Often Partisan

Defensive Crisis

Birmingham City were yesterday plunged into a defensive crisis with the news that in addition to Kyle Bartley suffering a hamstring injury against Barnsley Dan Burn has been recalled by his parent club Fulham.

Blues’ recent run has been built on having a fairly solid and consistent back four and I will admit it’s a bit frightening to consider what is left due to injuries. By my reckoning the only fit options at centre back are now Paul Robinson, Will Packwood and Hayden Mullins and with Mitchell Hancox not quite ready to come back moving Robinson across will mean either Shane Ferguson or Amari’i Bell at left back. Whilst it is possible Dan Burn might come back to Blues I would think Lee Clark is desperately looking to see if there is anyone else he can bring in using the wages he was paying Burn.

Of course, this is the problem with being reliant on loaned players – whilst Burn was on loan for the season to Blues (as is Kyle Bartley), standard year-long loans do allow for a break clause in January where a parent club can recall them. I’m not entirely sure if Blues will have had to agree to the player going back but I suspect that there may well have been a clause in the deal that Fulham could recall him in January if required (as it happens a lot) and if that clause was there there would have been nothing Lee Clark could have done.

There are options also in the academy set up – James Fry signed a professional contract at the end of last season and could well have to step up to the fringes of the first team; Nathaniel Kelly has pushed on and has been a regular for the u21s also. However, both players are raw teenagers and it would be a true baptism of fire if either had to be involved in a Championship campaign to plug gaps left by the departure or injury to more senior pros.

One would think that Blues are more fortunate that they have had their FA Cup 3rd round tie put back but it may not be the case; it’s something I would have to check but my understanding is that players have to be eligible for the original date of the tie (ie Saturday) to be eligible for any postponed fixtures/replays – something that happened to Blues when Keith Fahey originally signed for the club and wasn’t allowed to play in the FA Cup due to being suspended for the original tie. If it is indeed the case it means Blues have roughly an hour or so to bring someone in or they are going to have to go with what they have for that game at least.

Dan Burn could also be the first in a series of departures – Jesse Lingard and Aaron Mclean both have loan periods that have expired and whilst I know Blues would want to keep both it would be wise to assume nothing until it’s properly announced. Scott Allan could now return to West Brom should his parent club want him as it appears his Blues career is dead in the water and we’ve seen the short term contract of Dariusz Dudka be allowed to lapse. Blues could end up in the scenario where we go into the second half of the season a markedly different team; we’re used to the team having to be ripped up every summer but to have to do so in the winter would mark a new low.

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140 Responses to “Defensive Crisis”

  • JohnR200 says:

    Is it right that Burn has only been recalled for the FA Cup tie?

    • Biggun says:

      Yes….. but could be perm, depending on what Fulhams new manager thinks of him… then only if another club dont come for him.. and the contract is nul and void at moment.. we would have to re negotiate if he was to come back… Gentlemens handshake would mean that we would see him back if Fulham dont decide to keep him

    • Bobble says:

      Fulham are away at Norwich in the cup so there is chance that their cup run ends tomorrow and they send Burn back. Fingers crossed!

  • blewnozejohn says:

    we cannot keep changing the team to this extent, twice a year. It is fortunate that the recent run has taken us away from the bottom 3 by 8 points, a small buffer. Saying that I think that Bartley is more of a loss than Burn. Let us hope that LC has another contingency up his sleeve. When is all of this going to end Dan?

  • Frankie says:

    All part of the ‘juggling act’ that Lee Clark has done all season.
    We’ll get through it and Clark will get little praise.

    • Biggun says:

      I agree… many people are critical of clarke… but look at what he has done with resource.. to keep the team going moral and trying to play a certain style, keep us in the league is what should be classed as sucess until we get rid of CY and his clan… KRO Clarke

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I think it’s quite possible that Lee Clark might switch to 3-5-2 to get us through this crisis. If he has to play Packwood, he might consider Mullins and Robbo either side for their experience in helping the lad along. It might not be a bad thing, because then Caddis and (possibly) Ferguson will push up. That way, we could utilise Burke in behind Novak and Zigic. Conundrums conundrums.

  • AuldBertie says:

    We could always play Zigic there or Nicolite as I heard him called by a wag sitting behind me – we all know how good he is in the air ;)

    • StaffsBlue says:

      As I said yesterday, it might work, as he’s good at heading away from the goal. ;-)

    • Biggun says:

      GOOD WITH HIS HEAD…. GOOD IN THE AIR… Im assuming this is a joke post… did you see his miss against forest… and at 6fr 103 he still dont win much in the air he is weak..

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Tongue in cheek mate… tongue in cheek!

        • macca salop blue says:

          It’s a fair point about Zigic playing in defence. The last 2 home games he’s headed certain goals off the line and saved certain goals, I’d like to know the stats when he defends corners and free kicks, he always seems to be on the end of them. Trouble is when we attack it’s the opposite he seldom makes an impact. Not too sure how other aspects of his general play and positioning would be like as a centre half, I’m sure LC will have this covered.

  • pierre says:

    would rather sacrifice lingardfor a good center half, done little for me since his four goals.

  • thongs says:

    Burn wasn’t great but the thought of Packwood pulling on a Blues shirt again fills me with dread. Worst player i’d ever seen….until i saw Gray that it.

  • Agent McLeish says:

    I’m sure that LC is scouring player availability using only the begging crumbs that he has available. To be where we are in the league is a testament to LCs ability to produce something with nothing. We’d be sitting rock bottom with many other managers in charge and I still cannot understand why he does not get the credit he deserves. What is left of the club are together in this scrap even though resources have been squandered by the current ownership.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    He needs to either bring in a good young premier defender, or one from the division below who he knows could do a job for us. I’d be surprised if we got anyone from the Champs… our rivals.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    For the cup tie, I would have said play a full strength team and see how far we could go… but now, it might have to be used to try a few things out. It’s distinctly possible we could lose most of our loan players… if not all. That would leave us very, very thin on the ground. I think this side would probably get us through in the cup.

    Doyle

    Mullins Packwood Robinson

    Caddis Adeyemi Burke Elliott Bell

    Zigic Novak

  • Frankie says:

    Saw Big Joe Gallagher at the ground a few weeks back,.
    He doesn’t look any older .. draft him in !

  • chudlt says:

    Not suprised Dan Burns has been recalled, he has been our best defrnder and Fulham are in a relegation battle.
    Don’t quite understand why in a discussion on defenders there is an attempt to hijack it by the anti Zigic brigade.

  • Chris W says:

    Having to rely on loan players is always going to produce problems, LC is probably aware that this may happen so hopefully he has a plan B.
    Not sure we need Lingard or Mclean, the latter has not impressed in my book, but he might well be better playing on his own up front, Lingard has offered something, but again, has looked lost since Hancox got injured.
    We really are light at the heart of defence and should have played Packwood either in the cup games or as a sub, just to get him up to speed, Dudka admitted the pace was too fast for him so throwing in a raw teenager is asking a bit much.
    I think 3-5-2 would be our best option with Caddis-Robbo-Ferguson, Burke-Adeyemi-Mullins-Lee-Shinnie, Zigic/Novak…. from the players we have available, of course we might get Lingard or Mclean and hopefully Burn back. Any news on how long Bartley will be out for?
    Worth trying for the cup game at least, Championship survival has to be our main goal this season so experimenting in the cup is our only option and neither Bristol Rovers or Crawley should offer too much for our experienced players, I’m more concerned with our lack of winning at home.
    KRO+DNM

  • Quokkasskip says:

    Here hoping Burn plays in the FA cup for Fulham, has a stinker, scores an og…….
    and they send him back to us!

    Chudlt Bartley has been our best defender, but losing Burn would be a big blow.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Reading the Fulham message boards, the fans are quite chuffed about getting Burn back. A lot are expecting him to play against Norwich tomorrow.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    I am really confused about the opinions of both the fans and Lee Clark with respect to some of our squad. To say Lingard hasn’t done anything since his 4 goal haul is amazing and in total contrast to the opinions of the press and radio commentators who regard him as the quality member of the squad. I thought that Scott Alan was also a quality player with potential and Ferguson and Dudka all fall into that category, but have never been given a chance. We also all know that Darren Ambrose has a pedigree and was a class player and many thought that his expected renaissance this season could have been a massive bonus, but he too has not been given a chance. None of this seems to make sense when we are scratching around for players to improve the squad yet not realising the potential of those we have under our noses!!??

  • StevieW says:

    How far is Will Packwood from being ready??? He was doing some running stretching exercises before the Forest game looked like he was well on his way to being ready.

    Take all the loanees out the equation and can we field a football team that could work?

    I suggest some of you younger guns take your boots to the next game you might need them.

  • Poppa999 says:

    Not much scope for further injuries going into the second half of the season. I would think Fulham will keep hold and we will need to get more bodies in. Getting Burn was a real coup but we do need to sign someone, rather than rely on loaners. From what I saw Allen and Dudka seems okay, but there are too many midfielders and not enough central defenders. Would be happy to see Spencer back.

  • Mario says:

    Trust in Clark he is doing a great job with his hands tied. We will probably lose him come the summer. Still as long as Asia rays is still functioning all should be ok

  • Will says:

    Crawley Town’s FA Cup second round replay against Bristol Rovers is also off after a pitch inspection after heavy rain.

    So no Third round games at Blues yet

  • StaffsBlue says:

    So we’ve got until the 11th of Jan to sort things. That gives us a bit more time at least.

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    Burn is an old-fashioned stopper and we don’t have one of those at the club now so we really have got to get this sorted

  • Will says:

    AARON Mclean has return to Hull City from his loan spell at Birmingham for treatment to a hamstring injury.

    Mclean joined the Blues on an emergency loan deal at the end of November, making two starts and five outings as a substitute.

    However, he picked up a hamsting niggle in the Boxing day 0-0 draw at Wigan after coming on with 20 minutes to go and has not featured since.

    Birmingham today confirmed that he has returned to the KC Stadium for treatment, but Blues boss Lee Clark may try to take him back to St Andrews again when he regains full fitness.

    Read more: http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Aaron-Mclean-returns-Hull-City-hamstring-niggle/story-20397084-detail/story.html#ixzz2pLLt3Br4

  • Alfred Lyons says:

    Yes a blow indeed. We loose all the height we have in our defence.
    Lets hope he don’t fit in with Fulham as he does with us, and they send him back.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I think Almajir could be right, in respect of there being a completely different look to the team in the second half of the season. At the moment, we have Bartley injured (who knows if he’ll go back to Swansea to be treated) McLean injured, Burn recalled, Lingard recalled, Allan off the radar, Ferguson on the fringes. Add to that Hancox, Murphy, Spector and Eardley and… jeez, that’s practically a whole team. There’s going to have to be a frenzy behind the scenes in the coming weeks, to stop the season blowing up in our faces.

    • Mario says:

      10 unbeaten and we re still 17th if this squad is not strengthened we could be in serious trouble. All the top teams are visiting us and e are terrible at home. Clarke will get it right I’m sure but it’s going to be tight

  • jtgBlues says:

    Clarke’s strength has been in sorting defensive line-ups strong enough to ensure draws. Burn and Bartley have begun to play well together and in recent weeks have contributed to the unbeaten run. With the changes outlined above, it feels like we will need to rebuild momentum to scrap for the points to keep us up which is the best we can hope for. Clarke should be credited with the work he has done given his limited resources and track record. His management has limited creativity and at times undermined individual player’s confidence but there is no point in moaning and we just need to hope he can restructure the side quickly.

  • kneesup mother brown says:

    Can I just convey a huge thanks to Dan Burn for pulling on the jersey and always putting in a load of effort for the cause . I ve seen him drop the odd clanger or two but would be more than happy to see him return if possible one day as I felt he was always a ” trier “. Good luck to him.

    • Chris W says:

      He always applauded the fans before the start, gave 110%, applauded the fans at the end, yes he dropped some clangers, but who hasn’t. Has to be contender for player of the season.
      KRO+DNM

  • Shirley Blue says:

    The squad looks horribly thin now. I can’t see how we can get by without getting another centre back in. Robinson is only one yellow card away from a two match suspension. Assuming Packwood can fill Burn’s boots needs a huge leap of faith based on what I have seen of him so far. Hope Bartley’s injury isn’t too bad. It really is desperate a club like Birmingham city is in this state and scratching around for players.

  • DoctorD says:

    My predictions for the year.

    1. We finish between 10th and 17th.
    2. Carson Yeung gets convicted and brings a family member in as boss but we stay in Chinese hands.
    3. Lee Clark is still here on 31 December.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Thinking about it logically, we were in a bigger mess than this last season and we pulled through. That included fielding 7 teenagers in one game. Well, some of those youngsters are all still here.. and they’re a year older. If needs must.

    • Chris W says:

      At the moment my main concerns are how weak we are at the centre of defence, we have proved we can score goals and create chances. Defensively though we have looked vulnerable, collectively we have worked hard and managed to overcome these frailties.
      I still believe that we will finish mid table and that will be a great season under the circumstances. I also honestly believe that from somewhere Hong Kong will find just enough money for a half decent centre-back should Burn not return…. I trust LC to find another gem and hopefully he will slot straight in.
      LC deserves a break, he is working hard and just when things start to look up for him, someone opens a box of fireworks with a blow torch….
      Glass half full still…just
      KRO+DNM

      • blueviper says:

        Almost every game we give a goal away down the middle or from a cross
        so perhaps by luck we may find the answer to ending up drawing after going ahead
        and win instead( not withstanding away at Bournemouth
        KRO

  • sappy dad says:

    randolf
    packwood mullins robbo elliot
    adayemi
    burke caddis lee novac
    zigic

    all till we know more

  • Steveg1875 says:

    Loving some of these bizarre suggestion for formations, does show what a mess we are in. I think a couple of Packwood remarks have been harsh, I think he has decent potential and has probably had to play at full back more often than centre half. As has been mentioned I think Clark has to revert to three centre halves of Mullins Packwood and Robinson. Think they’d struggle in a pair, but would be capable in a three with Reilly / Adeyemi tidying up in front of them. I actually think this would give excellent options from wing back for Caddis Hancox Ferguson depending on availability. Mullins has actually looked solid at centre half compared to how much he disappointed in midfield. I think Clark must go with three at the back.

  • Daza says:

    I wonder if our friendly neighbours West Brom could help us out and loan us Dawson (first name escapes me?) in exchange for Allen going back. Dawson looks a cracking centre half who pops up with a few goals too. Only prop is of course the Baggies have no manager at the mo so a loan decision could be unlikely. Just a thought, KRO

  • mark says:

    20 year to the day kidderminster knock blues out of the cup on home soil barry fry our wonderful, colourful, delightful manager at the time…………….

    • Darren Brown says:

      One of my lowest points was losing 3-1 to Brentford in the 2nd rd FA Cup in the 90s. I think the main stand was the only stand open to home supporters and 5000 in attendance.
      Let’s be positive and see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
      Some BIG stories about to unfold with reference our club.
      CV7Blue

  • Darren Brown says:

    Lee Clarke is doing a great job and deserves a lot of credit.
    My 2014 prediction –
    1) finish 16th (good)
    2) Carson leaves
    3) New multimillionaire owner who will splash the cash & stable our ship.
    4) Trevor Frances & Jaspa Carrott have a place on the new board of BCFC.
    6) BCFC trust is given 25% of the club.
    7) Fulham,West Ham villlllla to get relegated.

    Please don’t become NEGETIVE about my club.
    Please let this story unfold !!!
    WHO’S THE BUYER ?
    CV7Blue

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Scott Allan is staying at Blues. Apparently, Albion won’t take him back.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    It has been stated that all three parties have to agree for a Loan to be terminated early. That is why Scott Allan is staying as Albion are refusing to take him back.
    In that case why doesn’t LC refuse to allow Dan Burn to go back to Fulham?

  • dave mann says:

    dan burn is fulhams player, they want him back, nothing we can do about it,
    scott allan is west broms player, they dont want him back, we are not in a
    position to tell fulham that they cant have there own player back… simples!!!.
    were just have to get someone else in if we can of load others or stick with
    what weve got….any way the guys are getting a well earned few days off
    and then all systems go for brighton next saturday and another 3 away points.KRO.

    • Richard Granfield says:

      What you are saying is true enough. But it isn’t consistent with the assertion that all three parties have to agree for the Loan to be terminated.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Aaron McLean’s injury as the reason for his return to Hull appears to be false,because he starts in today’s cup tie at Middlesbrough.

  • dave mann says:

    thats the case that there saying but the buck will walways go with the club that own the player
    burn might have wanted to stay and so would blues but fulham was always going to win no
    matter what the three party situation is, theres talk though that he might be straight back after
    the fa cup game anyway so fingers crossed there Richard. KRO.

  • dave mann says:

    on mcleans case is and lingards loans are up anyway no matter injury or not so again were
    have to see what happens there also..KRO.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    McLean scored for Hull after 10 minutes.

  • Sh!t on the villa says:

    In regards to formation and tactics it would have to be back to wingbacks for the next few games for me.

    ——————-Randolph——
    ——Mullins – Packwood – Robbo
    Caddis ———————————Fergie
    ————Reilly – Lee – Adeyemi—————-
    ———————Novak——————————
    ———————-Ziggy——————————-

    Lots of crosses into the box, hope zig or novak can nod a few in!

  • dave mann says:

    maybe your right shit on the villa but weve gone 10 games unbeaten playing 4-2-3-1 and
    i wouldnt change it because of bartley and burns situation.
    bartley
    caddis packwood robinson hancox/ ferguson

    reilly adeyemi
    burke novak shinnie
    zigic.
    injuries permitting thats the team i would go with next saturday against brighton. KRO.

  • dave mann says:

    sorry mate i meant randolph in goals not bartley…..dumbass!!!! KRO.

    • Sh!t on the villa says:

      I think a straight swap with packwood in for burn/bartley will be too much for him.. He has not played at championship level since his leg snap which is why i suggested starting with almost 5 at the back until packwood finds his feet. If he comes back as solid as he started last season then i think with Hancox close to being back as our LB finding a permanent replacement for lingard and then ziggy is the biggest crisis..!

      Will be interesting to see what clarke decides on and whether this will end our unbeaten run.
      KRO

      • Chris W says:

        On a more positive note, should LC go with 5 in midfield it might give us a more attacking approach with Ferguson added to the left side, we will be ore balanced with extra options.
        Personally, though losing both Burns and Bartley is a blow, it could work in our favour, teams know how we are set up and have become pretty predictable.
        I feel our run will continue, we have a whole week off so the bug should clear up and any tiredness overcome.
        KRO+DNM

  • Steve Aerobic says:

    So far Maclean has scored twice…..bye!

  • dave mann says:

    aint it always the case Steve…. why are we supprised. KRO.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    McLean probably understandably frustrated at not getting much football with us especially when Shinnie is getting picked ahead of him or Blues didn’t want to carry on paying his wages.

    Either way he wasn’t injured so why just be honest about the situation and not make fools out of the supporters. Just another example of the farce this club has been reduced to in the recent past.

    • Blue in Spain says:

      His loan period was up, so why does anyone need to be lying?

      • mark says:

        agree with you BIS I am stuck to think who’s lying…….his loan expired he has returned back to hull….shame really we could have done with his 2 goals he scored today against barnsley, i hopeful we can have him back like all strikers they do need a run in the team…………..

  • mark says:

    Peter Pannu if you do read this blog please please find some more money to support our manager in his hour of need…………talked to him and support him, and reassure us,and on your next return to birmingham put your arm around our manager. Tell him what a fantastic job he is doing in this extreme circumstances ………………… hope you want what we all want success…………kro

  • chas says:

    From Sky Sports.

    Goals from Aaron McLean and Nick Proschwitz secured Hull City a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round today, but manager Steve Bruce has confirmed both strikers could leave the club before the transfer window closes

  • BeeGeeBlueBoy says:

    McLean wholly ineffective for us. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why?

  • StaffsBlue says:

    We’ve had a lot of crises over the past season and a half.. and Lee Clark has pulled us through every one. I trust him do his stuff this time too. The one thing he never seems to do is panic, he takes every knock in his stride.

    • mark says:

      absolutely right staffsblue while other managers have fallen by the wayside Clark has continually pulled us and himself out of the fire………..but i do hope pp and carson assist him further………it extremely more difficult when you are half through a season to plan again…………..

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Well, if Burn, Lingard and McLean don’t come back… there’s 3 lots of wages that could go to someone else… hopefully. A centre back is a must and a decent striker would be nice too.

        • Shirley Blue says:

          I would agree with that. A centre back is the absolute priority – my gut feeling is that Packwood is not going to be the answer. We are just about ok in the fullback and midfield positions. The next priority is a striker. Unfortunately it tends to be a lot harder to get hold of half decent players on loan in January than in the summer.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Hopefully, there could be players available that weren’t back in August. I’m not sure, but don’t clubs take stock of their squads and revise squad numbers for the rest of the season? I may be wrong on that. But, with a bit of luck, someone might be available that wasn’t a few months ago. Fingers crossed.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    Then why not just state that he was going back to Hull because his load period had finished rather than issue a statement that he had gone back to receive treatment for an injury? He hasn’t had much time on the pitch and when he has it’s been wide on the left.when he is actually a striker which we are not exactly overrun with!

  • Poppa999 says:

    Remarkable how Aaron McLean’s hamstring got better!

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    If you were Fulham and Burn wouldn’t you think it would be beneficial that he went to a Championship promotion chaser if he were to go out on loan again?

  • StaffsBlue says:

    If I were Fulham, I’d be grateful that he’s had experience of fighting against relegation. He’s gonna need it.

  • mark says:

    it was confirm to be niggle hamstring…..maybe it just felt tight…..like you say he scored yesterday…….i believe he had few days rest before returning to hull …..i am of the opinion he be back with us shortly…and hopefully burns………whether these can be arranged before the Brighton game who know’s…………….

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Perhaps a couple of new loanees might freshen things up a bit. We’re on a blooming good run of 10 games unbeaten, but maybe, with all the draws, we’ve become a little stale of late. A couple of new faces might be what we need to put the zing back into our play and turn these draws into wins. Ya never know.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I don’t see the problem with McLean. He only had a slight hamstring niggle and, I’m sure he would have been fit enough to play yesterday… but not for us if we’d had a game. His loan spell had expired, so he would have gone back to Hull anyway.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      In the BM this morning:

      He was not sent back because of injury – the loan was always due to expire on January 1 regardless, then all parties would decide the next step. Clark spoke to Steve Bruce about Mclean, and intimidated he would like to re-engage him. But it has transpired Mclean wanted to keep his options open anyway.

      Puts that to bed methinks.

  • mark says:

    fans just need to chill before the snow comes………we keep bouncing back from adversity…..From the start of the season til now clark is definately worth his salt………

    • StaffsBlue says:

      We’ve lost a few players mark, but it’s not as though the ones we still have aren’t used to playing together.We just need to get tighter in centre midfield to help out the back 4. I’m sure we’ll be ok… and if not, there’s always the loan system again.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Man U at home in the next round. Nice.

    • chas says:

      They haven’t beaten Swansea yet, just as we haven’t beaten anyone ,,God, I feel like Tony.

      • sandpit72 says:

        True,many ‘events’ need to go the right way first,but it must be inspiration for the likes of Crawley,Bristol R & ourselves,and with united looking vulnerable the rare hope of a victory-
        Can’t remember when we last beat them !

      • StaffsBlue says:

        I wasn’t actually saying that we were playing them…. I was just thinking out loud that it would be nice.

      • chas says:

        Well, I don’t like to boast But… And this means we will lose another C/H for this game if we get past the next round.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          If we do get through to face Swansea, the Watford game will have to be postponed. It’s possible that after the Brighton game next Saturday, we won’t play away again until 8 Feb.

          • Chris W says:

            How do you work that out Staffs, we play the 3rd round tie on the 14th Jan and Yeovil 18th jan.
            We could do without so many games with such a small young squad, but this week off should rejuvenate some batteries.
            KRO+DNM

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Away – Brighton 11 Jan

            Home – Crawley/Bristol R 14/15th Jan

            Home – Yeovil 18 Jan

            Home – Swansea 25th Jan (if we get through) (Watford away postponed)

            Home – Leicester 28th Jan

            Home – Derby 1st Feb

            Away – Charlton 8th Feb

  • StaffsBlue says:

    The great Eusebio has passed away, aged 71. A true great. RIP.

  • mark says:

    noted that lingard possibly in the starting line for Man utd against swansea today

  • StaffsBlue says:

    No mark, that’s Lindegaard the goalkeeper. Lingard isn’t in the squad.

  • mark says:

    would refer swansea as i know we can beat them …..lol

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I can see Yeung and Pannu wringing their hands, Fagin-stylee at the prospect of Man U coming to StAns. If Utd play the likes of Smalling, Ferdinand and Evans, I’d fancy our chances of scoring.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    You got your wish mark. :-)

    • mark says:

      lucky punt staffsblue utd are shocking………….or should i say woeful
      I agree with your sentiments about swansea they will want to have a right go at us, but our togetherness that night took to new levels……………………i would like to see a bigger crowd if possible than before…….maybe our club can go £10 again any where in stadium kids for quid would certainly lift the volume in the stans………….

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Not sure how I feel about Swansea. They certainly won’t take us lightly again, they’ll be out to put one over on us this time. I’d have preferred Man U with their hopeless defence. Oh well, we have to get through this round first.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    Very disappointed its not Man U assuming we would have got through. Would have got a full house if they priced it right and the away support. We need some excitement on the pitch – there has been precious little for a season and a half now.

  • Blue92 says:

    Why not get Packwood back he can do the job


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