Kieftenbeld: My deadline day misery

MAIKEL Kieftenbeld has spoken about his collapsed move to Derby and the pride he feels at fighting his way back into the Blues line-up.

The midfielder lifted the lid on how he wasn’t told he was surplus to requirements at Blues until deadline day.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” the Dutchman said. “Everybody knows (Harry) Redknapp had his own plan, his own thoughts about players and the way he wanted to play football.

“I still played a few games and then deadline day came, we brought in a lot more new players – and then they let me know that the chances for me to play for Birmingham City were not that big any more. Honestly, it was a s*** feeling for me because I had played here for two years and I really liked it.

“I am a fighter, I wanted to fight for my spot but I need a fair chance and if someone lets you know on deadline day that you don’t have that feeling it’s a fair chance, what can you do?”

Derby were alerted. Gary Rowett, who brought Kieftenbeld to Blues, remained an admirer. He appeared to have got his man, but doubts over the paperwork lingered and five days later it became clear that Kieftenbeld was still a Birmingham player. Even if they didn’t want him.

Redknapp sent a team out containing six debutants to a 1-0 defeat at Norwich, while Kieftenbeld returned to The Netherlands to spend the weekend with his family.

“I came back that Monday and I started again, fighting because I wanted to get back in the team. That was frustrating because we were struggling and I was in the stand.

“It wasn’t a problem for me to go back. Of course, in the beginning it was a bit weird when I entered the dressing room again and the boys clapped and said ‘Kieft, you’re back again’. I was like, ‘Hi guys’.

“Since then I kept my head down, kept working and it makes me feel even more proud that I am back in the team, it feels even better.”