Often Partisan

Thinning Out

Neal Eardley yesterday joined the burgeoning ranks of Birmingham City’s loan rangers, joining Leyton Orient on a one month loan deal. With David Edgar joining Huddersfield Town until the end of the season, Olly Lee joining Plymouth and Guy Moussi’s short-term deal not being renewed the first team ranks at Blues has shrunken somewhat in the last few days.

I can’t say I’m surprised by some of the names that have been through the exit door (albeit temporarily in most cases) in recent days. Barring David Edgar, we seem to be moving on players who are either kids in need of first team football or fringe players who are unfancied. At this moment in time I’m quite happy for Blues to have a thinner squad of quality first team pros supplemented by the better kids from the u21 and academy sides – a lot of which is down to the trust I feel in Gary Rowett to bring the best from what he has.

As it stands, Blues are a bit thin on the ground defensively, with Michael Morrison and Paul Robinson the only fit senior centre backs – Will Packwood is coming back from injury and Gavin Gunning will be some time yet. With Paul Caddis, Jonathan Spector, Mitch Hancox and Jonathan Grounds making up the remaining senior defensive players I wouldn’t be surprised if Blues bring in at least one more defensive player on loan at least in this window. In the meantime there is a possibility of an opportunity for a young player like James Fry to step up to the bench and show that they can make the first team.

Despite the recent shenanigans in Hong Kong – another HK$8million apparently is missing, as announced yesterday – there is no immediate effect on Blues. All the money that has gone missing was accounted as not being available and as such it’s not an “extra loss” – it’s merely a loss that possibly shouldn’t have happened if it was indeed misappropriated. Things are tight at Blues and there is some juggling needed but there is room for manoeuvre and should they want to, Blues can bring in more players. The fact that Blues were able to once again refuse a bid for Dimmi Gray should show that we’re not desperate yet.

I will admit I was fearful for what would happen this January; as it stands I’m quite pleased and with the acquisition of one, maybe two more good players I’ll be pretty damn happy – especially if we manage to hold onto Gray. The future may not be anywhere near as rosy but as I said on talkSPORT early on Wednesday morning, at this moment in time the best thing we can do is get behind the team – a win tomorrow will surely help bring in more money from a cup run which could help finance Rowett’s plans further.

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22 Responses to “Thinning Out”

  • bluenoseneil says:

    …and don’t you think Dan – as I do – that every one of those departures was 100% warranted? Eardley hasn’t made the step up since joining which is scary as he’s played at this level before, ditto with Edgar (and he wants to play a role that’s covered by others), Lee was never going to get 1st team football any more once we had above-average and settled Midfielders in place, and Moussi just didn’t seem to fit for whatever reason.
    There is no point in having warm bodies for the sheer hell of it and that was probably Clark’s biggest weakness during his management tenure. Rowett clearly has a more ruthless streak and knows what constitues a balanced and stable squad. And a HAPPY one too!!

  • rhees says:

    He’s after a centre half I believe

  • Richard Granfield says:

    GR has assessed the playing staff he inherited and slowly and calmly has identified the ones surplus to his requirements. Unlike I may say Clark at Blackpool who has added numerous additions to his squad before he had his feet under the table.
    Although we have moved on 2 central defenders in Hall and Edgar we have cover, in the short term, with Spector and moving Grounds across.
    With the Emergency Loan window opening after the Transfer Window shuts Gary knows he can cover any eventuality.

  • Masaccio says:

    I don’t think GR will stress too much, he knows he has the loan window to pick up any PL players who don’t want to be stuck in the reserves for the rest of the season if he fails during the Transfer window

  • Tony says:

    Said at the start we needed a centre back and a left back,the attack seems ok as does the midfield.

  • bluenoseneil says:

    We don’t need a left back now, Tony. Grounds has been one of the surprise packages of the squad and playing very well. Hancox is adequate cover and Robbo can move over if need be.
    Agreed on a spare CB though as Sicknote Spector is not reliable, sadly.

  • Dave Mann says:

    A centre half and another passing forward thinking midfielder come striker would be my two players to bring in but of those gone out Edgar is the only supprise but rowett as his reasons and were leave it in is capable hands ….keeping gray with the money offered is a good sign and let’s hope he’s still with us come midnight on the 2nd February and we’ve also added those two players required but can’t wait till tommorow and the baggies cup game with a near sell out crowd and what should be a great atmosphere, just a pity we won’t have the same attendance the next Saturday for Norwich but that’s for another day …3-1 prediction kro

  • Chas says:

    Has this been mentioned ? I might have missed it.

    Meanwhile, Pool’s trip to Birmingham City has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday March 4 (7.45pm) on police advice

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    Appeal judge in HK reckons CY’s chances of a successful appeal slim.
    Yet another flying kick to the spuds for poor Mr Yeung.

  • Blue Lizard says:

    Lucky he’s still got his spuds!!!!!!

  • Dave mann says:

    And he will still be running blues in three years time so don’t get to exited boys… Kro

  • Blue Lizard says:

    No money and a sore arse might persuade him otherwise

  • pete says:

    Until his sending off and subsequent failure to regain his place, Edgar was our star performer this season. I hope he has gone to get matches, and has a recall should Morisson get injured. In recent weeks Morrison has shown elements of why Charlton let him go, turned easily and looked slow against Blyth and at home against both Reading and Wigan

  • pete says:

    Forgot to mention that Eardley was pap


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