Thirty minutes after the game a lone figure strolls in front of the distant Gil Merrick Stand. It’s been a pleasure to watch Jude Bellingham in a
@BCFC
shirt.
@BlackYellow
have a gem heading their way.
This fella’s done incredibly well - 17 points from eight games, safety in the Championship. Says he’s desperate to have the
@BCFC
fans back at St Andrew’s next season. Difference maker.
A circuit thanking the stewards, the staff, even saying goodbye to those of us who covered his only
@BCFC
senior season. Almost an hour on Jude finally heads back to the changing rooms.
Alen Halilovic has passed his medical at
#bcfc
and terms have been agreed for the 24-year old Croatian. Aitor Karanka sees him as a good fit for the 10 role.
Former Spanish international Mikel San Jose is due for a medical today at
@BCFC
. The 31-year old defensive midfielder/centre half is a free agent after leaving Athletic Bilbao this summer.
Great to see Olympic boxing champion Galal Yafai bringing his gold medal to St Andrew’s. The
#bcfc
fan tells the crowd he wants to win a world title in Birmingham.
Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove has passed his medical at
@BCFC
this morning and is just completing the paperwork to confirm his move to St Andrew’s. He’s at the stadium to watch the game against Coventry.
It's been announced by
@BCFC
that Xuandong Ren has resigned as the club's CEO with immediate effect. The board have thanked him for his service and contribution. There is no news yet of a potential replacement.
So, Aitor Karanka’s departure from
#bcfc
will likely be confirmed tomorrow. Appears to have been decided late last night. Club hope to have a new head coach in position in time for Wednesday’s game at home to Reading.
It appears
@BCFC
are set to complete the signing of Elche left winger Ivan Sanchez on a free transfer. The 27-year old can also play as a 10. He’s helped his side into the 2nd Division play-offs which continue this week. Was linked with quite a few clubs this summer.
Garry Monk had 11 games to save a
#bcfc
season, Lee Bowyer has 10. Strikes me as the sort of character that may give the squad an instant lift. Really looking forward to seeing what he does for the Reading game tomorrow.
Aitor Karanka is set to be confirmed as Pep Clotet’s successor at
@BCFC
this week. Club CEO Xuandong Ren has been in Spain finalising negotiations with the former Middlesbrough and Forest boss.
Six games, 13 points, four consecutive clean sheets -
#bcfc
may not be safe just yet but Lee Bowyer’s impact has been remarkable. Nothing wrong with scrappy wins when they’re most needed.
#nervesfrayed
Credit to the
#bcfc
media team for the way they’re drip-feeding the arrival of Troy Deeney, and kudos to the club for pulling off a deal that many have doubted was possible over the past 48 hours. Troy and Blues - should be fun to watch.
Garry Monk stressing that main topic of conversation among
#bcfc
players when they got back to the changing room was the noise and support from the travelling fans.
Tomorrow evening just after 6
@bbcwm
we have a full interview with
#bcfc
CEO Xuandong Ren. And tune in to Breakfast with
@DazHaleWM
in the morning for a couple of extracts of what he had to say.
Three away wins already for
@BCFC
, top half of the Championship table, and a group absolutely giving everything to the cause. Finally a win at Hull 13 years on as well. Huge credit to John Eustace and his staff on a positive start under tricky circumstances.
This should be a day to raise a glass to the future of
@BCFC
- the people behind this takeover have made their move professionally, diligently and confidently. If they build on the connection they’ve already made with Blues fans, you feel that rosier times are ahead.
Enjoyed a chat with
@BCFC
loanee Tahith Chong earlier - says he spoke to Jesse Lingard about coming to Blues and he only had positive words to say about the club. A four-goal debut may be a bit much to ask…
For what it's worth, my understanding is that
#bcfc
interest in Scott Hogan remains very much active, but no deal as yet. Rumours surrounding Kayden Jackson are wide of the mark.
A really strong signal of the
#bcfc
players togetherness, Bacuna ushering John Eustace forward to exchange thanks with the travelling fans. Fitting end to a good performance.
Lee Bowyer quick to praise the
#bcfc
travelling fans who were loud and proud today. Second half felt far more like LB’s Blues, deserved the point. Mengi outstanding at the back, looks a fine addition. Hernandez showed glimpses of the threat he poses. Better.
Adam Clayton stressing that
#bcfc
have now set themselves a standard that they mustn’t fall below. Full of praise for debutant keeper Zach Jeacock. Clayton the organiser Blues have been crying out for on the evidence of today’s game.
Hard to put into words what Trevor Francis means to
@BCFC
. As a player he was ahead of his time, from a brilliant teenager to a star on a European stage. As a manager he cared deeply about the club, and was great value to those of us in the media. We've lost a gentleman. RIP.
With 12 players in,
@BCFC
have had a window about as busy as when Harry Redknapp was in charge. But this isn’t a trolley dash like then. This has the air of a well-plotted strategy, and under budgetary constraints. They won’t all fly, it’s football. But it’s quite the turnaround.
Have just heard the sad news that
#bcfc
fan Barry passed away last night as a result of his MND. His daughter Carolann has asked me to thank the club, and particularly Lee Bowyer and Lukas Jutkiewicz, for making a poorly man very happy. It was a pleasure to meet him. RIP Barry.
Blues fan in Scotland gets surprise visit! 🏴
Barry Morley, who has supported the club for 60 years, couldn’t believe it when Lee Bowyer and the Blues players began training the other side of his garden wall at Troon FC.
Hear why he loves the club👇
Che Adams tells
@bbcwm
he wasn’t too concerned about his future on transfer deadline day as the
@BCFC
top scorer was out celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday.
Lee Bowyer says he didn’t want to put too much pressure on Troy Deeney by starting him on his
#bcfc
debut. Concerned at some of the challenges Tahith Chong was on the receiving end of. Loved the atmosphere which was, to be fair, spectacular.
Reports linking
@BCFC
with Middlesbrough defender George Friend are spot on - terms are agreed for him to join up again with Aitor Karanka. Brings experience and versatility.
Aitor Karanka, on the surface, looks to be the ideal appointment for
#bcfc
- I believe there have been constructive talks about transfer targets. It’s crucial that the new head coach has a say in the strengthening of the squad. Knows his way around this league.
Lee Bowyer confirms that Dion Sanderson has been recalled from his loan by
@Wolves
. Says
@BCFC
will have a replacement in by next weekend, and are also close to bringing in a replacement for Riley McGree.
A lot to be pleased about for
#bcfc
tonight - rolled their sleeves up, competed like their lives depended on it and got a priceless win. Big step forward.
Koji Miyoshi and his minder Kevin Long! Koji says he didn’t expect his first
@BCFC
goal to come right-footed, but caught it perfectly. Could be the bargain if the summer.
George Friend says he didn’t know he’d be playing for
@BCFC
this evening until 6pm as Auston Trusty felt too unwell. Maxime Colin missed training yesterday through illness too. Lukas Jutkiewicz soldiered on with a pulled calf. A fine patched up victory! 1/2
It’s going to be unusual at St Andrew’s without Maikel Kieftenbeld. Great professional, a pleasure to talk to over the years and incredible value for around 170k. All the best to him at Millwall.
I'm hearing that
#bcfc
are going to be cleared of a second breach of the EFL's financial rules. They were accused of not following the business plan imposed on them by the EFL last season. So, no points deduction.
John Eustace dedicated the
@BCFC
win to the four boys who lost their lives at Babbs Mill Lake. Full of praise for Tahith Chong and his first goal of the season. Says George Hall missed out with a calf strain.
Aitor Karanka delighted with the commitment, spirit and fight in his
#bcfc
side. Pleased with performances of all his new signings, and again stressed there are more to come. Praise too for Jukey getting through more than 90 mins after very little training.
Gary Rowett full of praise for Jay Stansfield’s composure on the winning goal for
@BCFC
today - says atmosphere reminded him of his first home game against Watford almost a decade ago. Big win.
Now that Clayton is in
#bcfc
priority turns to striker(s). They’re optimistic that they’ll add to their forward options before the Brentford game. Meanwhile, there have been no fresh negotiations with Cardiff for keeper Neil Etheridge.
Reports from Spain say that
@BCFC
target Jeremie Bela has settled his contract dispute with Albacete and is now a free agent. I understand confirmation of his move to St Andrew’s is pretty imminent, and he would be available to play as soon as he gets international clearance.
Also credit to
#bcfc
for making lifelong supporter Barry so welcome at training. His house backs onto Troon FC, and several of the players have taken the time to chat to him. Lee Bowyer handed him a signed shirt after this morning’s session.
Harlee Dean full of praise for
@BCFC
coach Matt Gardiner and his set-piece routines. Says his goal came from a corner move they worked on in training yesterday. Believes this squad is capable of a top half finish.
Tahith Chong says the
@BCFC
players will be utterly frustrated on the bus after creating 17 chances and scoring just once. Also said he’s enjoying being part of a young, energetic midfield.
The latest on midfielder Ivan Sunjic and
#BCFC
as I understand it - club optimistic of getting him over the line. Seen as a key cog in the system Pep Clotet favours. Another young, hungry player - which appears to be theme of this summer’s recruitment. Big 24 hrs ahead.
Asked Tony Mowbray about transfer business going on at
@BCFC
- "Lots I would have to say, more than I expected. I'm quite hopeful, I think Craig Gardner's going to have a busy few weeks. It's not a window where we can spend millions of pounds, but we can move things around."
It would appear that
#bcfc
’s next signing could be 28-year old Spanish striker Alvaro Gimenez from Almería. Was top scorer in Spanish Second Division last season with 20 goals. Has a release clause of €1.5m which Blues are willing to meet.
Anyone who has followed Jude over the last couple of years at
#bcfc
will understand his dad’s frustration at this. As a family they handled every challenge of his first senior season with respect and care.
Catching up with the week. How disappointing that journalism is dead and this kind of fabricated rubbish is put out there. Why try and create a negative narrative of a greedy footballer when all behaviour says the contrary? Let the boy play 🖤💛
Tomorrow evening from 6pm till 7pm I’ll be joined live on
@bbcwm
by
@BCFC
Managing Director Ian Dutton. He’ll be taking Blues fans’ calls and listening to your ideas on what the club could be doing better. Join us tomorrow from 6.
Proper away win that for
#Blues
- solid first half, terrific second half. Deserved the three points. Halilovic cameo very promising, Bela and Sanchez at their best. Timely.
On the first of this month's two deadline days,
@BCFC
are closing in on the loan signing of 21-year old attacking midfielder Riley McGree from Adelaide United.
Chuks Aneke’s stay at
#bcfc
was brief as he rejoins Charlton for an undisclosed fee. Meanwhile I’ll be chatting to
@DazHaleWM
at 6 about the
#BSHLOUT
hashtag and the understandably growing frustration at the club’s ownership.
Surreal day poking a mic under the nose of Tom Brady for
@bbcwm
. It’s going to be quite a ride for the
@BCFC
supporters under these owners. The times they are a-changin’.
Wishing Tony Mowbray a full and speedy recovery - he’s made such a strong impact in a short time at the club. No-one is better placed to continue his work in the meantime than Mark Venus, the squad should be in safe hands.
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.
Well. Flippin’ ‘eck. That was an absolute mullering. Absolutely clinical 90 from
#bcfc
against an opponent that were pretty game up until the hour. Chong the headline act but the supporting cast were excellent.
Just a note that contrary to some reports there has been no contact between
#bcfc
and representatives of former England keeper Joe Hart. The club has a list of GK targets with Aitor Karanka having the final say.
The main takeaway chatting to
#bcfc
boss Lee Bowyer today was that he’s not sure he’d welcome Alen Halilovic back into the fold now - feels the Croatian was made a good and fair offer. Reasonable stance, time to pursue other targets.
Garry Monk says he’s really proud of his squad after that win, Omar Bogle utterly thrilled to fulfil his boyhood dream. And
#bcfc
didn’t reach 37 points last season until April. Tremendous effort again today.
Garry Monk confirms that
@BCFC
defender Harlee Dean has been battling through a groin injury for more than three months. He’ll now have an operation to prepare for next season so misses final two games.
Interest being shown by
@BCFC
in Pacos de Ferreira striker Douglas Tanque. Widely expected to be on the move this window, Blues are willing to pay £3m for the Brazilian. Would have to fend off some competition for the 27-year old.
I’m told that
@BCFC
put in a substantial club record offer for Dwight Gayle today, and were willing to match his wage demands. Ultimately Newcastle’s valuation of the player proved too high.
Lee Bowyer confirms that Gary Gardner was missing for
#bcfc
today due to COVID. Should be available for next game. Also says club captain Harlee Dean has been told he’ll be available for transfer in January.
Lee Bowyer very optimistic about
@BCFC
’s hopes of bringing in
@Wolves
defender Dion Sanderson for the season. Hear what Bowyer has to say on
@bbcwm
just after 5.30 during
@DazHaleWM
’s show - including his thoughts on new signings Tahith Chong and Juan Castillo.
Wayne Rooney says
@BCFC
are likely to appeal Krystian Bielik’s red card in the hope of having him available on Boxing Day. Encouraging news on Lee Buchanan’s injury, hopeful that it’s not too serious.
Lee Bowyer says he’s not sure if
@BCFC
will land Troy Deeney - describes him as “a good striker, a leader - there’ll be a lot of clubs interested him.” Could be an interesting three days ahead….
I’m told that
@BCFC
are working on extending Ruddy’s contract beyond the one-year deal he signed when leaving Wolves last summer. He’s certainly made a strong start to the season.
John Eustace has praised keeper John Ruddy at today’s
@BCFC
media briefing - “He’s been very, very good on and off the pitch. He’s got great experience, he’s been promoted from the Championship. We’re very fortunate to have a player of his experience at the football club.”
Confirmation that Jude Bellingham has headed over to Germany to sort details of his move from
#bcfc
to Dortmund. Fee likely to be a record for a 17yo. Expected to return for Blues’ final two games of the season.
Well, that was different. In a good way. An organised
#bcfc
with some pace and plenty of purpose. Stabilised themselves after the second half wobble. Bacuna and Placheta give them serious attacking threat, Trusty’s home debut impressive. Baby steps, yes. But welcome ones.
Tremendous gesture by
@BCFC
to look to trigger the extra year in Maikel Kieftenbeld’s contract after learning that he’s damaged his anterior crucial era ligament. Kieftenbeld faces up to nine months on the sidelines. His deal was due to expire in 2020.
That feels like a huge win for
@BCFC
- coped with early injuries, created plenty of chances, McEachran outstanding on his first start, Jude doing Jude stuff, and the best free kick since Frei at Rotherham (if not better).
Final reflection on
#BCFC
today - it really summed up the season so far. Utter commitment. Fighting as a united team. Executing their plans. Creating chances. Strikers giving visiting defenders a torrid time. Players and fans together and loving it. Defying the odds again. 👌
Lots to admire about John Eustace’s
#bcfc
again today - organised, committed, together and enough threat to keep teams wary. Stood up for themselves when things got a bit tasty second half.
John Eustace confirms that
@BCFC
goalkeeper Neil Etheridge reported being racially abused late in the game at Ewood Park. The match officials were made aware of the incident at the time.
Can’t fault that
#bcfc
performance - controlled the Boro threat in the second half. Best MSJ showing, Dean and Friend immense, so much better in possession. Timely.
Lee Bowyer pleased with the commitment and resilience shown by
#bcfc
to earn a point with a patched up side. The club will appeal Ryan Woods’ red card. Praised Matija Sarkic after his ninth clean sheet in 19 starts.