Only one cloud in pre-season Blue sky
THERE were aspects of Blues’ pre-season tour to Austria that were almost as impressive as the scenery itself.
The bond which is crystallising among Garry Monk’s squad, the sheer number of talented youngsters striving to make an impression.
It was an exercise that left anyone who saw it convinced the team and squad are in good hands.
Yet, it was difficult to come away without at least one doubt nagging away at the back of your mind, like an altitude-induced throb.
That sheer number of talented youngsters basically papered over a squad so thin there is virtually no cover in places. You couldn’t help wondering if what Birmingham City have now, they might have to hold until at least January.
The concept of a transfer embargo was effectively embargoed itself – but it is clear, there is at least something to be worked through.
Can it be done before August 9? Blues hope so, which is why they are trying to line up deals in the event they are free to recruit.
It was the one cloud in an otherwise benign Alpine sky. Here’s what stood out.
TEAM TALK It was impossible to ignore the repeated references to the bonding work that has gone on since Blues reconvened at the end of June.
They’ve been to Gibraltar Barracks in Surrey, they’ve been white water rafting in Bad Haring and they’ve larked around in the pool at both. This is a group which was torn apart and thrown together 12 months ago, yet which has begun to enjoy each other’s company.
“It wasn’t fake, they care about the shirt they are wearing and care about each other,” Monk said towards the end of the week.
Michael Morrison and Jutkiewicz both spoke about the growing togetherness among the Blues’ brothers. TWO MORE TO COME Isaac Vassell and Cheikh Ndoye remain to be integrated into the main group.
Vassell was in Austria but did most sessions with the club’s fitness staff. He’s thought to be around a month behind the rest of the players so won’t be far away come the first game of the season.
His return will boost Blues’ striking options by 50 per cent, from two to three.
Ndoye was not present. He has been given a couple of weeks off after his exploits winning hearts and minds – but not enough football matches – with the Senegal World Cup squad.
He will be back in harness at Wast Hills this week and could feature in the weekend’s friendlies.
With David Davis injured Blues have Ndoye, Craig Gardner and Maikel Kieftenbeld as senior central midfielders.
ELIXIR OF YOUTH Having around ten Under-23 players gave the squad a very youthful feel.
Steve Seddon and Dan Scarr unfortunately picked up knocks but Remeao Hutton, Dominic Bernard, Charlie Lakin, Corey O’Keeffe, Bez Lubala, Kyle McFarlane, Odin Bailey, Connal Trueman and Jake Weaver all played key parts and impressed at times.
Which is to say nothing of the golden oldies – Wes Harding, Josh Dacres-Cogley and Viv SolomonOtabor – who already have considerable first-team experience.
Lakin was never over-awed and gave full rein to his creative side, Bailey showed some beautiful touches in training, McFarlane’s energy was irrepressible and Trueman’s shot-stopping as good as billed.
NEW LEADERS Morrison, Harlee Dean and Jutkiewicz are clearly strong voices in the dressing room and often the public face of the team.
However, on the field other leaders are emerging.
Just as he started to towards the end of last season Jota was the one who assumed the most burden for unlocking defences. The Spaniard had a tough first campaign at Blues, caught up in the managerial chaos – but with a greater responsibility for set-pieces, and increasingly involved as the attacking catalyst, this season could be a big one. Also it was noticeable how much private tuition Jacques Maghoma was giving some of the younger players, quiet words here and there and little pointers worth their weight in goals.
HELP NEEDED For all the good work that has gone in – and will continue to go in – the fact remains Blues had 14 senior professionals in Austria, including Dacres-Cogley, Harding and Solomon-Otabor.
Vassell and Ndoye will be welcome returnees but if the group remains so tight on numbers Blues are going to need luck with injuries to remain as competitive as they were at the end of last season.
It feels as though Monk is paying for the extravagance of summer 2017 and he really needs the help of the board to give him a chance to put a real stamp on the group.
OVERALL There is much to be positive about the Blues’ management and players for the 2018/2019 campaign. Morrison commented that the pre-season ‘made sense’ to him and that he had been worked harder than for a number of years.
The players are clearly happy and believe in what Monk is asking them to do, there is no reason why they can’t recreate the unity in the stands and on the pitch that will make them, team and fanbase, a potent combination.
At this stage though, the missing ingredient, is fresh blood.