0: Best, Mills, Harper, Morris, Hunter, Jefferson, Robertson, Viljoen, Belfitt, McNeil (Miller), Hill.

ATTENDANCE: 40,709

ELSEWHERE IN FOOTBALL The big news on FA Cup fourth round day 50 years ago this weekend was a third round game. In losing to Blues Ipswich weren’t the only top flight team to suffer an upset. Their defeat didn’t go down in football folklore in the way Newcastle United’s did. They were humiliated in a third round replay at non-league Hereford United where Ronnie Radford scored one of the great FA Cup goals as the Magpies lost 2-1. Newcastle’s wasn’t the only power cut – the FA had asked all clubs to bring forward their kick-off times to try and avoid potential power cuts affecting floodlights. This was due to a strike by the National Union of Mineworkers that lasted from 9 January to 28 February. It was the first official national miners’ strike since 1926 and succeeded in achieving a big pay rise.

These days TV money is the lifeblood for many clubs but back in 1972 Brian Clough’s Derby County refused to allow their cup tie with Notts County to be screened because the fee was too low. The fee was £87.50. How times have changed. The 39,450 who paid to see the game got good value for their money as the Rams won 6-0 with a hat-trick from Alan Durban. www.bcfc.com

CLASS OF 71/72 Phil Summerhill Although he didn’t feature in the games focussed on today Phil Summerhill had made his contribution to the promotion season, starting seven league games and coming off the bench in another two up to January, and notably scoring City’s first goal at St. Andrews of the campaign in the win over Carlisle United.

He had also played in the only League Cup tie of the season.

Having joined the club from Aston Boys in 1963 he made a total of 131 appearances, scoring a very creditable 52 goals before a 1973 move to Huddersfield Town after just a couple of appearances in the top-flight in 1972-73.

Phil scored City’s fastest ever goal when he netted after just 12 seconds against Watford in March 1971, a season in which he was top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions BLUES NEWS | 19

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W 20 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

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

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

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BLUES NEWS | 21

Community Trust Students to Beijing The Trust are delighted to have put forward two Level 2 coaches to support their football development in Beijing for 12 months. After months of planning, the two young coaches left for Beijing on 29th January where they will be based in the independent school, on the behalf of the brand of BCFC. The coaches will deliver a variety of physical education lessons during academic terms whilst also implementing a football development programme during extra-curricular activity times. The overall aims of the project are to improve the technical and tactical abilities of the young football players in China. This is a great opportunity for two community coaches to develop their coaching and life skills in a new country but also a great opportunity for the brand of BCFC to develop in China.

National Apprentice Week The Trust are proud to be supporting the Apprenticeship Programme further with the recruitment of a Digital Marketing Apprentice. As we approach National Apprentice Week (week commencing February 7), the Trust are keen to share the benefits of apprentices from both an employer and apprentice perspective. The new recruit will help to improve their digital marketing campaigns and align all platforms to share key stories and messages. The Trust are hoping their apprenticeship journeys proves to be successful, improves productivity and provides new skills to young people who will, in time, become part of a growing workforce.

February Half Term Football Camp Is your son or daughter aged between 5 and 14 and looking for something to do during the upcoming February half term?

The Community Trust are running a football camp at Langley School in Solihull from 10am-3pm from Monday to Friday of half-term.

There will be indoor and outdoor facilities so no matter what the weather, the children will have plenty of activities to be taking part in. For more information, please visit the Official Soccer Schools website via www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk/birminghamcity.

Youth Club Relaunch The Community Trust has recently relaunched their Youth Club and has partnered with a local school, Regents Park, to offer the club specifically to them.

The Trust has organised a ‘walking bus’ to safely transport the young children to chaperone them to the Stadium straight from school. There will be ageappropriate activities and food for all children, and they are keen and proud to be able to continue supporting children from their doorstep. This is on the back of the successful HAF camps which provide opportunities to children who, due to low income, do not have access to these types of opportunities. The club will be starting on Monday 7 February and will run until July.

22 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

www.bcfc.com

50

CRAIG GARDNER

available

available

TATE CAMPBELL

available

34

33

IVAN SUNJIC

20

19

CONNAL TRUEMAN

LYLE TAYLOR

18

Simone Ingram

Anna-Leigh Brooks

21

08

JORDAN JAMES

JUNINHO BACUNA

GARY GARDNER

07

06

TEDEN MENGI

JEREMIE BELA

10

09

available LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ

SCOTT HOGAN

TAYLOR RICHARDS

TAHITH CHONG

RYAN WOODS

01

02

04

03

05

Simon & Rosemarie Nash

53

MARCEL OAKLEY

27

NICO GORDON

11

ONEL HERNÁNDEZ

JORDAN GRAHAM

Simone Ingram

52

25

TROY DEENEY

24 Spotswood Facilities Management

36

GEORGE HALL Simone Ingram

LEE BOWYER

35

available

54 KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS

GEORGE FRIEND

MARC ROBERTS

KRISTIAN PEDERSEN

MAXIME COLIN

NEIL ETHERIDGE

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

Oliver Collinson

available

Simone Ingram

BLUES NEWS | 23

Blues 2 1 Sunderland VITALITY WOMEN’S FA CUP | SUNDAY 30 JANUARY

B

lues Women advanced to the fifth round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with an extratime victory against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

post again that denied Blues. This time, Robertson whipped in a dangerous cross and Whelan climbed above her marker only to see her header come back off the post.

Interim Head Coach Darren Carter used the fourth round clash as an opportunity for some First Team players to gain valuable minutes. He made three changes to the side that lost 3-2 away at Reading last time out, with forward players Sarah Ewens and Emily Whelan coming in for Libby Smith and Jade Pennock. There was also a start for Lisa Robertson who replaced Jamie Finn.

As the game entered the final five minutes, Sunderland were gifted the chance to equalise against the run of play. Rebecca Holloway’s misdirected back pass forced Emily Ramsey to palm the ball away. From the subsequent indirect free kick, Keira Ramshaw fired low into the bottom corner to send the match into extra-time.

Veatriki Sarri continued her fine form to put Blues ahead after 28 minutes. The Greek midfielder turned smartly before firing a dipping effort from the edge of the area over Claudia Moan and into the top corner. Lucy Quinn had Blues’ next chance. She picked up the ball on the left and drove inside, but her effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.

It was a slow start to the second period, but Blues continued to dominate the ball, and it was Sarri again who brought the game to life. After tenacious work by Christie Murray, the ball came to the feet of the Greek interntional who shifted it onto her left and fired towards goal. The ball evaded Moan but came crashing back off the bar. Minutes later, it was the 24 | BLUES NEWS

It took Blues until the 100th minute to find the eventual winner. Gemma Lawley picked up the ball just inside the Sunderland half and floated in a cross towards Lucy Whipp. The midfielder drifted off her marker and planted a header beyond the reach of Moan.

HEAD COACH REACTION: “We got ourselves in front and dominated but in the first-half, I thought our quality was not quite there with the final pass. We still created chances and got a fantastic goal from V [Sarri] but we said at half-time about being better in possession and moving the ball a bit quicker. The girls did that really well in the second-half, but their keeper Claudia Moan had an absolute stormer,

credit to her because she made some great saves. We want to make this a fortress and we are building some momentum here so another game at home would be nice. This is a great competition and one that this Club has a great history in. We want to go as far as we possibly can.”

Blues Women: Emily Ramsey, Gemma Lawley, Louise Quinn (captain), Rebecca Holloway, Harriet Scott (Jade Pennock, 96), Christie Murray, Veatriki Sarri (Libby Smith, 106), Lisa Robertson, Emily Whelan (Jamie Finn 113), Sarah Ewens (Eleanor Ryan-Doyle 79), Lucy Quinn (Lucy Whipp 79).

Substitutes not used: Lucy Jones, Abi Cowie, Abbi Jenner, Mikayla Wildgoose.

Bookings: Scott 45+1, Lawley 109.

Sunderland: Claudia Moan, Jessica Brown (Eve Blakey, 106), Megan Beer, Neve Herron, Louise Griffiths, Faye Mullen (Grace Boyes 91), Libbi McInnes (Grace Ede 79), Abbey Joice, Keira Ramshaw, Holly Manders (Katy Watson 91), Maria Farrugia.

Substitutes not used: Allison Cowling, Emily Scarr, Daisy Burt.

Bookings: Manders 90+5.

Referee: Magdalena Golba.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

Match Report

B

Under 23s

lues Under-23s were beaten by Fulham in the Premier League 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Early goals from Ziyad Larkeche and Ollie O’Neil set the Cottagers on their way before Leo Dos Reis halved the deficit ahead of the half-hour mark at Nuneaton Borough’s Liberty Way. That strike would prove to be the Spaniard’s last in royal blue as he joined A.C. Monza in a permanent transfer on deadline day.

Fulham would go on to extend their lead seven minutes into the second-half when Tommy Fogarty inadvertently turned into his own net, after which the visitors hung on for victory in the Division 2 clash.

Speaking to BCFC.com following the match, Boss Steve Spooner admitted he was disappointed to miss out on the points after beating West Bromwich Albion a week earlier.

He said: “They are a good Fulham team, but I was disappointed with our level of performance against them.

“2-0 down, we got a goal – a very good goal. Then before half-time we go clean through and don’t take the chance to draw level and that is the difference. www.bcfc.com

“Our movement was not good enough.

Fair play to Fulham they pressed us very well.

“I said to the players, Fulham have adapted to the conditions better than us. We didn’t really do that.”

The Under-23s Head Coach admitted he was pleased with the continued goalscoring form of Dos Reis, who is enjoying a prolific spell having recovered from injury.

Spooner said: “He [Dos Reis] took it very well. It was a great run from Oriol Soldevila and Leo timed his run.

Soldevila timed his pass to perfection, and it was dispatched very well indeed.”

Off the pitch, Spooner admitted he was pleased to see Under-23s Captain Mitchell Roberts secure a deadline day move to Carlisle United, where he will continue his development on loan until the end of the season.

He explained: “It is fantastic for Mitch. Post-Christmas, he has really turned himself around. He has shown a level of consistency and showed more awareness of danger when defending. On the ball, he has been very comfortable.

“He knows when to do it better now.

His decision both in and out of possession has improved. He can play in a three, a two or as a wingback. Carlisle have got a very good player.”

Next up for Steve Spooner’s team is a trip to Wolves in the PL2 next Monday evening, kick-off 7pm.

Blues: Zack Jeacock, Tommy Fogarty, Rico Browne, Tate Campbell, Josh Williams, Brandon Khela, Remi Walker, Rico Patterson (Kyle Hurst 70), Jobe Bellingham, Oriol Soldevilla (Keke Simmonds 70), Leo Dos Reis (Kieran Wakefield 80).

Substitutes not used: Archie Matthews.

Booking: Tate Campbell, Josh Williams.

Fulham: Luca Ashby-Hammond, Luciano D’Auria-Henry, Charlie Robinson, Ibane Bowat, Ziyad Larkeche, Tyrese Francois, Adrion Pajaziti (Jonathon Page 71), Ollie O’Neill, Sonny Hilton, Jay Stansfield, Kieron Bowie.

Substitutes not used: Julian Schwarzer, Harvey Araujo, Luke Harris, Jean-Pierre Tiehi.

Booking: Charlie Robinson, Tyrese Francois, Sonny Hilton.

BLUES NEWS | 25

derby county 2 2 blues SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP | SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022

B

lues had to settle for a point from their trip to Derby County on Sunday as the hosts struck twice late on to cancel out goals from Lyle Taylor and Scott Hogan that came early in either half.

For large periods, Lee Bowyer’s men delivered a controlled away performance, brimming with quality and conviction, striking at key moments in the East Midlands. Taylor opened his Blues account on debut in the seventh minute with a measured

finish after a fine setup from man of the match Onel Hernandez.

Hogan made it two before the hour mark when he cleverly turned in Ryan Woods’ sweeping cross and could have added a third when he missed narrowly from close range soon after as the visitors began to turn the screw.

However, continued pressure did not yield any further goals and Luke Plange gave the Rams a lifeline when he found the net with 180 seconds of

normal time remaining. That set up a grandstand finish at Pride Park and the points were to be shared as Krystian Bielik scored acrobatically in the 96th minute to break Birmingham City’s resistance.

Derby County (4-2-3-1): Ryan Allsop, Nathan Byrne, Richard Stearman, Curtis Davies, Craig Forsyth (Colin Kazim-Richards 57), Max Bird, Liam Thompson, Kamil Jozwiak (Festy Ebosele 42), Tom Lawrence (captain), Jason Knight, (Krystian Bielik 5), Luke Plange.

Substitutes not used: Kelle Roos, Louie Sibley, Lee Buchanan, Malcolm Ebiowei.

Booking: None.

Brilliant Bacuna Fresh from penning a three-and-a-half-year deal in the Second City, Juninho Bacuna delivered a midfield masterclass on his Blues bow.

As well as compiling a showreel of flicks and tricks, the former Rangers man brought bite and legs to the middle of the park and was a driving force behind everything good at the weekend.

26 | BLUES NEWS

Blues (4-3-3): Neil Etheridge, Maxime Colin, Marc Roberts (captain), Teden Mengi, Kristian Pedersen, Ryan Woods (Ivan Sunjic 68), Juninho Bacuna (Jordan James 83), Gary Gardner Onel Hernandez, Lyle Taylor (George Friend 80), Scott Hogan.

Substitutes not used: Connal Trueman, Jeremie Bela, Jordan Graham, Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Booking: Woods 63, Etheridge 65, Gardner 70.

Attendance: 32,211 (away 3,145).

Referee: John Brooks.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

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www.bcfc.com

BLUES NEWS | 27

ROLL CALL & LEAGUE TABLE PLAYER

LEAGUE APPS GLS

FA CUP APPS GLS

LEAGUE CUP APPS GLS

CHUKS ANEKE (F)

1 (17) 2

0 (1) 0

2 (0) 0

POS.

P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

JUNINHO BACUNA (M)

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1

FULHAM

28

17

7

4

48

58

JEREMY BELA (F)

19 (5) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

JOBE BELLINGHAM (F)

0 (1) 0

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

2

BLACKBURN ROVERS

29

15

8

6

15

53

TATE CAMPBELL (M)

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

3

BOURNEMOUTH

28

15

7

6

20

52

ALFIE CHANG (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

0 (1) 0

4

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

28

15

6

7

13

51

TAHITH CHONG (M)

13 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

5

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

29

12

9

8

10

45

MAXIME COLIN (D)

18 (1) 1

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

HARLEE DEAN (D)

14 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

6

MIDDLESBROUGH

28

13

6

9

6

45

TROY DEENEY (F)

14 (4) 4

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

7

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

29

12

9

8

4

45

NEIL ETHERIDGE (G)

6 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

8

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

29

12

7

10

8

43

9

LUTON TOWN

28

11

9

8

7

42

10

COVENTRY CITY

27

11

7

9

4

40

11

SHEFFIELD UNITED

26

11

6

9

3

39

GEORGE FRIEND (D)

9 (3) 0

1 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

GARY GARDNER (M)

16 (4) 4

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

NICO GORDON (D)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JORDAN GRAHAM (M)

8 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

GEORGE HALL (M)

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

12

STOKE CITY

28

11

6

11

3

39

13

PRESTON NORTH END

29

9

11

9

-2

38

14

MILLWALL

28

9

10

9

0

37

15

BLACKPOOL

28

10

7

11

-4

37

ONEL HERNANDEZ (M)

5 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

SCOTT HOGAN (F)

22 (4) 10

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

IVAN SANCHEZ (M)

0 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

JORDAN JAMES (M)

8 (4) 0

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

JUAN CASTILLO (D)

1 (2) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

16

BRISTOL CITY

29

9

7

13

-13

34

15 (11) 2

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

17

BIRMINGHAM CITY

29

8

9

12

-12

33

CHARLIE LAKIN (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

18

HULL CITY

28

9

5

14

-6

32

JONATHAN LEKO (F)

1 (3) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 0

RILEY MCGREE (M)

10 (3) 2

0 (0) 0

1 (1) 0

19

SWANSEA CITY

27

8

8

11

-7

32

TEDEN MENGI (D)

5 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

20

CARDIFF CITY

27

7

5

15

-18

26

LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ (F)

RENEDI MASAMPU (D)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

21

READING

28

8

4

16

-22

22 *

MARCEL OAKLEY (D)

2 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

2 (0) 1

22

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

27

5

5

17

-32

20

KRISTIAN PEDERSEN (D) 23 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

MITCHELL ROBERTS (D)

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

23

DERBY COUNTY

28

8

12

8

0

15 *

MARC ROBERTS (D)

27 (0) 2

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

24

BARNSLEY

27

2

8

17

-25

14

DION SANDERSON (D)

14 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

MATIJA SARKIC (G)

23 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS (F) 0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

IVAN SUNJIC (M)

0 (1) 0

2 (0) 0

24 (4) 2

LYLE TAYLOR (F)

1 (0) 1

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

CONNAL TRUEMAN (G)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

1 (0) 0

REMI WALKER (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

JOSHUA WILLIAMS (M)

0 (0) 0

0 (1) 0

0 (0) 0

RYAN WOODS (M)

17 (3) 0

1 (0) 0

0 (0) 0

Fixtures & RESULTS 2021/22 DATE

KO

OPPONENT

RES

COMP

POS

ATT

STARTING XI

AUGUST Sat 07

8.00pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

A

1-0

LEAGUE

5

29,043

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN 1 ■

TUE 10

7.45PM

COLCHESTER UNITED

H

1-0

EFL CUP

-

6,199

TRUEMAN

OAKLEY 1

GORDON

FRIEND

CASTILLO

SUNJIC

Sat 14

3.00pm

STOKE CITY

H

0-0

LEAGUE

10

10,189

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

WED 18

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

H

0-2

LEAGUE

11

9,922

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN

CHONG

SAT 21

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

A

5-0

LEAGUE

8

10,014

SARKIC

ROBERTS 1 ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

TUE 24

7.45PM

FULHAM

H

0-2

EFL CUP

-

4,783

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

FRIEND

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

Sat 28

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

A

1-1

LEAGUE

8

13,950

SARKIC

COLIN

DEAN

PEDERSEN

OAKLEY

SUNJIC

FRI 10

8.00pm

DERBY COUNTY

H

2-0

LEAGUE

7

14,912

SARKIC

ROBERTS ■

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC ■

WED 15

7.45pm

FULHAM

H

1-4

LEAGUE

10

14,562

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

SAT 18

3.00pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

A

0-3

LEAGUE

11

12,199

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

DEENEY

Sat 25

3.00pm

PRESTON NORTH END

H

0-0

LEAGUE

12

14,925

SARKIC

SANDERSON

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

TUE 28

7.45pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

A

0-2

LEAGUE

13

12,257

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

SANDERSON

COLIN

SUNJIC ■

Sat 02

3.00pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

H

0-3

LEAGUE

16

15,148

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

Sat 16

3.00pm

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

A

0-1

LEAGUE

16

24,870

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

Wed 20

7.45pm

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

A

0-0

LEAGUE

19

15,618

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC

Sat 23

3.00pm

SWANSEA CITY

H

2-1

LEAGUE

17

16,132

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC

Sat 30

3.00pm

MIDDLESBROUGH

A

2-0

LEAGUE

15

21,582

SARKIC

ROBERTS 1

SANDERSON ■

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC

Tue 02

7.45pm

BRISTOL CITY

H

3-0

LEAGUE

13

16,143

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

BELA

FRIEND

SUNJIC

Sat 06

3.00pm

READING

H

1-2

LEAGUE

15

17,535

SARKIC

ROBERTS

DEAN ■

BELA ■

ROBERTS

SUNJIC

Sat 20

3.00pm

HULL CITY

A

0-2

LEAGUE

15

12,409

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

BELA

DEAN

SUNJIC

Tue 23

7.45pm

COVENTRY CITY

A

0-0

LEAGUE

17

22,676

SARKIC

ROBERTS ■

SANDERSON ■

BELA

DEAN

SUNJIC ■

Sat 27

3.00pm

BLACKPOOL

H

1-0

LEAGUE

13

17,686

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN ■

BELA

SUNJIC

SAT 04

3.00pm

MILLWALL

A

1-3

LEAGUE

16

14,324

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS ■

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN ■

BELA

SUNJIC

Sat 11

3.00pm

CARDIFF CITY

H

2-2

LEAGUE

15

17,840

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND ■

SUNJIC 1 ■

Sat 18

3.00pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS

A

0-4

LEAGUE

17

12,148

SARKIC

ROBERTS

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC ■

SUN 02

2.00pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

H

1-2

LEAGUE

18

18,279

SARKIC

COLIN

SANDERSON

PEDERSEN

FRIEND

SUNJIC ■

Sat 08

5.30pm

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

H

0-1

FAC R3

-

9,823

ETHERIDGE

COLIN

MENGI

PEDERSEN

FRIEND ■

CAMPBELL SUNJIC

GARDNER ■

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Sat 15

3.00pm

PRESTON NORTH END

A

1-1

LEAGUE

18

12,821

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

MENGI ■

PEDERSEN

COLIN

TUE 18

7.45PM

FULHAM

A

2-6

LEAGUE

18

16,491

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

MENGI

PEDERSEN ■

COLIN

BELA

Sat 22

3.00pm

BARNSLEY

H

2-1

LEAGUE

18

15,742

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

MENGI

PEDERSEN

COLIN

WOODS

TUE 25

7.45pm

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

H

2-2

LEAGUE

18

16,380

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

MENGI

PEDERSEN

COLIN

SUNJIC

SUN 30

1.30pm

DERBY COUNTY

A

2-2

LEAGUE

17

32,211

ETHERIDGE

ROBERTS

MENGI

PEDERSEN

COLIN

WOODS ■

FEBRUARY FRI 04

7.45pm

SHEFFIELD UNITED

H

LEAGUE

WED 09

7.45pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

A

LEAGUE LEAGUE

SAT 12

3.00pm

LUTON TOWN

H

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

Happy Birthday from all the family to Martin Cunnife. A true blue nose who travels to every home game from his home in Plymouth with his wife Katy.

Happy 50th Birthday, Andrew lifelong bluenose and season Luckman. A ticke the Tilton. Have a great day love t holder in Harry and all your family and frienKyra, Jack, ds. KRO xx

MAY Sat 01

30 | BLUES NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs SHEFFIELD united

SUB 1

SUB 2

SUB 3 CASTILLO (78) ■

UNUSED SUBS

WOODS ■

CHONG

BELA

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

LEKO (68) ■

SUNJIC (74)

SANCHEZ

LAKIN

GRAHAM

LEKO

ANEKE

CAMPBELL (73)

McGREE (74)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, ANEKE, SANCHEZ

GARDNER

WOODS

BELA

HOGAN ■

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE (66)

LEKO (71)

GARDNER

WOODS

BELA

LEKO

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE (70)

HOGAN (79)

SÁNCHEZ (87)

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

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

CHONG

WOODS

BELA

HOGAN 2

JUTKIEWICZ

ANEKE 1 (61)

SÁNCHEZ (70)

GARDNER 1 (81)

McGREE

FAMILIA-CASTILLO

LEKO

ANEKE

GRAHAM

LAKIN (61)

SIMMONDS (62)

CHANG (73)

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ 1

CHONG

ANEKE (76)

LEKO (89)

BELA 1

WOODS

HOGAN 1

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

DEENEY (67)

GARDNER (74)

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG ■

DEENEY 1 (53)

GARDNER (60) ■

ANEKE (75) ANEKE (58) ■

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, HOGAN, McGREE

McGREE (71)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, GRAHAM, CHANG

BELA

WOODS ■

GARDEN ■

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

SANDERSON (45)

SUNJIC (45)

BELA ■

WOODS

DEENEY

HOGAN

CHONG

ANEKE (67)

JUTKIEWICZ (68)

BELA

WOODS

DEENEY

HOGAN

CHONG

JUTKIEWICZ (56)

ANEKE (71)

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

BELA

WOODS

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ ■

CHONG

McGREE (58)

ANEKE (58)

DEENEY (70)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, SANDERSON, GRAHAM

GARDNER

FRIEND

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

BELA (47)

ANEKE (78)

GRAHAM (83)

TRUEMAN, WOODS, DEAN, DEENEY

GARDNER

GRAHAM

McGREE ■

JUTKIEWICZ

CHONG

DEENEY (70)

GARDNER ■

GRAHAM

HOGAN

DEENEY 1

CHONG

McGREE 1 (63) ■

ANEKE (86)

TRUEMAN, WOODS, HOGAN, DEAN, ANEKE, SÁNCHEZ ETHERIDGE, WOODS, JUTKIEWICZ, DEAN, SÁNCHEZ

GARDNER ■

GRAHAM

HOGAN 1

DEENEY

McGREE ■

JUTKIEWICZ (67)

BELA (68)

ETHERIDGE, WOODS, ANEKE, DEAN, SÁNCHEZ

GARDNER 1

GRAHAM

McGREE 1

DEENEY

HOGAN 1

DEAN (45)

JUTKIEWICZ (73)

JAMES (84)

GARDNER

OAKLEY ■

McGREE ■

DEENEY

HOGAN 1

WOODS (69)

JUTKIEWICZ (85)

ANEKE (85)

ETHERIDGE, JAMES, FAMILIA-CASTILLO, WALKER

GARDNER ■

WOODS

McGREE

DEENEY

HOGAN ■

JAMES (45)

JUTKIEWICZ (61)

ANEKE (77)

ETHERIDGE, ROBERTS, OAKLEY, FAMILIA-CASTILLO

OAKLEY

WOODS ■

McGREE

DEENEY

HOGAN

FAMILIA-CASTILLO (65)

JUTKIEWICZ (86)

JAMES (86)

JAMES

GRAHAM

McGREE ■

DEENEY

HOGAN

ANEKE (66)

JUTKIEWICZ 1 (75)

JAMES

GRAHAM

McGREE

DEENEY

HOGAN

JUTKIEWICZ (45)

ANEKE (80)

JAMES

GRAHAM

McGREE

DEENEY 1

HOGAN

ANEKE (78)

JUTKIEWICZ (90)

JAMES

GRAHAM

McGREE

DEENEY

ANEKE

BELA (37)

COLIN (45)

JAMES

GARDNER

FAMILIA-CASTILLO

DEENEY

HALL

WOOD (45)

ANEKE 1 (67)

HOGAN (85)

JAMES

WOOD ■

GARDNER

DEENEY

HOGAN

BELLINGHAM (70)

ANEKE (88)

SUNJIC (90+4)

TRUEMAN, WALKER, ROBERTS, FAMILIA-CASTILLO

ETHERIDGE, WOODS, ANEKE, FAMILIA-CASTILLO

ETHERIDGE, ANEKE, BELLINGHAM, ROBERTS ETHERIDGE, DEAN, FAMILIA-CASTILLO, WALKER, OAKLEY TRUEMAN, HALL, FAMILIA-CASTILLO, DEAN, FRIEND ETHERIDGE, BELA, DEAN, FAMILIA-CASTILLO, HALL

JUTKIEWICZ (67)

ETHERIDGE, WOODS, HOGAN, HALL ETHERIDGE, BELLINGHAM, WALKER, CAMPBELL

JAMES

GARDNER

BELA

HERNÁNDEZ

JUTKIEWICZ

WOODS (82)

BELLINGHAM (83)

HOGAN 1 (83)

TRUEMAN, WALKER, MASAMPU, CAMPBELL

WOODS

GARDNER 1

SUNJIC 1

HERNÁNDEZ

JUTKIEWICZ

FRIEND (64)

HOGAN (64)

JAMES (82)

TRUEMAN, BELLINGHAM, MASAMPU, CAMPBELL

JAMES

GARDNER ■

HOGAN 1

HERNÁNDEZ 1

JUTKIEWICZ

SUNJIC (69)

BELA (84)

FRIEND (90+6)

TRUEMAN, GRAHAM, BELLINGHAM, CAMPBELL

JUTKIEWICZ

JAMES

WOODS

HERNÁNDEZ

HOGAN 1

BELA (45)

GARDNER 1 (60)

GRAHAM (77)

TRUEMAN, FRIEND, TRUEMAN, CAMPBELL

BACUNA

GARDNER ■

TAYLOR 1

HERNÁNDEZ

HOGAN 1

SUNJIC (68)

FRIEND (80)

JAMES (83) ■

TRUEMAN, JUTKIEWICZ, BELA, GRAHAM

Happy 7th Birthday, Ellis Moore.

www.bcfc.com

Happy Birthday to cousins Evie Shaw, 6 and Samuel Ledbrook, 4, Lots of Love from all the family xx

BLUES NEWS | 31

BIRMINGHAM CITY HEAD COACH: LEE BOWYER NEIL ETHERIDGE MAXIME COLIN KRISTIAN PEDERSEN MARC ROBERTS GEORGE FRIEND RYAN WOODS TAHITH CHONG TAYLOR RICHARDS SCOTT HOGAN LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ JEREMIE BELA TEDEN MENGI JORDAN JAMES GARY GARDNER JUNINHO BACUNA JORDAN GRAHAM ONEL HERNANDEZ GK CONNAL TRUEMAN LYLE TAYLOR IVAN SUNJIC GEORGE HALL TROY DEENEY GK ZACH JEACOCK JOBE BELLINGHAM ADAN GEORGE REMI WALKER ALFIE CHANG NICO GORDON KYLE HURST MARCEL OAKLEY TATE CAMPBELL KEYENDRAH SIMMONDS GK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 18 19 20 21 24 25 27 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 50 51 52 53 54

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NEXT UP AT ST. ANDREW’S LUTON TOWN SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2022 KICK-OFF 3PM

SHEFFIELD UNITED HEAD COACH: PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 29 31 33 34

ADAM DAVIES GK GEORGE BALDOCK ENDA STEVENS JOHN FLECK JACK O’CONNELL CHRIS BASHAM RHIAN BREWSTER SANDER BERGE OLI MCBURNIE BILLY SHARP JOHN EGAN OLLIE NORWOOD DAVID MCGOLDRICK WES FODERINGHAM GK JACK ROBINSON JAYDEN BOGLE BEN DAVIES BEN OSBORN CONOR HOURIHANE CHARLIE GOODE MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE ILIMAN NDIAYE JAKE EASTWOOD GK RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES KYRON GORDON

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE KEITH STROUD ASSISTANT REFEREE SAM LEWIS ASSISTANT REFEREE MATTHEW JONES 4TH OFFICIAL JOHN BUSBY