Birmingham City’s first season back in the Championship has been regarded by some as a crucial stepping stone. Finishing 10th, while not sensational, has laid a solid foundation for further progress.
Manager Chris Davies believes that with incremental improvements next season, the club can at least secure a play-off spot — as eighth place will guarantee a play-off position in 2026/27. Notably, this 10th-place finish is their best Championship performance since Chris Hughton led the team to fourth place in 2011/12.
August Priske’s crucial header earned Birmingham a final point at Portsmouth on the season’s last day, capping a five-game unbeaten run and ending the campaign on a high.
Looking ahead to the summer, the focus is on building a squad that can fight for promotion. Davies has recognized the need for a blend of flexibility and physicality to thrive in the fiercely competitive and physically demanding Championship. The early season exposed the limitations of a purely possession-based style.
Since January, the introduction of striker Priske — who excels in challenging defenders and pressing the opposition — has added a new dimension to Birmingham’s attack, moving them away from one-dimensional play. Davies plans to refine their dual approach over the summer, balancing possession with physicality.
Away form remains a glaring weakness and a barrier to a play-off push. Although their home form at St Andrew’s is strong, improvement on the road is essential. Birmingham have conceded the first goal in 18 of 23 away games and failed to score in nine. They converted only one losing position into a win all season, underscoring the need to take early control in matches.
The club has also struggled offensively away from home, ranking near the bottom for away goals scored. In response, Davies has shifted to a more physical midfield pairing of Tomoki Iwata and Jhon Solis, replacing the less effective combination of Paik Seung-ho and Tommy Doyle that faltered before Christmas. Striker choices have also changed, with Priske leading the attack and Carlos Vicente preferred over Patrick Roberts on the road.
Millwall’s success this season, built on their physical style and best away record, illustrates that physicality is a vital factor in Championship away success. Birmingham’s January signing of Jhon Solis has already made a notable difference, and the club is keen to secure him permanently. Solis’s presence strengthens the midfield and provides continuity, a valuable asset in the Championship’s demanding environment.
Looking to transfer strategy, retaining Solis alongside promising talent Ibrahim Osman would provide a solid starting point for summer recruitment. Davies anticipates needing to add five or six players, including a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a midfielder, a number 10, and one or two strikers.
Last summer’s rush to sign 12 players led to mixed results, highlighting the importance of careful, targeted acquisitions next time. With fewer spots to fill but higher expectations, Birmingham must rely on data-driven decisions to make the right choices.
If the club executes its summer plans effectively — securing key players like Solis and Osman and smartly filling other positions — there is every reason to believe Birmingham City can convert this season’s stepping stone into a genuine promotion challenge next year.