ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Birmingham City
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Birmingham City
Posted by Arun Verma on 08/23/2009

For Alex McLeish's Birmingham City, it's been an enthralling first week back in the Premier League, to say the very least. For the fans, it's been a week of pain, fear, and frustration mixed with just a bit of relief in the shape of a James McFadden penalty.

The week started with a daunting trip to Old Trafford, to face the best team in the land. However, fans were filled with belief that this season could turn out to be a successful one, after a resolute performance against the very best.

Yes, United were not at their best, but Blues made them play badly. Blues hurried and hastled the United stars, and they were unlucky not to score one or two. One shot cleared off the line, and one world class save to deny Christian Benitez. Not bad for relegation fodder.

Next, came a shock. A real shock. Not the kind of shock that makes you jump but then you come around to the idea with a smile on your face. This was a real shock. Carson Yeung announced his return to the fold in a rather unique fashion as it was announced that he was to takeover the club. Yeung has found new backers from China and he is looking to complete an £81.5 million takeover of the club in the next couple of months.

Good news? Not to me. For those of you who didn't know, Yeung tried to take over 2 years ago, but he eventually retreated into the shadows due to an alarming lack of funds. However, he retained his 29.9% share in the club. He loomed in the background when every big decision was made and his aims were never fully revealed. He tried to get 'his men' put onto the Board, but his advances were unanimously rejected by the current Blues board. Yeung has no representation on the Board at the present time, but this takeover deal would result in both the Golds and David Sullivan being bought out by the Chinese businessman.

Yeung has returned to the back pages of the local press, and in the space of a week, rumours about an offer have resulted in a concrete offer being placed on the table along with a £3 million deposit. It looks like Yeung will take over very soon, but this has got Bluenoses everywhere worrying. As I have said, no-one fully understands Yeung's motives, and you cannot blame a Bluenose for wondering how much money will be available for Alex McLeish. In past times, the current owners have happily dipped their hands into their pockets to save the club from going into the red, but will Carson Yeung do the same? Will he really sacrifice his own financial position for the sake of a club that he has very few links with? I can't see it.

The Yeung saga was the talk of the town when Portsmouth arrived for the Premier League match on Wednesday night. Fans were nervous to say the very least, and with a poor attendance, it was up to McLeish's men to change the headlines for the better. A dull game between two sides who really need to improve if they are to survive ended on a high note when David James clattered into Seb Larsson. The referee pointed to the spot and James McFadden slotted the ball away to grab his first goal of 2009 and an absolutely crucial 3 points for the Blues. David James argued that he did not foul Larsson, but while he did not look directly at the Blues winger, let's be honest, James took him out. Either way, the penalty was awarded, and the rest is history. Blues were on their way...

Then came Saturday, and another big game. This time it was a 'derby' (apparently), against Stoke City...what joy. The game could have put you to sleep at some points due to the clear lack of goalscoring opportunities and the lack of any real quality. It was clear that only Blues were looking to pass the ball along the ground, but that is not an attack on Stoke. They play their football and it brings them success. However, their reliance on Rory Delap's long throws was rather shocking and without Delap, they looked a side who will struggle to find the back of the net regularly.

Ah, hitting the back of the net. The age-old problem. It was also apparent this week that Blues need to strengthen their attack if they are going to survive. Yes, Benitez has looked okay, but let me make this clear: CHRISTIAN BENITEZ IS NOT THE SAVIOUR. Benitez is not God. Benitez is not the Messiah. He is just a talented footballer. If we are to survive, we need players alongside him who can also create a bit of a magic when required. Garry O'Connor has looked dreadful in the opening games and Kevin Phillips isn't the young gun that he used to be. Cameron Jerome threatens defences but his finishing is appalling, while the sooner Marcus Bent leaves the club, the better. James McFadden is a real star, but with him playing from the left wing, McLeish needs at least one new attacker to finish off the chances.

Whether McLeish will get that finisher however, is a completely different story. He hopes to sign a midfielder called Michel from Spanish side Sporting Gijon on Monday, and he has gone on record stating that the Michel deal would be the last cash signing by the club for the Summer.

It has been a decent start for the Blues - 4 points from the opening 3 games and Blues sit comfortably in 8th position. There is still work to do, but Blues are well on their way. After putting in such a good performance against Man United, no-one should strike fear into the hearts of Birmingham City staff. The transfer window is coming to a close, and McLeish has nearly finished assembling his squad. Three games down, thirty-five to go. McLeish wants to finish in the Top 17...Blues are well within that target.

Next up is a ding-dong derby against local rivals Aston Villa at St Andrews. Bring it on.

Comments

Posted by Drew on 08/25/2009

Oi this one finally knows what hes talking about. this is the year Go Blues!!!

Posted by Gary Lo on 08/28/2009

Under McLeish i think Blues will do fine , probably better than Bruce . this is because McLeish have identify the area which blues have been so weak on for many years, that is the Midfield and forwords.

I do hope that Michel transfer will go through because we do need a talented player like him.

As for Carson Yeung , i would hope that he will take Blues in to new heights and provide blues and Mcleish the supports.

Blues will rule with the next 5 years

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About
Arun Verma Arun Verma - I'm a student, and a massive Birmingham City fan. Football has played a massive part in my life since I was just a child, and the World Cup in '98 turned me into a footballaholic; my very first love was the beautiful game. My aim for the future is to become a sports journalist and in little over a year, I can say that I feel extremely privileged to have received the opportunities that have come my way. Apart from ESPN Soccernet, I also write for the official Birmingham City Football Club Matchday Magazine, Made in Brum, which is an unofficial Blues magazine, and www.joysandsorrows.co.uk (using the tagname akvbcfc). If you would like to contact me about anything I have written about, feel free to email me at arun.k.verma.91@gmail.com.

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