Thoughts from today

Last year ended awfully, thankful for quick turnaround, but wasnt sure what to expect today, should be a win, Birmingham really poor but its one of football's laws that we help others end poor runs.....

A changed team made me make this comment on MDT:

"Assume Darlow is injured.
Assume that Farke wasn't that impressed with Gruev.
Don't have a problem with starting Bamford, if it's up top then one has to ask why he doesn't at least try Piroe up top.
I hope Gray is playing midfield, but if playing RB then this doesn't make sense to me, Spence wasnt the issue and needs to get first team minutes.

Fingers crossed these changes work today!"

Klaessen had little to do in stepping in, so hard to judge, but clean sheet, did what was needed. Darlow....well, just an unlucky keeper and no one needs those!

Defence looked very solid, but its a waste of Gray who should be playing midfield. Byram looking ok, but fragile and we have to make change, well thank G-d for Firpo.....but seriously, he did ok when he came on and going forwards he was really effective today, 2 assists well deserved.

Rodon really playing well for us and Cooper was solid with one or 2 key interceptions.

Gruev was never progressive and Kamara showed the difference, forward passes, running and looking like he wanted the ball, very good game from him and normal from Ampadu.

Whilst Ampadu might not be a Philips or Adams, he's good at this level and fingers crossed, injury free so far for such a high contact position.

Up top James was back, Rutter moved back and Bamford up top.

A brave decision, recognition that Piroe is anonymous at times farther back but rather than move Piroe forwards, trusting Bamford to start was a brave call.

I've never been one of those to slate Bamford and state his career is over etc, he;'s usb been incredulity unlucky with injuries and never gotten teh minutes under his belt to start making an impact and today he showed work rate, and ties up their defenders which gives our wide men space, something missing before and James having his best season in my mind supplies the ammunition for a really easy header for Bamford.

As Birmingham commentators said, a really easy goal to avoid, but reality is Birmingham are poor team, but nevertheless a confidence inspiring goal for Bamford and now that keeps Piroe on his toes and gives Farke decision to make for next match.

What a shame we didnt see this sort of rotation coming into Christmas period.

Rutter runs a lot, has a lot of ball, but not much end product today, but very little protection from foul after found, he draws those well, if only we had a decent free kick specialist for Piroe ain't that, for second match in a row he showed us why he should be taking free kicks.

Shortly after great Firpo pass (or should I say Junior as the commentators kept calling him) and James makes it 2-0.

I'm so glad his loan spell at Fulham didnt work out and if Gnonto does want to leave in Jan, I would let him go and be more than happy to retain James.

No improvement from Birmingham second half and apart from one breakaway offered little threat and eventually another Firpo assist sees Summerville make it 3-0.

Piroe, Anthony and Gnonto replace Bamford, Summerville and James with 15 mins to go, some sensible substitutions, but then we weren't chasing the game.

We needed to see some changes and credit for Farke in being brave to make them, especially Bamford.

I don't think Gray should be right back but when Kamara and Ampadu effective like this, dont know how you fit him in unless dropping a goalscoring winger or Rutter.

I hope we dont see Gruev anywhere near starting any time soon, if midfield needs swapping, bring Gray into there, not Gruev.

Byram's fragility showing a little but good for Firpo to get a good performance under his belt.

Great to see James having productive season, but also Summerville, who goes about things with little self-hype but really delivering this season.

I'll leave the last on pitch mention to Bamford. Its been really unfair to urge him with injuries and lack of minutes and lack of service when he has come on.

Today he delivered and he delivered when we needed it most, great to see teh crowd singing his name, well done Bamford.

And finally a award about teh Birmingham commentators. I thought they were really good. Not biased, knowledgeable about out players, really insightful about the play, resepctful especially around the applause for fans who lost his life. Seriously, made it a really enjoyable listen.

Results elsewhere were ok for us, we just need to find a way to ensure this home form can travel to our away fixtures.

Well done Farke, Leeds and happy new year all!