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Finals and Fireworks
It’s been nearly four weeks since the Championship season ended and boy has it been quiet. Although there have been rumours of signings Blues solitary capture so far is youngster Alex Jones from West Bromwich Albion while the interminable stories of a takeover have also gone very quiet as Ernst and Young quietly get on with their work.
I don’t think I’m the only person feeling the frustration over it either. The message boards are quiet and while there is the odd bit of gossip every player we’ve been linked with so far has been underwhelming and realistically untrue. While it’s great that EY are sticking to the rules and are updating us on a monthly basis the fact is it’s a monthly basis – and I get the impression in some quarters that monthly isn’t frequent enough – especially as people want the deal done ASAP.
It’s all made doubly hard by the continual stories, countdowns and God knows what else the Birmingham Mail is printing about some match that takes place tomorrow. While in some ways being an ex-pat is hard because of not being in Birmingham and not being around Blues fans I can quite honestly say I’m glad I can escape in the main the madness that tomorrow will be.
However, the mob from across the expressway aren’t the only ones in a Cup Final. It may only be the WSL Development League Cup Final, but Blues Ladies’ development squad are in it and it’s played on Sunday at Stratford Town’s ground. If you’re jonesing for a football fix and you’re at a loose end I’d recommend going; as non-league grounds go Stratford Town’s is up there with the best and the best bit is it’s free on the day. If you’re interested – there is more on it here on the Birmingham City Ladies website.
Hopefully June things will start to move again. As time ticks on to the return to training for pre-season Blues are going to want to bring in new players as quickly as possible and I’m guessing we’ll see some more solid stories on that front. I think it’s only a matter of time too before we see movement in Hong Kong too – if only to sort out funding for BIH to keep them in the black and to ensure better prospects for the club.
The only fly in the ointment might be if Peter Pannu emerges from whichever rock he is currently hiding under to push through with his legal claim against BIH for the “hurt and distress” caused to him by having him removed from his management positions within BIH and BCFC. The word was that Pannu is going to sue but we have yet to see evidence of that – I understand if he does it will be announced to the stock exchange as it’s a reportable event. I have a suspicion if that does come to pass then the fireworks will be reignited – but this time I hope we’ll be watching with glee rather than fear.
Tags: Blues Ladies, Peter Pannu, WSL Development League Cup Final
76 Responses to “Finals and Fireworks”
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Nicely put Dan. I think people are wondering if anything is going to happen, particularly on the playing front and I guess expectation has kept pace with the optimism with which we finished the season.
Keep up the great work mate.
Cheers
It will be a very sad day for us Saturday IF vile win the FA cup .. Forget this ‘ there a midland club ‘ crap you get from people who don’t follow there club with the same dedication and commitment as most of us on here do … There make every possible noise if they win and we can’t put up with that especially as they’ve stayed up by the skin of there teeth again! … We’re the only team in the midlands to win a major trophy this century , I pray that’s still the case come 8 tomorrow evening ease god !! Kro
The result will be what it will be. There nothing we can do about it but frankly I think Arsenal learnt their lesson against us in 2011 and will turn up all guns blazing tomorrow. West Brom and Liverpool did not perform against the vile in the last two rounds and let them walk into the final. It will be different tomorrow. Arsenal are a very good side, in great form and going forward will cause a fragile vile defence all sorts of problems. No doubt the vile will have a go and may even get a goal but I really think Arsenal will not slip again in a major final again and the Witton Historians will come home empty handed.
I will of course be very sympathetic towards the poor unfortunates and offer to try and cheer them up by showing them my DVD of Blues beating Arsenal in a Wembley Cup Final only four years ago! It’s the least a kind Bluenose should do. 4-1 to the Arsenal.
To be honest Dave, I couldn’t care less if they win it or not. I have no interest in them whatsoever. If they do win, so what? All I would say is, it took them long enough! We were still the first Birmingham club to win a trophy this millennium…. whatever happens tomorrow, that won’t change. :)
p.s. Memo to Arsenal: If you let that shower beat you tomorrow, you should hang your heads in shame.
After Arsenal’s experience of losing to us in the League cup final then im pretty sure they wont want another team from this neck of the woods doing the same. I only pray that Arsenal do beat the vile otherwise ill be turning my phone off for the next month or two.
Totally agree Dave. If you are a Blue there is no hint of Claret in them veins mate. I cannot buy into this we are all midlanders” stuff. They don’t want us to support them, we don’t want them to support us. That is true football.
re tomorrows small event in North London-that other vile team from across the city were I was born, may and I PRAY NOT have the right to celebrate come 8pm on Saturday night – I dislike Arsenal intensely not on the pitch but there fans are very similar to the Vile fans, think they have a divine right to win everything? the difference is I HATE the vile -no doubt about it- so remember the consequences as a blue nose if we get the wrong result tomorrow- none of this nandy-pandy rubbish please supporting all midland teams- the Vile are and always will be our enemy- you never get into bed with your enemy-NEVER- so here is hoping the Gunners win easily -6-0 would be great.
It has gone quiet on both the Hong Kong and transfer front. It’s seems that we have settled into a pattern of short busts of activity in Hong Kong and then several days or weeks of silence. I choose to take this as a good thing and suggests as you say the the receivers are quietly going about their business in moving things forward. What we are moving towards remains unclear but having secured funds for BIH and BCFC it’s not going to see the club run out of money over the summer which I feared would have happened had the receivers not been appointed. It’s just frustrating that everything seems to take forever on the ownership front and the issue is in a constant state of uncertainty and fog. That is not a criticism of E &Y who clearly are saying what they can within the rules of the HKSE but you know what I mean.
Silly season with transfers with more paper talk than anything else. I agree it will be a while yet before we see real movement on that front. I have been very impressed on the whole with the players that GR has signed since taking over. Hopefully he will continue to bring in players that will improve us and the money is there to pay the necessary wages for him to do that.
Bearing in mind there is unfortunately the possibility of Arsenal losing tomorrow, one issue I feel very strongly about is the likelihood that a procession through the streets and a civic reception would no doubt follow in Brum next week. I was bitterly disappointed when the council denied such an event to Blues after our league cup triumph supposedly on health and safety grounds. If this happens Blues fans are right to feel very aggrieved.
It will be a disgrace if the Vile get to ponce through town after we were not allowed a regal procession.I think GR is very focused on what type of players he wants-hes no Barry Fry.
I notice E & Y were the company that did the “books” for the 2010 FIFA World Cup !!!
Fans need to be patient regarding incoming transfers. Gary is probably waiting for all the Premier League clubs to issue their list of players they are releasing before deciding which players to pursue.
I predict an interesting month of June for player acquisitions.
Would be surprised if there are many Premiership players being let go who would accept our wages restrictions.Plenty of other clubs in the Championship quite prepared to pay more than we do. Still – you never know!!
I don’t think our wage restrictions are the same as they were
I can’t see peter pan suing bih , for causing stress , not without 45,000 blues fans putting in a counter claim for stress caused to fans by peter pannu , for failing to keep the club in an even keel after he took over ,and for selling bcfc assets off in the January window after season ticket holders have bought their season tickets at a time that the team was stronger , so failing to keep the quality of entertainment at the level when the ticket was bought .all he haw I know but it keeps the enemy at bay and will stop him from suing , …thanks Dan for stopping me from thinking I,m a wall …kro
Tip for the FA cup……Arsenal to win 6-0
Is that just the half-time score,????.
We’re all often partisan, but to be honest I think both Birmingham clubs deserve to be in the top flight as it raises the profile of the city. Given we are not there, the next best thing is to see the vile squirm and struggle above the relegation trap door and here’s hoping for them getting thumped tomorrow. The onus is more on us to get back up there — and stay there when we do.
Nothing is happening hence the lack of any meaningful news. Fans would be better off accepting the truth which is BIH are going nowhere and will own the club for years. Sadly they care more for the improvement of Chinese football than The Blues and are happy for us to muddle along in a sea of mediocrity whilst just keeping our head above the financial waterline. Oh and good luck to the Gooners,no way do i want the Vile to win the Cup.
It’s probably been mentioned before, but when do the players report back for pre-season training?
Staffs……I think the players return to training on July 1st and will be travelling to a continental training base a few days later.
Ah, thanks for that Richard!
Not sure staffs but the league season finished for us on May 2nd and that’s nearly 4 weeks ago so I see the middle of June when the fixtures come out as the sort of start time but those clubs who have been in playoff games might get a couple more extra weeks I would have thought so already looking forward to Kidderminster and Burton in friendlies on the 18th and 25th July and let’s just hope that our squad as improved vastly ….. Arsenal and Frankie double tomorrow .. What’s the odds?? Kro
4 weeks gone and only about 4 weeks left to pre-season. I would have expected more than just a developement squad player in by now. I’m not in any particular rush at this moment in time.. I just hope that we don’t wait a few more weeks and end up totally underwhelmed by the new recruits. If any of the rumours so far are true, I think there’s a distinct possibilty of that happening.
Tom fox , vile chief executive as just come on sky sports news and said we want to win the cup for our fans and see what that brings to the city of Birmingham … It brings despair, depression, anger and generally being pissed off … What it brings to the out skirts of Brum and it’s surrounding areas is something I really don’t get give a shite about.. Cheeky git who has no idea of the the city whatsoever ….and we thought Carson was an idiot !! kro
Never trust a Fox……it will eat your chickens and crap on your lawn…heres hoping the vile get stuffed .
Blue lizard, I think all of us on here echo those words … If vile win the FA cup then our nightmares begin , if they loose , and I don’t really care by what means , then it’s a few strong lagers down the neck and relief and a nice end to the weekend !! Kro
2 years ago this month, Wigan Athletic beat Man City to win the cup. Look where they are now.. back to being a third rate club. If Aston Village win tomorrow, I couldn’t give a monkey’s. They’ll still be a tin pot, second rate club who aren’t worth a second thought. I’d be more annoyed with Arsenal, for p*ssing another trophy up the wall.
Arsenal have threats all over the Pitch the shite have but 1, the way I see it take Bentake out early say first 5 mins, and thats it.
Be honest, if the villa players didn’t play for villa, how many of them would you want in our team? Benteke is possibly the only one who would improve us imo… maybe… if he’s in the mood.
If they was any other team.,Given,Guzan,Delph,Grealish,Agbonlahor and Benteke.
I hear that Peter Pann has got a job working with FIFA!
I hear Peter Pann has a job working for FIFA!
I hear Peter Pann has a job as Blatters right hand manM
I can’t believe the petty comments on this blog against the villa. A bit of banter is great but but blind hatred against another team is both pathetic and worrying as in engenders a divisive hatred across the city. Yesterday was the 35th anniversary of Heysel which has been largely forgotten. A shame on all of you if you really hate the villa and rather pathetic if you are just joking.
I hope the villa win but agree it would be unfair if they are allowed a parade when we were not.
Disgruntled,ime totally Disgruntled , how can you want vile to win the FA cup … It’s not the way so a red card for you mate . Kro
I can’t understand any other football supporters in the midlands to want the vile to win anything, i hope they get stuffed and i for one Hate the club with a passion.
You have to be kidding Benteke taken out first 5 mins then 8-0 to gunners
Please God. This ^^^
Open letter to GR. Dear Gary, please attempt to sign Nathan Bryne of Swindon. This attacking right sided defender at 22 is and will be a revelation. Whoever signs him will get a top 6 position in the Championship. At present he is valued at £500k. He is currently attacking interest from Cardiff. Byrne is class believe me. What would be in our favour is the fact that Mark Cooper is a good pal of the Blues and would encourage Nathan to work under you. Thanks Gary and hope you get him. Mitchell.
Firstly, can’t we sue Pannu for the “hurt and distress” he caused us with his ridiculous salary, however much that was, and couldn’t we have a joint celebration on the steps of the council house with the Albion fans, when Arsenal win. We could bathe the “floozie in the jacuzzi” in champagne.
My memories as a nine year old watching blues versus vile with my grandad was the friendly banter my grandad usually had once every year with some irish men that he new who supported villa , for me I am glad villa are in the final although I am not looking forward to the after match talk if they win with a couple of my family members that have strayed, still they have shown some sympathy for a few seconds over our situation , if it gives some smiles to some people in the family good luck to them
Like Williammorgan suggestion of a counter claim, it makes sense if you think about it.
Does anyone else think the same? Wouldn’t this be a nice way of “pay back” from Blues Fans!!
Just seen on the Vile s**t mail website the picture of a repulsive banner on our stadium fence, the gutless shites who put it there obviously don’t realise we have always owned the city of Birmingham!!! as for the scum down the road i hope they get stuffed today and crying in their beers tonight with just another relegation fight to look forward to next season, as for the evening shite mail i wouldn’t wipe my backside on it. SOTV KRO.
I don’t know why any Blues fans give a flying feck about whether the Villa win the cup or not. They’re totally insignificant as far as I’m concerned. If they win it, let them have their little gloat.. it’s water off a duck’s money box to me. It’ll be a long time before they’re lucky enough win anything again.
Sorry StaffsBlue i wouldn’t want them to win shit and hate the thought of them having any day, hate is a strong word but i can’t think of anything stronger i could put on here at the moment.
If I cared a jot about them paule, it probably would bother me…. but I don’t.. and it doesn’t. I really, really couldn’t give a toss either way. :))
Fair play StaffsBlue i can’t help the way i feel though.
Why let those bunch of jokers ruin your day? I won’t. ;) Good luck Arsenal.
Randolph signed for West ham what ambition to sit on the bench.
I hope he’s bought extra padded shorts.
I actually hate the villa,more than I love the blues! Anybody saying its good for the city if they win are deluded
For all those fearing a Villa win today….. RESULT!! :)
Absolutely gutted about viles embarasing performance against a very ordinary arsenal team.. Really vile that was shit and pathetic and I would hold my head in shame ..but anyway that was absolutely marvellous .. No more posts , ime getting pissed , enjoy ! Kro
Never seen such a one-sided cup final.
Its been a long, long time since I saw such a pathetic show it was 4-0 should have been 8 Arsenal toyed with them, dominating completely. Hope the kids cry all night long.
It was clear from the first 10 mins they were in for a long afternoon. An Arsenal in that sort of mood is a formidable force for anyone. But Villa just didn’t have any desire or fight and looked completely lost.As a fan I would be embarrassed after a showing like that in a major final and it will be a long journey home.Poor poor vilers.
It’s pulling me apart that result , really! … Two or three vile fans in the morning are going to get my full attention .. Can’t wait!! Kro
I’ve already started to deal with a few of them but curiously there’s a lot that have their phones either switched off or they just ring out!!!…….how strange.Never mind…there’s always tommorow ai.
Come out come out you little vilers…you can’t hide forever!!
Facebook is like a ghost town for Villa fans. Not a peep. I’ve had 2 or 3 digs… but absolutely no takers lol.
Congratulations to Blues and our supporters, we are still the only team to win a major trophy this century!
That display by the “Imitation Brummies” was a disgrace not only to the club but the City as well.
Oh well I suppose we will just have to show them again how to win a trophy, so log onto You Tube you Vile Supporters and watch how the mighty Blues beat Arsenal in the Carling Cu to keep the pride within Birmingham! and if your a god bunch we will show you again when we win the play offs next season, but be warned Vile..we will only show you one more time…LOL!
Congratulations to Blues and our supporters, we are still the only team to win a major trophy this century!
That display by the “Imitation Brummies” was a disgrace not only to the club but the City as well.
Oh well I suppose we will just have to show them again how to win a trophy, so log onto You Tube you Vile Supporters and watch how the mighty Blues beat Arsenal in the Carling Cup to keep the pride within Birmingham! and if your a good bunch we will show you again when we win the play offs next season, but be warned Vile..we will only show you one more time…LOL!
Message of “support” to our friends in swamp land :
Do you feel humiliated by your teams poor performance in the cup final? Do you need somebody to talk too? Then call the Samaritans 4040404040
Pauleboy, call the blues .. We know how to beat arsenal in a cup final at wembley .. How’s the tears morons ? Really really sad .. Yeah really !!!.. Ah we’ll, kro
B6 team of record breakers 0 shots on target, 0 corners. But beat Arsenal on bookings 5-0. KRO.
See the one eyed Vile rag are at it again, they stated Villa should be proud of their fans for the support they gave today, did they miss the bit where they are fighting each other at Wembley what an embarrassment, the twats at the evening mail should realise there’s more than one club in Birmingham, anyway fantastic results today & nice to see them Vile cocky twats tears.
Mates, there is opportunity in last night’s result to add to our fan base. Any football supporter with a brain will look at the vile performance and recent GD – 11 goals conceded in 3 games; only one scored; beaten by bottom club who is being relegated; season against Arsenal – 11 goals in again conceded and NONE in reply. They should then look across the expressway and see what a true Birmingham club is; how to deal with adversity with courage, spirit and creativity; what real fans are like. Oh, and how to beat Arsenal in a cup match too – I forgot that.
We should not harden our hearts just because they have been vile supporters; extend the Blues hands of friendship and help them to ease over to supporting Birmingham’s only true city club. Those single males of us might consider dating their sisters and daughters; even marriage. Counseling might be necessary to reverse the brainwashing – we should help fund that.
They will be crying out for help but not knowing where to turn – approach them in the streets saying “We understand brother/sister – the path to righteousness is right before you – join Blues fan base and be re-born with all sins forgiven.”
Ceremonies could be held to present blue and white scarves and season tickets (they pay of course) to confirm our new fans as part of the family.
What say you?
Aussie totaly agree.I have noted with interest the Kennel Clubs campaign to breed out inherited disabilities in our canine chums.There is absolutely no reason why our single and younger bretheren should not engage in a campaign of consensual breeding with the female vile race.It can only improve the global standing of our beloved home city and put thousands on the gate at St Andrews.All offspring born as a result of this campaign should be called Trevor regardless of sex and their parents given cult status.Grand Parents would be forgiven for their past misjudgements.KRO !!
Love the analogy SJ!
And Hillfield’s very clever play on words!
You just don’t get that kind of wit out of vilers – just gobfulls of abuse.
We will call this transformation complete oblivillian.
It’s gonna be 20 years now without vile winning a major trophy…. All those teenage viles who have never seen them win anything and yet all our young fans have been to wembley and beat and seen there club beat Arsenal in a major cup final … I hope the 2,000 of the 25,000 who left Aston to go to wembley enjoyed there trio home.. No corners , no shots on goal , no idea, no hope what so ever and with Benteke leaving they’ve no hope of staying up next season … All together now .. RRRRR. !! Kro.
PS, congratulations to Arsene and is awesome Arsenal team .. You did us proud guys just like you did 4 years ago, I will drink to that , cheers! Kro
Am puzzled at villa message to let us have the city whilst they are at Wembley. I watched and never saw villa turn up there. I mean who can’t beat arsenal in a cup final…..
Pete, FACT, there are more blues fans in the city of Birmingham than viles, I think it’s 65/35 split in some survey I read so though that can’t be proved I think that’s about right … Let us have the city !! We’ve always had it and always will , they can stick with the outer suburbs where most of the morons live! .. As for wembley , they were as pathetic there as they are here , waste of space and soft as shite. Kro
That is correct although i think it`s about 60/40 in our favour. The majority of Brummies follow Blues.
I’ve had a grin from ear to ear since the final whistle at Wembley. Big difference to the result when we’re not there!!! Let’s leave a flag on their gate at Vilal Park saying “why didn’t you ask our advice on how to beat Arsenal at Wembley?”