Experience or Youth

The league is really strong this year.

We've seemed to drop further down the betting to outside the playoff places in the opinion of the bookie.

Mid-table wouldn't be disasterous, but hitting the play-offs i feel would definitely have to be considered a 'good season'

Very hard to tell atm because of so many changes.

I really do hope Butland and Redmond get a sniff as they are obviously talented enough to pull on an England shirt.

Happy with Lovenkrands, not keen on McFadden back.

Still need to strengthen more imo! Squad is still pretty thin.

also: " Birmingham have opened talks with Arsenal over a loan move for striker Benik Afobe.

England Under-19 starlet Afobe is all but certain to leave the Emirates on loan this summer, as he seeks to rebuild his blossoming reputation, following nine months out with a knee injury last term. "

More positive news

I think the OP has a point, I thought in the Blackpool games we were outdone by the pace of their team. On the other hand, we did have some important players like Fahey and Carr injured which did not help.

It is interesting that one of the posters says this is what Clark did at Huddersfield, so it may be his style. I guess we have to trust in him and let him get on with it, but I would be pleased to see us sign up on loan one or two young fast players from the squads of the prem teams.

The other point is we don't know how close to being ready Redmond, Asante and Jervis are this season, last year it was Mutch who stepped up to the first team, we might have the bonus of getting one or two more youngsters in the first team.

Either way looking forward to it, and I think Mullins looks decent too, probably have to hope for the best from the rest of them .... I wasn't keen on Caldwell last season and look what a player he has turned out to be.

Who's that from Ed?

Considering what we've been through the last two seasons, to have this air of expectation is nothing short of a miracle.
Proof will be in the pudding ie who we do actually get on board and how they gel as a unit but exciting times ahead so in fairness, fair play to PP and the rest of the gang in getting us up to something near shipshape under the circumstances.
KRO

Source - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2173121/Arsenals-Benik-Afobe-close-Birmingham-loan-deal.html

Sounds good.

Darren Ambrose has signed too, he's not mucking about with these transfers is he!

Player Age signed by Blues

Barry Ferguson 31
Lee Bowyer 32
Kevin Phillips 34
Marlon King 31
Steven Caldwell 30
Lee Carsley 34


30 is the new 25

I see we still have those very sensitive souls on here, who manage to read negatives into any Post.

Of course my preference would be to see a more youthful, pacier blend to the team, but accept that lack of finance and Managers preferences dictate what we will get.

Mid-table fine, higher would be great... again.

Surprised that with his contacts at Newcastle, we haven't grabbed a few of their very good youth players on loan... bet we will!