This is the club that’s given so much to me, the least I can do is give something back
WHILE the rest of football, including much of the national media, was lathering itself into a deadline-day tizzy over Che Adams’ future, the man himself was taking care of the things that really matter in life.
The Birmingham City striker scored his 16th goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest – just two days after a maelstrom of publicity linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Burnley and Southampton had bids rejected by Blues, with both clubs seemingly ignorant of the fact Garry Monk had always insisted he wouldn’t be selling any of his players – let alone his best one.
Yet still the speculation continued and it wasn’t until 11pm on Thursday night there was a collective sigh of relief from the Second City and it became clear that, during the hours and days before, considerably more heat than light had been generated.
Meanwhile, Adams went about his business. He trained as normal on Thursday, spent time with his teammates and then the rest of the day taking care of domestics.
“It was my girlfriend’s birthday, we went out for some food and carried on our day as normal,” he revealed. “There was not really any point on Thursday when I thought something might happen.
“I spoke with the gaffer the day before, we were all on the same page and I think everyone knows I’m happy at Birmingham.”
A surprise to some – but not to those who have watched him develop over the last twoand-a-half years, particularly in the past four months.
“It’s nice to get the recognition for my football here at Birmingham. It won’t affect me,’’ said Adams.
“Birmingham have got me to this point and we’re all giving back to each other. That’s what we wanted from the start of the season.
“When the gaffer first walked in, he was talking about commitment from all the players and that’s what everyone’s giving back to him.”
That was evident in Saturday’s game when, leading 1-0, Blues won a penalty deep into injury time as Adams’ shot was handled on the line.
Craig Gardner, on as a substitute for Jota, was the regular penalty-taker but just as he has on so many occasions this season, the 22-year-old spotted his moment.
“I took it off Gards, thankfully he gave it to me, I just wanted to thank the Birmingham fans and give them back a goal,’’ said Adams. “With what’s gone on I wanted to show that the passion and the desire is still here.
“It’s a symbol of respect as well, this is the club that’s given so much to me. The least I can do is give something back.
“The club’s done so much for me, the players, the fans, everyone. I’ve matured into a player and grown as man.”
Which is why the speculation will almost certainly resume in the summer. But for now one pleasing subtext to a surprisingly enjoyable season is whether Adams can become the first Birmingham City player since fans’ favourite Steve Claridge in 1995 to score 20 league goals in a single campaign.
The quest continues on Saturday when eighth-placed Blues head to QPR.
“I think we’ll take it a game at a time! I don’t want to get ahead of myself but it’d be nice to get 20,” Adams added.