Football Season Guide

It was another disappointing season for Birmingham in 2021/22. Although never in danger of relegation they were always in the lower reaches of the table. A poor end to the campaign (one win in their last 10 matches) saw them finish 20th and cost boss Lee Bowyer his job. The new man in the St Andrew’s hot seat is former QPR assistant John Eustace, who takes on his second managerial role following a successful stint at Kidderminster Harriers. Eustace inherits a squad that is certainly full of Championship experience with names like Troy Deeney, Neil Etheridge, Gary Gardner, Marc Roberts and Scott Hogan. There hasn’t been a major turnover of players during the summer as yet with Eustace assessing what he has at his disposal. The three senior arrivals so far have been centre-back Sanderson returning on loan, following his spell at the club last season, winger Placheta and experienced keeper Ruddy. What Birmingham still lack is spark and creativity in attacking areas. Loanee Chong providing glimpses of it last season but missed a lot of the campaign through injury and has now returned to parent club Manchester Utd. The main challenge for Eustace is to haul the Blues out of the rut they have found themselves in for the last few seasons and bring some excitement back to the club.