What MUST CHANGE at Birmingham City for the 2024/25 Season - Key Areas for Improvement Required #73

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

We know the manager situation takes precedence for the club. Still, we have kept it out as we have covered the managerial candidates in another video and it could dominate an otherwise lighter-hearted / fun video. Don't forget to give us a THUMBS UP on the video and hit the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON / BELL ICON to be notified when each new video is uploaded. Please, no bad or offensive language in the comments as these will be deleted immediately. We pride ourselves on the fact families and young kids watch this channel. We hope you enjoy the videos and make sure you let us know your thoughts/opinions/comments below. Thank you for watching!

[@PaulElstins-gt2qc]

New strikers and new manager for the blues 💙 😎 👌 🙌 😀 👍 yes 💙 is weekly 👌 😀

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@PaulElstins-gt2qc KRO

[@bostonbrum5288]

Great podcast as per usual, amazing chemistry, its almost as if you've been together for years 😉. Seriously always good and respectful content. The exposure of the club is happening, to see 2 Blues shirts yesterday in Massachusetts is amazing for me! And they weren't originally from Brum.Exciting times ahead for us, we're taking it on the chin now, in time we'll get our payback. KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment and kind remarks which are greatly appreciated. It’s good that you are seeing Blues shirts in Boston, it looks like world domination has begun! Definitely good times are coming! KRO

[@kennyjohnson1866]

Enjoy the ride guys. These are the best times. It's the people that make the days out. You will be competing with some good teams and no doubt have success. KRO COYL 🦁

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, Kenny, always appreciate your engagement :) We have almost adopted that mindset and we are going to go down and enjoy it for what it is,. Hopefully, we can get a more united fan base down at St Andrew's and in the away ends and just have a blast. We will have speed bumps across the season but why not try and enjoy it for what it is :) All the best next season, KRO!

[@xennialnick]

You'll like this. I was in Sydney Aus and saw a local guy wearing a Birmingham City 23/24 shirt! I went up to him, ended up having a beer. Good luck blues from a Cov sky blue. His main point, you need a good manager!

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Wow, blues fans in oz :) He is absolutely right! The manager is key. Our biggest appointment in decades. Thanks for commenting and all the best next season, KRO.

[@adriandorman7511]

I've always admired Cov's current manager.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@adriandorman7511 KRO

[@Bluejohn]

Excellent podcast and I agree that what we need are not only warriors and battlers but a proven hungry goal scorer or two, whether that's players brought in from outside or our younger players given a run in the first team, but whoever is brought in, they must be 100% committed to the cause. That goes for the manager too and the backroom staff he brings with him. If every one is pulling in the same direction we are half way there. I think that although the new owners made that one huge mistake which cost us dearly, I am still full of optimism for the new season and that is mainly down to them and the changes they are making and will make in the future. Another thing I like about the new owners is that they actually admitted they had made a mistake, so they were honest with the supporters and I think we also respect them for their honesty. KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for the kind words, John :) I agree about the power of togetherness. This fanbase is incredible and when we all pull in the same direction you can feel it in the stadiums and it's truly euphoric. I hope we can get that back next season. I think we can all acknowledge that was a huge mistake and error in judgement. We speak really highly about Knighthead and everything that's happened but even we were disappointed with that last season. They seem to be taking the right steps to rectify this and even look at the new recruitment for the next manager. There have been a few names linked and conversations happening but no one really knows what's going on. This is how to do business. Behind closed doors without rumours and scrutiny. I think we are in for a big surprise (I hope 😂) Very best, KRO!

[@jameskey9030]

Brilliant podcast chaps keep it up KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you James, we really appreciate your kind words! :) KRO,

[@grahamfoster6222]

As a blues fan of 50+ years that lives in spain. I have to say that this no news on social media regarding the new manager is a massive statement of professionalism. Theyve made their mistakes but this lack of news says to me a club that is a profesional outfit. I am confident that now they are getting their act together behind the scenes we will be ok....think positive......were only 4 seasons away from winning the champions league lol Love your podcast KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for the comment and kind words Graham, greatly appreciated :) I was only chatting about this with a friend about 5 minutes ago and we are impressed the rumours have stopped and nothing has been leaked. Shows a sign of professionalism and lessons learnt hopefully. I really hope this appointment becomes a statement of intent! Thanks again, KRO!

[@sm3gaming160]

Great content as always lads! The final day against Norwich I sat in the Tilton and thought "for the first time in my life I'll see Blues in League 1. You've both restored some faith and fight, and I am very optimistic and looking forward to the coming season. That winning mentality has to be implemented next season. Can't wait for the summer transfer videos!

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment and we are pleased you enjoyed the podcast. I think most Blues fans are now looking forward to the new season. Once the new manager is in place I’m sure that club will start the squad re-build and if will be interesting to see who they bring in. I suspect that they already have a number of targets lined up. KRO

[@mystictoad9456]

Great Podcast gentlemen! Looking forward to next season and will be watching your content in the summer break! Let's hope new manager is in place asap... Not too sure about fanzones etc. Sounds good in nice weather but come rainy cold midweek evenings???

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for the comment :) Yeah, the cold midweek evenings are a very valid point 😂 There are some fan zones in the pipeline which are undercover and I guess they will always be relatively popular as it's a place for socialising however I totally take your point, during the colder months, these will be quieter for sure. I also think the new bar in the Kop will be extremely popular pretty much all year round as it's in the stadium and not weather dependent. Looking forward to next season now and also getting our new manager in the door. Thanks for the kind words! Very best, KRO!

[@davidcoleman5246]

We can safely say that off the pitch matters are being sorted, and we will see a big improvement in that department, so no worries there. The other little matter, on the pitch. This next managerial appointment is probably the most important one in recent times, its got to be 100% correct. If not, the whole project and attitude of the fans can quickly turn. Let's be perfectly honest, if promotion isn't achieved or looks like it won't be, the fans will let you know about it, make no mistake. Promotion is the minimum expectation, its no God given right, but whoever is in charge, failure isn't in the dictionary.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, David and I couldn't agree more with what you said :) I love the fact the leaks have stopped and we genuinely don't know who it will be. This is how you run a football club properly. Stop the leaks, do your due diligence and do it behind closed doors. There, of course, have been some names floating around but nothing official and things keep changing. Nice to see they are doing it right at least. I think we could be really surprised by this appointment. Hopefully, it's a statement. We will have to graft for promotion. Let's hope we get good recruitment and really get some fighters in who can take L1 by storm. We are not going to have to earn and fight for every point. Very best, KRO!

[@stephen3511]

Totally agree that continuity/stability are the key factors this coming season. That’s why the next manager and the players we bring in has to be right.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, Stephen! Couldn't agree more. Stability, solid manager and good recruitment and we could be in for quite a fun season. Once the manager is in, we need to get the right balance of players for L1 football. Very best, KRO!

[@callumwj8275]

I had the pleasure of meeting jukey at the airport yesterday, turns out he was on my flight and headed to the same part in Turkey. What a top man and what a lovely family he’s got. I’d love to see him back a blue shirt next season in league one I think he’d be a big asset. KRO

[@EmuGamesMaster]

Why he is a useless player now? Nice guy yes.. good player no. Part of the same core of players that have us fighting relegation each year. He is rubbish!! If you think he is a good player then youre part of the problem at blues.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Callum. Jukey is a real legend at Blues and we hope he signs the new contract he had been offered. I think he will and we will see him in the team in league one next season. KRO

[@paulkellybeau]

Commitment from players should be a basic requirement, did you see jude for Madrid in the final last night ? Im pretty sure he cried after his pass lead to the second goal . Thats a love for you team . KRO.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting Paul. It's bonkers to even suggest or say we need commitment isn't it? This should be a basic for passionate football players who earn a small fortune. Should be turning up and showing fight for the badge. Yeah, can't believe in 5 years he has gone from scoring at the valley to winning the champions league. What a story :) Very best, KRO!

[@teemedias1470]

First experience as coach, new environment,new league but big task ahead of him. I hope Birmingham fans can be patient first 5 games in league One before criticism comes in next season maybe we can finish 2nd or play off into the championship next season (4-3-2-1,4-3-3 most preferred formation of him under studied from Brendan Rodgers and jurgen klopp,ange postecoglou).

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting! :) I absolutely agree that patience is needed. It will take a while for his philosophy to really come into motion and also we will have a huge turnover this summer so it will also take time for the players to gel. Exciting times are ahead for Blues fans! Very best, KRO!

[@martincole5659]

Onwards and and upwards it's the only way Blues for ever KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Martin! UP THE BLUES :) Very best, KRO!

[@2002ChrisK]

Under John Eustace we had a "no excuses" culture. Whether it was failed take overs, the threat of a points deduction, the training ground burning down and us having nowhere to train etc etc these things weren't accepted as excuses for not peforming in training and on the pitch. During last season I just felt that we had moved away from that - apart from under JE there were excuses made by every manager. I think that mentality needs to be changed and that must come from the manager and a decent captain if we manage to get one! The other thing that needs to go is the negative mentality away from home. When we won the League Cup we also got relegated due to the then manager's negative tactics, while on the last day of that season Blackpool were away to Man Utd and really took the game to them. Rotherham away was a game that we had to win, but everyone was devoid of ideas and no one would take a risk, including Rowett, particularly towards the end of the game. Lastly as we've said before recruitment needs to be improved big time, but is is that straightforward? Just look at Man Utd who have wasted so much money on players who have never delivered. Not sure if their new model will work either! KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. You make some excellent points especially in relation to the manager and our away form, which was none existent last season and a big factor in us getting relegated. Hopefully we can get recruitment right in terms of the character of the players and with that we definitely need some leaders and a good role model of a captain. KRO

[@davidfield7810]

It's great to see your excitement for the new season, but it will be tough as good solid established League one teams won't just roll over because Blues are coming to town ! You mentioned stability which comes with time and a settled environment it might be a couple of seasons before we are ready for promotion. KRO.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, David and I 100% agree! This will be such a physical league, so we must remain competitive by turning up for a fight. This was really missing last season. Stability is key! This will start to build and come together when the manager is in place and he can get a few players in. I agree it could take time for this to come together but I hope it isn't seasons and we can get things to gel quickly however you could certainly be right on this. Very best, KRO!

[@KeithWard-dz2yf]

All I want to see, and the minimum expectation should be is players totally committed to the shirt, win or lose, we used to have it and we've gone from it, I want to see players hurting when they get beat, not doing after match interviews telling us how sorry they are, but don't worry, thank you for your support wel do better next time. KRO

[@KeithWard-dz2yf]

I think your right were in this division because we deserve to be, and I for one will respect every club down there with us. Every game is going to be battle, anybody who thinks different is kidding themselves

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@KeithWard-dz2yf thank you Keith. Hopefully recruitment will help to sort this out where we can get players with the right character as well as the right ability. KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@KeithWard-dz2yf this league is well known for being tough and physical and hopefully the new manager will be able to prepare the players both mentally and physically for each match. KRO

[@jimmyjackson2113]

Brilliant comments guys love your shoe l agree were gonna be surprised who the new manager will be

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Jimmy! Really appreciate the comment and kind words. We will be posting throughout the summer so be sure to stay tuned :) Very best, KRO!

[@tonykimble1590]

Great podcast. I did wonder if spending 15 million on a ground which has ever chance of being flattened in 6 years time. But divided 15 million by 6 years. Then divide this amount by 23 games which will be played per year at home. Then again divide this by 23000 which could be the home game we next season with some success. Come out under 5. So get each fan to spend 5 pound more per game and the 15 million is recouped. Over 5 is profit. Understand really basic way to look at the investment but does break it down into a simple figure quite achievable. So not wasted money as other teams say. Kro.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Tony! :) I didn't think about it to this level but makes total sense. We have openly admitted that if the beer is better and the food inside the ground is better we will happily spend a little more. Appreciating the match-day experience is getting more and more expensive so not everyone is going to have lots of disposable income for football treats but food and beer are basic they can higher the standard and certainly get more money. £6 a pint that tastes like it came from the toilets, not the taps is an awful football experience 😂 Very best, KRO!

[@bcfc18751]

Feel the buzz… FEEL THE BUZZ… Can’t wait!! Get the manager sorted!!

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

I think we will hear something this week in regards to the manager. I do love that they have managed to keep this under wraps. Fair enough a few inevitable rumours but the main bulk has been kept secret. That's how you do business and run a club! :) FEEL THE BUZZ! Very best, KRO!

[@PeterNield-k7s]

just one request from myself. When the stadium (current ground St Andrews) has finished the ground reburb it would be great if you guys could do a stadium tour so that those of us who live overseas can see all the new changes

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for the idea, and to be trusted to do the job :) We will certainly contact the club and see what they think. This is out of our hands to some extent but I can at least ask the question and have that conversation. It would be an honour to do this. Very best, KRO!

[@PeterNield-k7s]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue cheers mate that would be great, as a Born and bred Blue nose I was raised in Australia and havent been to St Andrew's Im hoping to get over there in two years to experience the atmosphere first hand

[@RussellRustle]

from a Wednesday fan. change any confidence you have in great refereeing in League One. Prepare to be baffled on a game by game basis!

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting Russell, we always appreciate comments from other fans :) I have heard the refereeing is questionable down in League 1. We have had some absolute stinkers over the last couple of seasons, so I would be staggered if it got worse, but I will take your word for it. I'm sure I will re-visit this comment on game 1 of the season and give you the credit you deserve 😂 Very best, KRO!

[@KeithWard-dz2yf]

Well done on staying up mate, your players done you proud👍👍

[@charleyburleytbe294]

Hi guys Agree that they should take their time over a new manager, does anybody know what date pre season starts? Ideally if the new manager is in for that then it’s fine New ownership seems to have cut out the leaks we used to get fed out of the club aswell Which is great, think everything was leaked last year before announcements KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, Charley :) The transfer window opens on June 14th, so this is a significant date, but I believe the official pre-season will start at the end of June / first week in July. This will involve the club's tour, transfers, players back in training etc. I usually class official pre-season as the end of June / start of July but of course, if you look at clubs like Rotherham they are already doing business so I guess in that regard it is ongoing however we get any momentum for a few weeks especially with no manager. Very best, KRO!

[@charleyburleytbe294]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue thanks for the info mate 👍

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@charleyburleytbe294 KRO

[@paulhipkiss4698]

Realistically how much do we think we have to spend on the team?

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting Paul :) This is a really good question and I'm not entirely sure. I know with the release list we have freed up a decent amount of wages and I believe we have hit the end of an FFP cycle so this means we should have a decent amount. The only indication we got was from Wagner at the open house who said "Money is available" this summer, of course, this was in the hope we stayed up and we would have a hit to our revenue by the nature of TV deals etc however I would imagine we will have a very decent budget. I am pulling this out of thin air but I think maybe £20million ish?

[@adriandorman7511]

I don't think it can be that much. I saw a video that analysed multi-season finances and it didn't look good so far as FFP is concerned. One option though is (to hell with it) get who we need and take the hit next season.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@adriandorman7511 thank you for your comment. What ever the level we can spend I think that our owners are pretty shrewd and will maximise whatever spend they can. Hopefully it should make for an exciting summer transfer window! KRO

[@tonyorlando5973]

@@adriandorman7511Just to let you know the is no FFP rules in league 1 . Therefore we can actually spend as much as we like within reason. Up to 40 million if needed. 👍

[@Cretaceous_edits-432]

In 50 years of following the Blues last season was by far the worst in terms of all the improvements off the pitch ,all the hope , countered by players that clearly were not prepared to fight for the badge New manager new players , new mentality KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting :) It really was a terrible season last year. Terrible decisions and were just awful on the pitch. But the most disappointing thing was the fight and passion of our players. Onwards and upwards as a club and fanbase. We need to see a lot more fight! Very best, KRO!

[@martynwest]

David Moyes is out of a job 😉 Just putting that out there

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Martyn. Not sure he would want to manage in League One but an interesting suggestion. KRO

[@drmccoy33]

Is it possible that once Mobray was confirmed not returning they have hired Rowett and just not announced it to make it look like a long thorough interview/search is going on? Take the easy way on this, I fear this as i dont want Rowett back.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. I suppose anything is possible but I doubt that is what has happened. I think the owners have learned from last season’s mistakes and this time around they are being much more thorough and cautious with the manager appointment. Although we all want the new manager in place as quickly as possible I think most Blues fans would rather that they take their time to get the right person. KRO

[@EmuGamesMaster]

Rowett is a boring manager. His team selections helped us get relegated. He is a poor manager. Rubbish football style and poor tactics.

[@alancarr9337]

All great ideas but we need strikers to score two or three goals a game, every game. Without goals nothing will change

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting! We have been really poor in recent years at scoring goals consistently. We have been a backfoot team by nature who is happy to nick a goal but this needs to change and get some football we can get behind. Especially at the L1 level. I would love to see a few absolute goal-scoring machines sign this summer. That would make us all very happy. Very best, KRO!

[@englemanbluenose7356]

Dave Challenor's Stockport County squad dominated division 2 to gain promotion into division 1 and with 100+ goals, there's every indicator, from recovering the ball, to creating chances, they may repeat that Football Style, this term!👀. Question is;... will Dave Challenor manage that for BLUES, or with Stockport this season...? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿KRO!

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting! :) Dave Challenor is a really popular option across social media with blues fans. He is the type of manager who is young and has an element of risk as he is unknown at this level but could be a genius appointment if it makes him and he stays with the club for years as we climb the leagues. I am not sure where the board's head is at. Whether they will want a more experienced and safe pair of hands albeit less inspiring or whether they would look at someone like DC. Very best, KRO!

[@danielmassey2945]

i want to see the likes of dixon, hall , donovan, mazwi, browne all given proper chances in the first team wether thats starting or off the bench i dont want to see players bought that will block their chances of progression. we need to create assets

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Daniel. I’m sure we will see more opportunities in the first team for our young players in League One next season. They will definitely benefit from playing in a tough physical league and hopefully they will have some new decent and experienced players around them. KRO

[@EmuGamesMaster]

We need stable players not players learning their trade whilst we lose week in week out. Experienced pro’s who want to battle for their places.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@EmuGamesMaster thank you for your comment. We do need experienced players that is very true but I think that there is also an opportunity to introduce some of the younger players at the right time into the first team to help develop them. I think we have some excellent young players at the club who are going to turn into really good players as they develop so we do need to bring them on at the right time. KRO

[@danielmassey2945]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue its been too long these growing academy players just get sold on an with the current crop i feel we should be giving them an improved role in the squad and protecting them from other clubs

[@Tonypoolebcfc]

What I want to see is a goals ratio of 2 per game minimum, that's a must , 90 minute players for 46 games , then everything else will fall into line .

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks, Harvey! This would be amazing and also very much needed. I agree, everything else would fall into place :) Very best, KRO!

[@EmuGamesMaster]

We cant beat the bottom teams which is why we went down. 1) Manager 2) A Manager who brings in his own players to do the job. Not Craig Gardner’s donkeys 3) winning mentality.. 4) full house every week. Put those 4 things in place and we’ll do well.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. As you point out, the manager appointment is crucial and I’m pleased that the club are taking their time to try to get the right person in place. I’m sure that the club will an announce the new manager in good time so that they can have a big input into recruitment in the up and coming transfer window. KRO

[@EmuGamesMaster]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue Thursday from what i’ve heard.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@EmuGamesMaster KRO

[@malcolmditchburn9867]

Why are we still harping on about last season? We need to look forward and bloody move on! Whoever the new manager is going to be, we back him, support him and stop all the back biting of fans and supporters

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting :) For us, it's not just about last season, it's about the last 13 years and our lack of winning mentality, it's effectively been survival mode. I'm sure when the manager is announced it will involve a lot more forward thinking and togetherness as a fanbase as it has been pretty fractured, especially during parts of last season. Seen some pretty ugly scenes, especially at away games. We will be season ticket holders and get behind the manager and team regardless. Let's make the most of it and use this as a chance to rebuild and get that positive mentality . Thanks, KRO!

[@nkskro80]

For me anything other than an instant return to the championship will be a failure. I don’t care if we finish 1st, 2nd or go up via the playoffs. Also winning the Bristol street motors trophy at Wembley would be a plus just like when we did the double in the 94/95 season

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Promotion will undoubtedly be the priority next season and although it will be tough, with good recruitment we should be ok. There are some decent teams at this level and everyone of them will be gunning to beat us because of who we are. It should make for a very interesting season! KRO

[@onelcrapo5360]

a winning side KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting and we 100% agree. A winning side we can get behind changes everything! Very best, KRO!