Birmingham
Last Season: 9th
New Signings: Foster, Zigic, Valles
Key Player: Roger Johnson
One To Watch: Eric Valles
Needs A Big Year: Ben Foster
Would Quite Like: Avoiding second season syndrome and a victory over the Villa.
More money please.
Prediction: 12th
Thoughts: If Ben Foster can adequately replace the departing Joe Hart in goal then Birmingham will go a long way to having another successful season. One of the surprise packages last year (I had them down for relegation!), Alex McLeish will be looking to consolidate and make sure his team remain as tough to beat as they were last season.
A lot of their players probably over-performed and bearing in mind there is quite a reliance on people as old as Steve Carr and Kevin Phillips, there is a valid concern that this year won’t quite be as good. A proper left back is needed so Ridgewell no longer has to play there while Zigic will hopefully provide consistency up front or a big target to aim at if nothing else.
Carson Yeung’s promised riches haven’t quite materialised but continued defensive solidity will ensure mid-table will be perfectly acceptable and attainable again this season.
T.
The Sportboys 