Former
@birmingham_live
chief sports writer and Birmingham City correspondent; most recently head of media and communications
@bcfc
Views on here my own etc
With Birmingham City's takeover nigh and the hope of a sunshine new era, here's some thoughts I've put together.
Apt that such change kicks-off the venture of a personal, Blues-themed blog: Keep Right On
Please feel free to give it a whirl
#bcfc
The greatest
#bcfc
player. Came so close to creating history as manager. Professionally, personally, a proper gentleman I admired and respected. Sincere condolences to Matthew, James and the family. Rest in peace, TF. Thank you for the memories, good times and friendship 💙
A lovely day. A memorable day. Myself and plenty of others have seen so many false dawns and 'rebirth of the Blues' we’ve lost count. We just sigh. This one hits different. A long way to go, for sure. But it seems this is just the start. Birmingham, indeed, is on the rise
#bcfc
Sending
@roy_smiljanic
my very best wishes and big love. A couple of a weeks ago, Roy suffered a stroke. He is now back at home and is making a good recovery but needs rest as he recuperates and regains his speech (1/4).
Wishing this man all the very best as he undergoes surgery today. Epitomises what this team has been about in recent years. A really good bloke (now an adopted Brummie for sure) for whom nothing is too much trouble off the field.
#BCFC
The moment the old Wembley was demolished was the moment the history associated with the stadium went. It’s now the same as any other modern, clinical, bowl. Take England on the road. The country likes it, better atmosphere and I bet the players prefer in their heart of hearts
Congratulations Fulham. Deserved. Great football played this season, good people work there, great away day venue. Only defeated on last day after 23 league games without loss since December (ahem) and saw off the most expensively assembled team in Championship history to go up
Halfway through the season & again
#BCFC
show their edge, collective will, understanding of how to get results. A pleasure being around this group, from management/staff & players. As a together & genuine unit as I've known, as is the connection with fans. Happy Christmas all
Posts about 'stay aways' and fans coming back to the Trillion . . . sorry, St. Andrew's tomorrow . . . it's all a bit daft. No one fan is better than the other. Each has their own circumstances to deal with and makes their own choice. Yet how can anyone not be thrilled (1/7)
Relegation. Numbing. Shit. After eight seasons of circling the drain to League One, the footballing Gods stuck two fingers up. Not getting away with it this time, no teams with points deductions, no three worse teams. Other results on the final day not going
#bcfc
way. 🧵🔽
Simply put, the most significant happening in the club’s 149-year history. And an answer to the question about divisional status affecting commitment and long term plans. Stunning
#bcfc
news 👀
Club statement: Knighthead acquires 48-acre former Wheels site in Bordesley Park, East Birmingham: A key step towards creating a vibrant Sports Quarter and new world-class stadium.
Just a short message to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has taken the time to check out my Keep Right On
#bcfc
themed blog.
It's been six months now since I decided to pick up the quill again and keep the grey matter ticking over (1/4)
Huge, huge win for
@bcfc
so pleased for Lee Bowyer and the players, who have seemed frazzled of late. As he says, no need to complicate things. Lots to do - still a tough ask - but a nice start (1/2)
All of a sudden the
#bcfc
world in which a lot of us inhabit and are affected by seems a lot brighter place.
Results always dictate the mood 90 per cent of the time and the Easter Monday victory was huge, merited and a triumph for an organised, urgent and willing team 🧵
Top class pro on & off the pitch. Made indelible mark during his 6 years. 'Got' the club & fans, knew & played to strengths which allowed others to do their thing. Very much epitomised the Blues teams of recent yore. Kieft's energy & commitment to cause could never be questioned
Goodness me 👀
Suffice to say this isn't simply to ensure there's hot water in the Tilton toilets . . . as others have also remarked, this is hugely significant in regard the future plans of
#bcfc
The Club is pleased to announce it has entered into a multi-year partnership with leading global sports and entertainment company, Oak View Group (OVG) Europe Ltd.
Ten years gone
@BCFC
a day to remember, for all generations. Felt privileged to have reported on and documented such a treasured, historical occasion.
Came together like a group of warriors with an unyielding mindset that
#Bcfc
team. There was talent combined with a steely nous
Winning the title with three games to spare, currently 16 points clear, unbeaten away from home . . . been the dominant PDL side 👏 Congrats to the boys and staff - target: play-offs now, no let up! 💙
Random things you love to see:
Marc Roberts throws
Lukas Jutkiewicz headers
Wins at Derby
Lee Bowyer
No desperate last day scrap for survival
Well done Bow, the boys and the backroom staff. Fantastic turnaround, from a perilous state, that shouldn't be underestimated 👊
Ring out the bells?
This could be the end of the beginning . . .
If anyone going to the game today hasn’t now got a spring in their step, then they’ve been under a rock this past decade.
Here’s hoping there’s that sunshine around the corner, after all 🤞
KRO 💙
@alexjhurley
Just to pick you up here, Alex. Very surprised at you. I think this is hugely disrespectful to John Frain. A local lad, a very good player in at least two positions, more than 330 appearances for the club in largely testing times, an unassuming, good guy who gave everything.
A fantastic value-for-money servant to the club who performed in a variety of positions, without fuss. During his best spells when he was ‘on it’, it lifted the team levels, too
📝 David Davis has left
#BCFC
after six-and-a-half years at the Club.
@Diggad1991
has been a fantastic servant to Blues and we thank him for his efforts during his time with us and wish him every success in the future.
Emotional to see
#bcfc
scholars and the Women's Academy players paying their respects at St. Andrew's today. Poignant, as many of them are around the age Trevor was when he made his debut - and he also ensured the Academy was reopened when he became manager
A good, sensible and shrewd appointment. The right kind of hand that’s required on the
#bcfc
tiller as the club transforms. An experienced manager who knows what’s needed, how to get teams functioning and won’t be fazed by much. Very highly regarded by all who come across him.
Something about this Blues lot. So well prepared, tactically and physically, and as astute and organised a
#BCFC
as I've seen for this league. Clear in the plan, method that suits the…
A few thoughts on
@MaximeColin_2
and Harlee Dean:
Over six seasons and 250+ games, Max proved himself a reliable and consistent defender. He did a job at left-back too at various times. Probably because he wasn't 'flash' he maybe never got the credit he merited (1/6).
Sad news about Terry Cooper. Not only a fantastic player, an excellent manager & a good man. Some fun, wonderful memories from his spell at
#BCFC
Helped keep the club going at a critical time. Always accommodating, engaging & above all genuine. My thoughts with Mark & the family
Professional, polished, plausible and above all uplifting opening words from Tom Wagner.
New owners who clearly know what they've inherited, what they want and how to map out the journey to get there.
Very positive and encouraging for
#bcfc
fans, the club and the city.
Thank goodness for that, at a place that’s been a graveyard too. Could/should have skewered them with those other chances. All about the result and ending the misery on the road. Pleased for all KRO
This is significant. Hugely so. Two stakes, totalling 45 per cent, to be sold in the club, plus the ground purchased. OPL have done some arm twisting here. And maybe it seems parent company BSHL are, at last, accepting the beginning of the end. Nothing yet concrete but a big step
Gotta love a 1-0 away win
@bcfc
👏 and it was a ‘Colin’ of course 😂 formation may have flummoxed them, to a man everyone did what they had to - credit Bows, staff, players - might have killed it off with Juke, Hogan chances. Nonetheless pleasure to see, big win to start
#bcfc
What a win, a first over Coventry in the league for 13 years, when Jukey started up front for the Sky Blues 😯 Urgent, determined, focused, controlled. Still work to do but a huge fillip. Good day all round!
#BCFC
#BCFCu18s
#FEA
Excellent, vibrant, insistent and aggressive performance from Blues. Back to pre-World Cup pressing, energy and cohesiveness against an in-form and quality-laden side. First double over Albion since 1999 - Adebola and Ndlovu no doubt approve
🧵👇
It was a pleasure to welcome the new owners and management team of Birmingham City Football Club this afternoon. I also presented a plaque to Tom Wagner, co-founder and co-CEO of Knighthead and Chairman of the Board, Birmingham City Football Club.
@BCFC
@BhamCityCouncil
They stab it with their steely knives
But they just can’t kill the beast
A good day reminiscing about what can and should be achieved and what it means to those of us that really care, plus an important three points
Peace, love KRO
Birmingham City can confirm that Manager, Tony Mowbray, requires medical treatment which means he will be temporarily stepping away from the on-site management of the Club for a period of approximately six to eight weeks.
Reasons to be cheerful, Pt. 2
Another key hurdle cleared. One to go, before a significant
#bcfc
watershed moment.
Knighthead/Shelby Companies going about this in a thorough, professional manner, which bodes well.
Two managers from my youth gone: Ron Saunders now Jim Smith. Created contrasting kind of
#BCFC
teams, yet enjoyable in their own ways. Different characters, both football men. May they rest in peace.
🚨 Keep Right On blog 🚨
The £33.5 million investment that will have transformed St. Andrew's by next season - regardless of
#bcfc
divisional status
Further reflections on
@BCFC
Open House evening⬇️
In all my (many) years can't recall a Blues side that has started the season so well but not got what they have genuinely deserved. Therefore so pleased for so many. Arguably the best…
After so long away, odd feeling to be back in this press box in a working* capacity & part of the away team, too, on the day the new
#bcfc
manager is announced. Thanks to Paul, Heather
#bhafc
happy to help & sharpen the quill again 👍
* remain available for reputable employment💙
That 09/10 campaign on loan, after finding his feet at the beginning, Joe Hart was consistently exceptional as
#bcfc
finished in their highest position for 51 years. England should have started him in the World Cup after that season end. Best wishes for a happy retirement
Something else isn't he? Wins ball on edge of own area, touches return pass beyond the defender, drives on, immediately chooses the intelligent option to Rashford, continues with a decoy run . . . all at full tilt. A force of nature, absolutely elite
@BellinghamJude
#ENGITA
🏴
Regardless of views per se, no club should be having to do this. I hope Coventry can sort out their issues and in the meantime the hand of help and friendship is extended down the A45
A signing that stirs the (Blues) blood! Quite a statement from the club &
@T_Deeney
himself. It will galvanise the support, add more leadership & a winner's mentality to a team that you can see is gradually transforming impressively & sensibly under Lee Bowyer & Craig Gardner
And it would be remiss of me not to talk about Jasper Carrott's tribute to Trevor Francis. I know how emotional it would have been for him. And when he stopped and let the Keep Right On continue . . . goodness. God bless, TF 💙
Very significant part of the longer term transformation of the club and what it stands for. Turning attention to the city, its problems, ‘our people’ and a desire to make tangible change. Moving
#bcfc
community arm to another level. Heartening to see and admirable from ⬇️
The Club is pleased to announce it has entered into a multi-year naming rights agreement with Shelby Companies Limited, which is majority owned by Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company.
This signifies the largest commercial agreement in the Club’s history.
RIP Frank Worthington. What a player, entertainer & character. Was always great company. Remember even at his benefit match at St. Andrew’s in which George Best guested he pinged this crossfield volley 50-odd yards perfectly to feet so easily & elegantly - that was him all over
Lived the dream; living the dream. Wish every success for this gifted young man whose talent, desire to improve, winner's mentality to go with a fantastic character and humility will take him far. Scary to think the strides he has made already and what's still to come
#KRO
Congratulations to a fine young man and a fine young talent who has the ability, mentality and drive to end up redefining the modern midfielder's do-it-all role 👏 What a platform to perform on, one he'll undoubtedly embrace and revel in. Best of luck, Jude
Fantastic news. Don’t think I can recall a player so focused, positive and determined to recover from such a serious injury, from the get-go. Testament to his mindset, will power, medical/physical care and attention 👊🏻
👀 look who's back . . .
@Diggad1991
returned to action for Blues Under-23s in the 2-2 draw against Leeds United Under-23s at Wast Hills today
The midfielder has made a remarkable, earlier than expected comeback after fracturing his left ankle in the second week of pre-season
He won't say anything, so I will: coming on for
#bcfc
21s at 16 and scoring 👏 Frank. Injuries, unavailability providing involvement. And a back post tap-in (cheers
@Wakefie13Kieran
) They all count; you've got to be there...trust, preparation meeting opportunity and all that KRO
Enjoyed watching this lot. Been a team effort from all, season long. Talent and bags of character. Under-21s still with a glimmer of winning the league, under-18s winning the league; both play-off bound (confirmed top two) . . . can’t recall that happening before 👏💙
Double take, there. At first I thought this was something to do with Jonathan Spector . . . then I re-read it and put the audio on 😄
You don't have to be an NFL aficionado to realise this is big and another signpost to what SCL and
#bcfc
are about strategy-wise 👏
Apology due to the big man.
In the last Keep Right On blog, the bit about 'players who signed on loan then did all right', completely forgot he was at
#bcfc
for a month before a permanent £50k move from Cambridge. Amended. Hopefully the passive aggressive abuse on here now stops.
Big indeed and
#bcfc
worthy of it. Controlled if profligate, so it was good that the (decisive) goal did come. Can see how the manager wants the side to evolve in terms of taking, keeping, using the ball. Were tighter tonight, too. Shout out to Roberts (M), captaining the side👏
Gards has to start every game centre mid (best player post 1st lockdown); try & get best out of Juke-Hogan, to their strengths; Leko at the end with that committed header; Dean in a happier place; Seddon involved, long overdue. Let's hope to keep that approach going
#bcfc
(2/2)
Have to hand it to Gianfranco Zola, to Jude Bellingham: 'Where was you when I was at Birmingham? You were only 12 . . ?' 😁💙 Less said the better about what Zola was doing when he was 20! What an insightful interview, too. So much mature, level-headed intelligence on all topics
Thrust into a unique predicament, here's the outcome. There was never any easy decision here and this might not be the end of it. We will see. Tom Wagner, his executive, don't sit idly by. Moreover, the main thing is that Tony Mowbray makes a full recovery without complication
The Club can confirm that Manager, Tony Mowbray, will take a formal leave of absence until the start of pre-season 2024/25.
The Club has appointed Interim Manager, Gary Rowett, with immediate effect.
Through all of this, and however it pans out, Tony Mowbray’s health is the most important thing. I hope his recovery is full and without complication. 💙
What (another) fantastic achievement by
@BellinghamJude
👏
If he gets serious game-time, he won't be fazed, he'll simply embrace it
And the scary thing is he's only going to get better year on year
#BCFC
Nerve-jangling and fitting climax to the season for these lads. Extra-time down to 10 men, two others hardly able to walk . . . dug very deep to show that resilience and character to add to their ability, to find a way to win
#BCFCu18s
Proud of this one, making his starting debut for
#BCFC
u21s, up against an international in
@BenG0dfrey
no less. Contributed to a good 1-1 draw in the
#PLCup
against
@EvertonAcademy
👏💙
Congratulations 👏 a great surge to the play-offs & outstanding in every department in the final. Particularly pleased for those mainstays who now bow out. They've been part of a talented, group of thoroughly decent guys; a nice way to go with silverware
Two players who have given commendable service and whilst never headline-grabbers and perhaps under-appreciated, they have been influential in their own ways in different sides and for different managers. Respect and good luck.
📝 Jacques Maghoma and Jonathan Grounds are to leave the Club when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Thank you for your contributions to Blues, we wish you both every success in the future.
Very best of luck to Lee Bowyer. Always held affection for Blues, having the best day of his career at Wembley and, as part of that team, giving us our best day watching. Remember last year him making a point of getting in touch to apologise in effect for not waving to (1/3)
Standout comment on
#bcfc
"It's a huge story and could be one of the biggest stories in football, certainly over the next few years."
Interesting. Very interesting 👀
🚨 new Keep Right On blog post 🚨
#bcfc
transfer windows - you can't always get what you want
⛔️ Walk away like an Egyptian
⛔️ Moussa misery
⛔️ The Disappeared
⛔️ N'Zog's fog
and many more!