The Boys in Blue

The 2012/13 season was one of ups and of course, downs for Birmingham City. The financial crisis brought upon them by the Carson Yeung saga has caused a lot of players to come and go, but also has helped those that have stayed to stick together - by the end of the season they were a close-knit bunch. It's a shame that the bunch will more than likely be split up.

This is my take on last season's squad, players going out and those staying. Let's start at the top, with Lee Clark.

Lee Clark is an enigma. At times last season he looked out of his depth; sections of the St. Andrews crowd were calling for his head, but Clark kept his head down and did his best to prove them wrong. Credit must go to him for this attitude - he never gives up and this spirit flows through the team, especially the younger players. There have been questions about his managerial style and ability, which is to be expected when you lose 5-0 at home to Barnsley and are languishing near the bottom of the table, but in all fairness he appeared to turn it around and showed Blues fans why he was a highly rated manager. He also did something that Sir Alex couldn't - tame Ravel Morrison.

Colin Doyle: A true servant to the club, and one who is undervalued. Doyle has never really complained in his 11 years at Blues, despite being second choice for most of it. He showed signs of being a very good 'keeper but never got the chance to prove it. I am glad to see he has been given a new contract, especially as he is currently the only senior keeper at the club.

Jack Butland: Butland has been at the centre of a huge debate within the Blues community. That debate is 'Is he really all that?'. I personally am a big fan and think he will be England's number one in years to come. He is very confident in his own ability and has shown flashes this season of absolute brilliance. I can see the other side however - he has made costly mistakes and frequently looked suspect with crosses and shots from range. Maybe he will develop on these and become England's number one, or maybe he will become the new Scott Carson. Who knows?

Stephen Carr: A modern legend for Blues. When he was brought out of retirement, a lot of Blues fans were disenchanted with the signing. It seemed like a backwards move. However, Carr proved everyone wrong by captaining Blues to the Carling Cup, as well as being one of the best right-backs in the Premier League - maybe a slightly biased opinion, but he was so good going forward and solid defensively, which is rare. Obviously sad to see him retire (again) but wish him a happy life in whatever he goes on to do.

Paul Caddis: A Lee Clark signing, and one that came out of seemingly nowhere. Clark proved that there are bargains in the lower leagues and that he can spot a player, by signing Paul Caddis on loan. Caddis offers Blues another option going forward and is very comfortable on the ball. He likes to dribble at the opposition and links up well with Burke especially. He is not the best defensively, but then what can you expect for free? I'd love to see Blues sign him permanently, but the reported price tag of half a million may put the financially stricken Blues off.

Will Packwood: Packwood is a very unfortunate young lad. Just after breaking in to the team properly after some impressive performances out of position, and playing fairly regularly for the USA U-20's, Packwood suffered a nasty double leg break. Hopefully this doesn't stop him coming back as strong as he was before. He is very versatile, which is always useful, and has surprising pace for his size. Comfortable in midfield or defence, Packwood doesn't panic under pressure and may get his chance at centre back next season.

Jonathon Spector: The older of the two American players at the club, Spector is as versatile as his American colleague. Spector's height, mobility and energy make him ideal for any where in midfield or full back, and can even fill in at centre-half if needed. The main problem with Spector is that he has a poor injury record, and this is why I was surprised to see him offered a new contract. However, he remains a very useful player at this level.

Stephen Caldwell: Unfortunately, Caldwell had a poor season this season. Where before he was consistent and intelligent, he was now slow and out of position. A shame to see, as he was very solid the season before, but I think this was just one season too far. I think releasing him was best for both parties.

Curtis Davies: Curtis Davies is a premier division centre-half in the Championship. Highly rated as a youngster before his progress was halted by injuries, Davies has shown why, with a fantastic second half of the season. He was poor early on but was not helped by Caldwell or the inexperience of Butland. Davies is a fantastic tackler and very good in the air, with pace and strength as well. He is a threat from set-pieces and will probably, unfortunately leave this summer for a premiership side. Blues will struggle without him.

Pablo Ibanez: Despite his pedigree, Ibanez has been largely average for Blues since joining. He has had a few stand out games but also a couple of poor ones. Not surprised to see him leave, but Blues need a defender or two now to cover.

Paul Robinson: A cult hero among the fans, 'Robbo' is for my money the most fearless and the toughest man in football. Signed as a left back, his lack of pace was exposed and he was frequently caught out of position. At centre-back on the other hand, he has been very solid and become a fan favourite with his crunching tackles. Definitely deserving of another year.

Dave Murphy: Not much to say, been out most of the year. He is a quality full back when fit however - Blues have missed him.

Mitch Hancox: As a Blues fan, it's hard not to love Mitch. He may not be the strongest, the fastest or the best footballer, but he wants to play for the Blues, and that's endearing. He isn't a bad player by any means either, decent defensively and decent going forward, he will be a very good player, and possibly a cult hero, for the Blues. Most importantly, he hates the Villa.

Chris Burke: As was suggested by some of the Cardiff support, Burke has not had as good a second season as he did first time around. That being said, on his day he is among the best wingers in the league. He chipped in with some goals and assists again and could be very important for Blues, if he stays - there is reported interest from Nottingham Forest amongst others, despite Blues taking the one year option on his contract.

Nathan Redmond: Burst on to the scene last year with that wonderful strike against Nacional, Redmond was tipped for big things. It's easy to see why; frightening pace, close control and a powerful shot off both feet. However, in the early parts of the season he looked a different player, like he was scared to go past a man, and with little end product. Credit to Lee Clark, for leaving him on the bench for a few weeks, which seemed to bring him back to life. Playing in his favoured right wing role, he flourished near the end of the season and looked more like the prospect we thought he was.

Rob Hall: Looked a good prospect at Blues, with fantastic delivery with his left foot and electric pace, but a tendency to go missing. I think he'll develop into a very good player.

Shane Ferguson: Ferguson looked absolutely fantastic in the first few games for Blues. Quick, goes past defenders easily and fantastic delivery make him a very effective winger at this level. He did fade away towards the end of the season, but he is only young. Hopefully Newcastle will let Blues have him back on loan this season, which is probably dependent on them staying up.

Koby Arthur: Having not seen a lot of him, it's hard me for me to give an opinion on Koby. However, he must be highly rated by Clark, as he put him straight on the bench and on the pitch at the age of 17 ahead of more senior players. Hopefully we can see more of him this season.

Morgaro Gomis: I was very sad to hear we'd let Gomis go. I'm a big fan as a footballer, and he has also never complained and has filled in whenever needed. He is one of the best ball-winners in the squad and would not be on huge wages. I'm not sure why we released him.

Callum Reilly: Reilly was a surprise inclusion in the team against Crystal Palace at home, as he'd not been on the bench up till then. He was thrown in at the deep end, but to be fair to the lad he dealt well with it. Another player with the potential for cult hero status, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international could have a big season ahead of him. He is certainly not afraid of a tackle and has shown that he has a good shot on him, unlucky not to have more goals than he currently does. I was very happy to see his contract extended.

Keith Fahey: I, along with lots and lots of Blues fans, was devastated to see Fahey leave. I understand why it had to happen; his wages were probably amongst the highest in the squad and he is fairly susceptible to injuries. I also think that Clark is trying to build a squad full of pace and energy, so we can play a fast pressing game. Fahey is not blessed with pace or ball-winning ability to that extent. That being said, he is a very good footballer, and I wish him luck wherever he goes. Let's not forget, he was part of the cup-winning team, and has been a great servant to the club.

Wade Elliott: I have to hold my hands up. I didn't rate Elliott and used to groan when I heard his name on the teamsheet. I'm sure I wasn't the only one. However, he has proved me wrong and many others with some very good performances in central midfield. Creative with a good passing range, Elliott linked up very well with Ravel Morrison in midfield. I'm still unconvinced by him as a left winger; we still need to sign a left winger.

Ravel Morrison: Ravel is the most casual footballer I've ever seen - he makes Berbatov look rushed. It's easy to see why he was so highly rated by Sir Alex. Blessed with pace, skill and fantastic passing ability, it would be a shame to see him waste these. Again though, it's credit to Clark for reigning him in. 27 starts and 14 Man-of-the-Match awards says nearly everything. I'd love to see Blues get him on loan again for the season.

Hayden Mullins: After an utterly uninspiring start to the season, Mullins became the subject of a lot of stick from Blues fans, including me. He did get better towards the end of the season, even chipping in with a few goals, but overall a poor signing in my opinion.

Darren Ambrose: A very very poor signing from Clark. It's hard to understand why we wasted what little money we had a slow, unfit player who doesn't really fit into our system. Obviously Ambrose has talent, but he hasn't shown it.

Peter Lovenkrands: I'm still unsure on Lovenkrands. He tends to go missing but then he does pop up with goals sometimes. I'm not his biggest fan, especially now as he has lost his electric pace. He can be useful, but still not an inspiring signing by Clark.

Marlon King: King is one of the best all-round strikers I've seen at the Blues. His first touch is impeccable and links up well with the midfield, as well as being a deadly finisher. I hope Blues can keep him fit this season and keep him at the club. Blues missed him in the second half of the season. Clark has to keep hold of him.

Nikola Zigic: I love the big man. He may not be the greatest footballer but he scores important goals and wreaks havoc from balls into the box. Unfortunately he is draining the club of a lot of money, so it may be best to let him go. I'd be sad to see him go, as he is a hero of mine - if for nothing else than those goals against Villa and Arsenal.

Adam Rooney: Rooney was out of depth at this level. He is a good finisher, sure, but lacks pace and aerial ability. Hopefully he can do well and develop at Swindon.

Akwasi Asante: I'd like to see Asante get some game-time this season. If nothing else, he gives us mobility up-front. It's nice to see so many youngsters coming through, and hopefully Asante can break into the team.

Andrew Shinnie: If the plan on signing players is to find players like Shinnie, then I'm definitely on board. Shinnie looks like he could be a real coup. Nominated for SPL Player of the Season, he must have something about him. He's quite young and has a good goalscoring record from midfield. Could be a very good signing.



So that is my evaluation of the squad, I'd love to hear some feedback from any readers. If you've taken the time to read it then I appreciate it, I really do. Thanks for reading.