Birmingham City’s transfer intentions are evident as the ramifications of relegation come into focus.
The agony remains palpable. Relegation to League One—a bewildering descent. How could such a downfall occur, and what measures can resurrect Birmingham City?
Despite the setback, with fresh, prominent owners and blueprints for an impressive new stadium and sports hub, Blues must view this season’s tribulations as a mere hiccup, correctable at the earliest opportunity—namely, the upcoming season. The club’s leadership has already received clear directives on necessary actions.
Following Blues’ relegation from the Championship, fans were surveyed on various aspects of the calamitous campaign: the causes behind relegation, standout performers amid the turmoil, and strategies for rectifying the situation in the summer of 2023/24.
Notably, 86 percent attributed the relegation to the appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager, an acknowledged misstep by the club’s hierarchy. Jay Stansfield emerged as the beacon of the season, sweeping club awards and fan polls. A resounding 80 percent hailed him as the standout player of the season, with 77 percent endorsing him as the top summer signing. An overwhelming 83 percent supported securing him on a permanent deal.
Looking ahead, fans demand significant changes for the next season’s quest to reclaim Championship status. Over half (55 percent) advocate for between six and 10 new signings, with 27 percent urging even more additions. Only 18 percent believe one to five new players will suffice. Strikingly, 69 percent prioritize recruiting new strikers, followed distantly by center-backs (10 percent) and attacking midfielders (7 percent).
Regarding the eight players whose contracts expire this summer, supporters weighed in on their fate. John Ruddy garners mixed opinions (56/44 split), while 82 percent are in favor of Neil Etheridge’s departure. Similarly, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Scott Hogan are deemed surplus to requirements by 70 and 90 percent, respectively. Ivan Sunjic and Keshi Anderson are favored to stay (61 percent each), whereas Marc Roberts (64 percent) and Gary Gardner (77 percent) are deemed expendable.
