Season Preview: The Championship

Birmingham City

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The Odds (Via William Hill)

League Winners: 50/1

Promotion: 14/1

Relegation: 4/1

The Background

Last season, Lee Clark’s men survived by the finest of margins on the final day after an inspiring turnaround at the Reebok. Nicola Zigic levelled the scores late on after conceding earlier in the game and then in stoppage time, a goal from Paul Caddis (and Doncaster losing) meant the Blues would survive the final day by goal difference. Federico Macheda finished top scorer last campaign with only 10 league goals which summed up a below par season for the club. 11 wins all season, 11 draws and 24 losses were not ideal and the Blues only won twice at home in the league making miserable viewing for the St Andrews faithful. After losing Curtis Davies to Hull and Nathan Redmond to Norwich, the season was always going to be a tough one but in stark contrast to the rest of the campaign the final day did end in some dramatic brilliance to lift the fans. After being so close to the drop last time around, surely lightning won’t strike twice for Clark and his men?

The Transfers

Birmingham have done business early and across a wide scale. Clayton Donaldson (see below) will add to the attacking options at the club, as will Wes Thomas, with both front men playing pivotal parts in their clubs from last season’s promotion to the Championship from League 1 (Brentford and Rotherham). David Edgar, Jonathan Grounds and Gavin Gunning are all part of a new, more stable defence. Edgar joins from last season’s promoted Burnley on a free and his experience and intelligence at the back will be well appreciated. Gunning joins from Dundee United after learning his trade in the SPL whereas Grounds, the left-back will join from Oldham on a free. Stephen Gleeson, Mark Duffy and David Cotterill also join to strengthen the midfield. Duffy and Cotterill join from relegated Doncaster Rovers whereas Gleeson has joined from MK Dons, another League 1 side. Soccer - Sky Bet League One - Coventry City v Brentford - Sixfields Stadium

The Star Man

Paul Caddis was a very strong player in the side last season and even chipped in with five goals from right-back (including the one that kept Birmingham in the division). His experience and tenacity is well respected and he is likely to again play a pivotal part in helping the team out for the upcoming season.

The Gaffer

Lee Clark is a manager of experience and after last season he will have learned a lot about the club. After a long stay at Huddersfield, he knows how to take charge of a successful team. Birmingham will find it tough to stay in the division, but even if The Blues go down, Clark is the man to be at the helm for the re-building period.

The Mirror

The Verdict? 22nd.

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