Watto’s Preview: West Ham vs Birmingham City

The joy of Sunday’s victory is still giving me a warm glow as I watch KP’s two classic finishes over again against the admittedly unfortunate Wolves side. I almost felt sorry for Mick McCarthy but the truth is his side had most the luck and decisions go their way, had a lead and still lost. From Blues point of view is was good to play so poorly and still win.

Because of Chucho’s injury Kevin Phillips may have to start on Wednesday at West Ham who, in all the excitement of our great run, Blues fans may have forgotten is now owned by Davids Sullivan and Gold. These two have been continually quoted about our affairs and want to see us get a spanking on Wednesday night. Well Blues fans it seems don’t really give a toss what these two gentlemen say anymore. The Fixture computer has sent us there mid week to London’s most inconvenient location and Blues fans have been slow to take up the opportunity to see this fixture.

Blues have a big cup tie on Saturday and that is Blues’ best chance of getting into Europe, where even a semi-final place could be enough if Chelsea, Spurs and Man City are there too. A win will take Blues to the not so magic 40 points. These 40 points were significant when there were twenty two teams in the division and no-one has been relegated with 37 in Premiership history.  West Ham went down with 42 which is a record and Coventry went down on 38.

Were the form of Premiership teams to be continued to the end of the season West Ham would go down with only 34 while we would consolidate 8th place with 58. I’m sure that Carson Young and Alex Mcleish will want to win this match for the same reason that Sullivan and Gold do. Blues do have the resources to make changes although much of our success is because of the continuity of selection.

It’s a tough call but I’m sure that Gardener, Phillips Michel and Fahey will feature in one or both of the upcoming games. The trip to West Ham is without doubt as big a threat to Blues as was Chelsea. West Ham is desperate for points, and has new owners who are trying to reduce the staffs pay by 25%.

Historically this is not a great venue for Blues although in 3 Premier Leagye visits we have recorded a win, a loss and a draw. The defeat you will remember was a mid-week fixture where Steve Bruce left out midfielder Nicky Butt (an excellent decision) and replaced him with his son Alex, a centre half. (Not such a good decision).  We got gubbed 3-0 and were frankly appalling.

Carson Yeung has offered the hand of friendship to the West Ham board at the game which is a sign of the man’s class. Karren Brady, who has little class, may well charge him for his half time coffee.

Carson Yeung was blamed by the West Ham chiefs for our relegation and the loss of Steve Bruce two years ago. Ironically Bruce’s clubs, Wigan and Sunderland are fighting relegation and West Ham is favourite to go down. Maybe during their after match chat, old Delboy and Rodney could enquire what has lead to the Blues success since CY took over the reins. While the Davids got Blues on a firm financial footing from which they profited they never got Blues a consistent top half Premiership side. West Ham I am sure will become financially sound in time but how many relegations will they have to suffer?

By Alan Watton

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