As Birmingham City’s season winds down, focus shifts to the upcoming Player of the Year vote. With Chris Davies’ squad out of the playoff contention and seven games remaining after the international break, the stakes are lower—but the season has still offered highs and lows worth reflecting on.
Despite a recent downturn, losing four of their past six matches, the Blues have secured 14 Championship victories, a sign of their potential and promise. Here, every player’s season-long contributions are rated and analysed.
Goalkeepers:
- Beadle (2,520 minutes): A young talent with potential, Beadle’s higher save percentage has earned him more starts than Allsop. However, given his inexperience, questions remain if he was the ideal choice this season.
- Allsop (990 minutes): Known for sublime distribution, Allsop’s best moments came later in the season, notably in the FA Cup against Leeds, yet he lost his starting spot early on.
READ MORE: Save 25% on Chef-Created Plant-Based Ready Meals from Grubby Subscription
READ MORE: Thousands of Drivers Face Significant Licence and Test Fee Increases from March
Defenders:
- Laird (612 minutes): Limited but encouraging appearances, especially in his preferred right-back role. Injuries held him back, but he’s a capable Championship defender.
- Osayi-Samuel (1,138 minutes): A disappointing season from the Nigerian, whose early promise on opening night was not sustained.
- Cochrane (1,531 minutes): After a shaky start, Cochrane found form with memorable moments like a thunderbolt goal against Millwall, though injury disrupted his season.
- Wagner (949 minutes): Bringing athleticism and effectiveness at left-back, Wagner proved an asset in his limited appearances.
- Klarer (3,240 minutes): Reliable and battle-ready, Klarer’s consistency shows he’s a defender Blues can rely on, though a stronger defensive partner is needed.
- Neumann (2,277 minutes): Improved team performances with Neumann notwithstanding, his inconsistencies and physical use raise concerns.
- Robinson (1,030 minutes): A turbulent season marked by red cards, an own goal, and costly errors; a fresh start for all involved may be beneficial.
- Panzo (504 minutes): A mixed bag—initially perfect, his form dipped, suggesting his future at the club beyond June is uncertain.
- Iwata (3,299 minutes): Effective as a right-back even when played out of position, Iwata could be a future key player in that role.
Midfielders:
- Paik (2,940 minutes): The team’s most dependable midfielder, marked by resilience and four goals despite injury setbacks.
- Doyle (1,749 minutes): Showed flashes of brilliance, especially with set pieces, but inconsistent form limited his starts.
- Solis (726 minutes): Once a fan favourite, his drop in form since the Leeds game and promotion disappointments cast doubt on his long-term prospects.
- Roberts (2,125 minutes): Leading in chance creation, Roberts contributed four goals and five assists, performing well despite weaker away form.
- Gray (2,052 minutes): Dual-phase season—strong until injury, then struggling to regain form—still, five goals and four assists is a solid tally.
- Osman (626 minutes): Exciting and brave, the young winger’s fearless style adds flair and energy, providing an upgrade over previous options.
- Vicente (451 minutes): Despite a promising debut with an assist and a goal, inconsistent performances have tempered expectations.
Forwards:
- Stansfield (2,832 minutes): A season that began spectacularly but cooled off, with 10 goals and six assists. However, a lack of goals away from home and a scoring drought worry fans.
- (Unnamed forward) (1,867 minutes): Recorded 11 goals and two assists in 33 appearances, often making crucial contributions, especially post-New Year.
- Kyogo (1,008 minutes): A frustrating campaign marred by missed chances and waning confidence, a key factor in the team’s failure to meet expectations.
- Priske (359 minutes): Small sample size, showing promise against Norwich but struggled in subsequent matches. Now is the time to integrate him more as next season approaches.
In summary, Birmingham City’s season has been a mixture of promising displays and unfulfilled potential. With crucial months ahead and decisions to be made in the transfer market, this review offers clear insights into who shone, who struggled, and who might shape the Blues’ future.