If there was ever a season that epitomised life as a Birmingham City fan, then this was it. The club had to battle against relegation, before sustaining brilliant form to put themselves in contention of a playoff berth, only for the club to be then hit with a points deduction to end the season, once again, fighting against the drop.
There wasn’t a dull moment, and there have been more highs than lows this season. It can’t be underestimated the job that Garry Monk has done at the club, and fans will be hoping that no clubs will come knocking for his services over the close season; because if the club can keep hold of the former Swansea boss, then next season could be a memorable one.
Here are a couple of the aspects that Blues fans can take away from this season.
Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz Partnership
One of the significant factors that ensured that the Blues have remained competitive all season in the Championship is the threat posed by their attacking partnership. It’s the oldest play in the book; the little and large partnership, and among all the tactics revolving around tiki-taka, this tactic still works as productively as it ever has. In fact, only two strike forces can boast a better tally for the entire season.
It is likely that Che Adams’ 22 goals this campaign will ensure that there are possible clubs that may try and tempt him away from the club. But, his form this campaign has highlighted what Blues fans already knew about the 22-year-old.
Comeback of the season
Everybody loves a redemption story, and that was evident in the reaction that came at St Andrews’ during the Blues Boxing Day clash with Stoke City. Omar Bogle was a boyhood Bluenose and was released from the academy before going on to play his way back up through the divisions. While the signing of Bogle wasn’t expected to set the world alight, it did present a wonderful opportunity for the 25-year-old to play for the team he supports.
The first half of his season was marred with injuries, and he was only able to play 13 times for the club. However, on one of those occasions, he scored a goal against Stoke City to give the Blues the points to take them up to seventh. The moment that stands out, however, is the pure emotion that came from that, Bogle couldn’t believe he had scored, and it was, without doubt, the loudest St Andrews’ was the whole season.
Competing Against Championship’s Best
It has been a few seasons since the Blues can claim to have a reasonable record against the best teams in the division. With teams over the past couple of years falling apart when they have come up against these sides. However, this new team with the right attitude has found a way to fight back against the better teams. There were early season draws against Norwich, Sheffield United and West Brom. Before later in the season taking more points against Sheffield United.
The two big ones that stand out are the doubles over Leeds United and Stoke City; with the latter of which being the first time that it has happened since the 1972-73 season. The early season win over Leeds at Elland Road to end the Yorkshire side’s unbeaten start to the season was undoubtedly Birmingham’s best result of the entire season.
