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**Freddie** · 06-06-2024, 12:54 PM

Birmingham FC Club News

Brum have continued their preseason transfer spree with the club announcing the signings of Patrik Vydra, Benjamin Hubner and Andy Diouf.

Vydra and Diouf join from across the continent, arriving from Sparta Prague and RC Lens respectively. Hubner on the other hand has a slightly shorter journey from just down the road at Nottingham Forest.

Andy Diouf and Patrik Vydra continue boss Freddie Kaye's aim to lower the age of the squad and build for the future. The duo are both twenty one, Diouf being a holding midfield player with a great eye for a pass and Vydra an attacking fullback. Each player was believed to have been tracked by numerous teams before Birmingham managed to nick in before their rivals and seal the deal.

Their signings mean the Blues now have a core nucleus of several talented youngsters. In defence Jaheim Headley, Owen Dodgson and Vydra are all twenty two or under. Further up the park the midfield now boasts the trio of George Hall, Brahima Diarra and Diouf. While finally in attack we have Dane Scarlett and Callum Marshall, twenty and nineteen respectively.

New signing - Patrik Vydra

Benjamin Hubner on the other hand is a player in the twilight of his career but someone who Kaye was very keen to sign. His quality and experience should prove to be a major asset this season, especially with helping the younger players of the squad develop. The German defender was signed for a bargain eight million pounds from fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest.

"I'm really pleased with the progress we have made in the transfer market" Kaye said this afternoon. "We've identified the players who we feel could make a really positive impact at the club and gone out and signed them, we've done well. We realise to have success in the future we need to lay the foundations and by bringing in these players we've got a core group who should be here for years to come. They're all very talented players. Yes, they have a very long way to go but with the right guidance we're confident they can succeed and help take this club to the top. We're also really pleased to have signed Benjamin (Hubner) as he's a very experienced defender who can really help out the young guys. I feel him and Axel Witsel will have really big roles to play this coming season and we will be looking to their fantastic leadership qualities to help the squad."

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**Freddie** · 16-06-2024, 10:16 AM

Hall excited for new season!

The Birmingham Gazette sat down with fan favourite and local lad George Hall this morning to discuss the upcoming season and his ambitions.

Born in Redditch just south of Birmingham, George Hall signed for the the Blues in 2012 and has been at the club ever since. The attacking minded central midfielder broke into the first team last season and despite a disappointing campaign for the club, Hall produced some impressive performances in a variety of roles.

Fans have been keen to see the club build around the twenty year old Englishman. Many believe he is the future of the club and a player who if developed correctly could go onto great things. Able to play in the centre of midfield, on the wing or just behind the striker Hall is a seriously talented youngster.

We spoke to George about the FFO Season 4 and the efforts the club is making to improve.

"I can't wait to get going again" explained Hall. "I think everyone here at the club is really positive about what we can do in the upcoming season. We understand what happened last year wasn't ideal and it was a tricky campaign for us all. We have to accept though it was a development year, one where there were so many changes happening at the club. The squad has had a real overhaul and I think going forward we're in a lot better place."

Hall was keen to highlight the improvements made in the playing squad and to stadium.

"We've made some excellent signings and have a nice group of talented young players now. You look across the squad and there's so much potential which can only be a good thing. We're not a club who can go out and splash fifty million on a player, we know that. As the manager has explained we need to be clever and build for the future and that takes time. It's brilliant that the club have increased the capacity at St.Andrew's. It will allow us to bring in more fans and more support can only help us. It's small gains like this which will hopefully add up and over time we will make real progress."

When asked about his future ambitions and plans, George stressed his ambition to do as well as he can.

"I love it here and hope to be here for a long time. I want to do as well as I can and go as far as I can and at the moment I'm really hopeful that can be achieved here. To play for your boyhood club is a dream and I hope it continues. I want to play for England and start alongside the best but I know that's going to take a lot hard work. The manager here believes in me and has created a setup which I think will bring the best out of me so I'll definitely be doing my best to repay him!"

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**Freddie** · 09-07-2024, 11:58 AM

Brum open season with capital victory

Scarlett opens the scoring for Birmingham

The Blues travelled to London for the opening day of the Championship season to face Joe Brown's Fulham. The Blue's returned home with a brilliant three points after goals from Dane Scarlett and Calum Marshall handed them the win. The home side did attempt a fight back and a Veretout goal made things nervy but Kaye's side held on to start the campaign in fine fashion.

Birmingham Line-up: Griffiths; Witsel, Headley, Dodgson, Vydra, Hubner; Diouf, Diarra, Hall; Scarlett, Marshall

Subs: Hinchliffe, Preciado, Gozalbez, Nemeth, Jensen

Brum set up a five three two formation with the aim being to absorb Fulham attacks and then hit on the counter attack, utilising the pace of strike partnership Scarlett and Marshall. Their plan started well as within minutes captain Marshall had stung the hands of home side keeper Andriy Lunin. The Cottagers hit back though and Miralem Pjanic went close twice. The first time pulling an excellent stop from Josh Griffiths and then seeing his next effort, a few minutes later, whistling past the post.

Fulham had started in a four four two formation with the central midfielders playing deeper to allow the wingers freedom to attack. FFO auction buy Evan Ferguson was in the starting eleven and the Irish wonderkid was soon benefitting from the service provided to him by Pjanic and Wallace. He went close twice but found Birmingham's Griffiths in inspired form to keep him out. This proved to be key for Brum as they opened the scoring minutes later.

Andy Diouf picked a loose ball up in central midfield and sent a splendid through ball to Dane Scarlett. The twenty year old forward burst forward before rifling home a drilled shot in bottom corner. 1-0 Birmingham. Seconds later, it was 2-0. In almost similar fashion to the first goal albeit with different players, Brahima Diarra spotted the good movement of Calum Marshall and played the ball through to his captain. The Irishman beat Lunin with his effort but was denied by the woodwork, he was on hand however to knock in the rebound.

The second half didn't provide the entertainment of the first half and Fulham struggled to make any meaningful attempt to get back into the game. This changed in seventieth minute however when Jordan Veretout created space for himself in the centre of the park before attempting an effort that flew into the top corner. Brown's side kept pushing but again Ferguson couldn't beat Josh Griffiths in the Brummie goal. The game ending 2-1.

We spoke to MoTM George Hall after the match.

"It's a great win for lads. We knew coming down to Fulham would be a really tough game but I think we were tactically spot on. We knew they would probably boss the possession as they've got some excellent technical players but we knew if we could stay strong at the back, we would have the ability to hit them on the break. Dane (Scarlett) and Calum (Marshall) have done really well with their goals. It's a nice way to start the season and hopefully we can really build on this."

**Freddie** · 15-07-2024, 07:01 PM

Brave Brum fall at the Den

Despite a valiant effort, The Blues returned from Millwall with no points in the second match of their Championship season. Kaye's men started brilliantly with captain Callum Marshall maintaining his goal scoring form with a well taken effort. Danny McNamara got Millwall back in the game just before half-time and with sixty minutes on the clock Aidomo Emakhu completed the comeback with a neat finish. It was harsh on Brum who dominated possession but Gary Windebank's side were clinical when they needed to be and gave the youngsters of Birmingham a real lesson in finishing.

Birmingham Line-up: Griffiths; Witsel, Headley, Dodgson, Vydra, Hubner; Diouf, Diarra, Hall; Scarlett, Marshall

Subs: Hinchliffe, Preciado, Gozalbez, Nemeth, Jensen

We spoke to Freddie Kaye after the match.

"Obviously I'm disappointed to have lost the game, especially when we were in such a good position. In the first half we were excellent and showed real bravery taking the game to Millwall. The Den is an intimidating place to go and the lads didn't let that put them off, we played some excellent football. I think the second half probably showed more of a lack of experience, than skill. After Millwall equalised we needed to have calmer heads but we maybe panicked and they took full advantage of that. I don't blame the lads in any shape or form, they'll learn from this and come back all the stronger. We did try to get the equaliser but Millwall are a good team, managed by a top manager and they showed the level headedness and calmness that comes with experience. We'll get there with time, the lads are brilliant but for now it's a bit of a painful lesson. You can have all the possession you want but if you can't create enough opportunities and finish them, then you won't win."

BRUM MOTM - Callum Marshall

Many have questioned Kaye's decision to hand the armband to academy graduate Callum Marshall but in the opening two games of the season, he has been superb. It was no different here. The Northern Irish forward constantly pulled defenders out of position with his intelligent movement. Against the likes of Jerome Boateng you wouldn't blame him if he struggled but he gave the big German a tough forty five minutes. His goal was a well taken volley that showed excellent technique. He was constantly seen encouraging and pushing his teammates on.

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**Freddie** · 21-07-2024, 02:25 PM

Thriller against the Tractor Boys at St.Andrews

St.Andrews was treated to thriller in Round Three of the FFO Championship season as the Blues battled out an entertaining draw 2-2 with Ash Barkworth's Ipswich Town.

Birmingham Line-up: Griffiths; Witsel, Headley, Dodgson, Vydra, Hubner; Diouf, Diarra, Hall; Scarlett, Marshall

Subs: Hinchliffe, Preciado, Gozalbez, Nemeth, Jensen

Birmingham opened the scoring in the second minute thanks to a Harry Clark own goal. The defender accidentally miskicked a clearance giving his own goalkeeper no chance. On the stroke on half time Town equalised thanks to a Wes Burn strike. The Welsh winger cutting in from the flank before curling his shot into the bottom left corner.
Seconds into the second half George Hall fired home his third goal of the season to put his team 2-1 up. Ipswich battled back though and in the sixty fourth minute got a deserved equaliser through Italian defender Stefano Sensi. The veteran going on a mazy run that culminated in a well taken finish to ensure both teams took a share of the spoils.

BRUM MOTM - George Hall

The Englishman was brilliant in the centre of the park and looked a constant threat whenever he received the ball. His forward thinking passing got the team moving and the fans excited. Was given freedom to attack from the off, partnered by the combative Andy Diouf and this meant he was a constant threat. Well taken goal to cap his performance.

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The draw see's Birmingham move into tenth position in the Championship after three games. While the season is just beginning it is a positive start for Kaye and his young squad. Having the youngest squad in the division by a considerable distance fans have appreciated the attacking football on display and the clubs determination to build a team that can carry the club far into the future.
We got some words from the fans after the match.

"Yeah good team performance. Obviously gutted we couldn't get the three points but we played some nice football. I like that we're giving youth a chance"

"We need to tighten up in defence but going forward we looked exciting. George Hall has been brilliant in the first few games, he's really driving the team"

"Long way to go but I'm enjoying watching the team. The Scarlett and Marshall partnership upfront has the potential to go far"

**Freddie** · 09-09-2024, 02:07 PM

Brum on form!

With twenty games gone in the FFO Championship season, the Brummies find themselves ninth in the league after a rich run of form which culminated in a seven-one thrashing of Fulham on Friday. They are in the form team in the league at the moment with three wins on the trot and it's evident that confidence is growing within the squad.

After a six-nil thrashing at the hands of Luton Town in round nine, Kaye's men bounced back with two draws on the road. Firstly taking a point from a tricky trip to Brighton where they played out an exciting two-all draw before then travelling to Brentford and taking a deserved share of the spoils with a one-one stalemate.

These draws kicked the Brum on and they followed it up with a vital one-nil victory over Norwich City at St.Andrews. Wonderkid George Hall grabbing the game by the scuff of the neck in the last minute and scoring a brilliant solo effort. From then on form has been on an upwards trajectory with players building strong understandings with each other.

George Hall excelled against Norwich City

Another victory followed with a thrilling three-two victory away at Nottingham Forest before West Brom were then beaten at home thanks to a Patrik Vydra effort. Late goals seemed to become the theme with both wins being settled in the last five minutes.
Two draws followed against Bournemouth and Sunderland and then sadly a convincing three-nil defeat to Sheffield United. This didn't deter Kaye's squad though and they showed a growing maturity as they bounced back from this to beat a classy Wolves side two-nil at home. Dane Scarlett who has been lethal in front of goal again getting on the scoresheet. The young Englishman followed this up with the only goal of the game away to Stoke City, showing no fear from the penalty spot in the sixty fourth minute.

With confidence high Brum welcomed Fulham FC to St.Andrews on Friday. The Cottagers got the better of them in their last meeting so a tough game was expected. Few will have expected the hammering that followed with the Blues netting seven goals all before seventy minutes and Fulham only getting a single consolation goal.

The question is can Birmingham maintain this form? They find themselves ninth in the English Championship and two points off the playoff spots but with eighteen games still to play they will know much can change for better or worse in the next few months.

Freddie Kaye gave this thoughts.

"I'm obviously delighted with our performances, they've been brilliant. The thing that most impressed me though was bouncing back from the defeat at Sheffield United. We were well beaten there and our confidence could have taken a real knock. The lads showed a lot of maturity to put that behind themselves and go to Wolves and win. We have to be realistic and accept all we wanted to do this season is improve on last campaign but we will give everything our best shot and see where we end up. We're building towards a really good future for the club."

**Freddie** · 09-09-2024, 02:16 PM

Diouf captain for second half of campaign

Birmingham have confirmed midfielder Andy Diouf will take the captain's armband for the second half of the Championship season. The tough tackling Frenchman has impressed in the centre of the park for the Blues over the first twenty games and his appointment is seen as a popular decision within the fanbase and squad.

Diouf signed from French club Lens in preseason and has quickly adapted to the speed and power of the English game. His strength, stamina and awareness have allowed him to break up opposition play with ease and thanks to his excellent array of passing then set Birmingham on the counter. A popular figure in the changing room, Diouf is known as a calm leader who can encourage and motivate his fellow players. Manager Freddie Kaye gave his opinion on the appointment.

"We've been really happy with Andy since he arrived. He's incredibly consistent and someone who others look up to. He's calm and composed and has a real natural ability as a leader. I think it'll be a big boost to the club to have him as our captain. We're lucky that we had so many potential options to take the armband but Andy really stood out and we're very happy with the decision."

**Freddie** · 10-09-2024, 11:23 AM

Brum forced to settle for draw with the Lions

Diarra put in a MOTM performance against Millwall

Despite a good performance Birmingham only managed a point from the visit of Millwall last night. An early Brahima Diarra goal looked to have set Brum on their way to victory but a goal in the last few minutes from Aidomo Emakhu ensured the spoils were shared.

Manager Freddie Kaye didn't make any changes to his line-up from the seven-one thrashing of Fulham as his side aimed to make it four wins on the trot.

It didn't take long for the home side to take the lead when Brahima Diarra got on the end of an Andy Diouf corner and his effort was too strong for James Trafford in the Millwall goal. Diarra continued to perform throughout the game and was at the heart of everything positive for Birmingham. His creativity and movement in the middle of the park was a constant thorn for the Millwall defence. Despite Diarra's efforts and inventiveness though Brum couldn't get a second and wasteful finishing meant they went into the last ten minutes only a goal ahead. It was during this period that Millwall pushed for an equaliser and with only a minute left on the clock Emakhu got on the end of a cross to beautifully cushion the ball home and send the away fans crazy.

A difficult result for Birmingham fans to take but manager Freddie Kaye was still pleased with his teams performance.

"Obviously gutted to concede in the last minute, especially when I think we deserved to win. We have to look at it positively though. Millwall are a stronger side than us at the moment and have some brilliant players, we more than matched them. It came down to concentration and focusing for the full match, we didn't quite manage that but with time we will get better at this. It's all about small steps and I'm happy with the point."

**Freddie** · 28-10-2024, 04:32 PM

Brum pushing for promotion dream

Dane Scarlett's goalscoring exploits has been a massive reason for Brum's good form

With five games remaining in the FFO English Championship season, Birmingham find themselves in a surprise tenth position, three points off the playoff places. It was completely unexpected at the start of the campaign that the club in FFO with the smallest wage budget would be pushing for a chance to return to top flight football in England but the Blue's have given themselves a real chance going into the final five fixtures.

After finishing bottom of the FFO Championship last season and having one of the youngest squads in the game, it was expected Kaye's squad would again struggle this campaign. They have however proved a lot of doubters wrong and played some excellent football in the process. While the team are still very much growing and developing, they have shown their potential with some brilliant performances and results. Most notably has been the goalscoring exploits of Englishman Dane Scarlett. The twenty year old joined from Millwall in preseason and has racked up fifteen goals alongside four man of the match performances. He has become a key player for Brum and formed an exciting partnership upfront with Calum Marshall.

"Dane has been brilliant this season. He's really showed us what he's all about" explained manager Kaye. "His finishing is second to none and his movement and pace are a real threat for defenders. We knew he had the potential but it was up to him to show it."

Scarlett will be looking to add to his goals tally this Monday when Bournemouth come to town. The south coasters are five points behind the Blue's and have struggled for consistency this season. They know however a win could haul themselves to within touching distance of Kaye's side and will be going all out for the win. They will however be missing key defender Ryan Fredericks who is injured but you can never count the Cherries out especially with star man Giovanni Reyna looking to hit form. The American was Scott Reay's auction buy and has shown his ability at times but will be looking to push on in the final games of the season. His talent is undoubted but he has still yet to show his skills on a consistent basis.

The man tasked with keeping Reyna quiet will be none other than Andy Diouf. The Brum captain has made the defensive midfield position his own this season with several excellent performances. We spoke to Andy ahead of the match...

"It's going to be a tough game, we know how good Bournemouth are. They play some really nice football and have some top players. We're going to have to work really hard to get a good result but the boys are confident. We've been playing well recently and you can see how happy the squad is. We're focused and looking to win."

Promotion is very much a possibility for Birmingham as they had into the final few games of the season but regardless of what happens fans are delighted with the direction the club are heading and the trust they have put in a talented young squad.

**Freddie** · 28-10-2024, 04:52 PM

Brum rescue United point!

Scarlett celebrates his late equaliser

Birmingham welcomed Sheffield United to town on Monday evening and produced a fine performance against one of the league's best teams to earn a draw. United look likely to claim automatic promotion to the Premiership this season and many expected them to be too much for Brum but Kaye's squad more than deserved their point in a one-one draw.

Both teams started with five at the back but Birmingham opted for a four man midfield with Calum Marshall dropping to the bench. Pablo Gozalbez come in for the Northern Irishman for his first start of the season. Leo Greiml also made his home debut for the side after signing from Schalke 04 the previous week in a twenty three million pound deal.

Sheffield started the stronger and were quick to threaten the Brum goal. The experienced duo of Belotti and Muller upfront both went close and with ten minutes gone the latter opened the scoring. Good build-up play down the wing sent Marco Asensio through and the Spaniard's whipped cross was met by Muller who thundered a header into the top corner.

After the early opener United retreated back into their half looking to hit the home side on the counter and Birmingham were given time to grown into the game. Brahima Diarra was taking every opportunity to push his team forward and the Frenchman went close on thirty minutes but his long range effort just clipped the top of the bar. Sheffield responded with chances of their own but Niek Schiks was in no form to concede any more goals and produced several solid saves to keep the game at one-nil.

Into the second half and Birmingham came out with renewed vigour to get back into the match. Dane Scarlett again showing his ability and movement to keep the Sheffield United defence on their toes. Operating as a lone striker it was a tough afternoon for the Englishman but his showed good adaptability to play as a solo forward when for the most of the campaign he has played alongside Calum Marshall.

Within minutes remaining on the clock Scarlett got the goal that he deserved.

Substitute Frederik Jensen drove forward from midfield and saw the run of Scarlett, his clipped through ball was met by a brilliant bicycle kick from the Englishman which flew into the top corner to send the home crowd crazy. One-one and a fine point earned.

Jensen spoke to us after the match.

"It was a great run from Dane. I knew as soon as I got the ball he would try to stretch the defence and I just had to setup him up. Thankfully my pass got through and what a finish! Sheffield are a top team and you can see why they're in the top two but I think we deserve a lot of credit for giving them a real battle and never giving up."

**Freddie** · 28-10-2024, 05:10 PM

Kaye here to stay!

Freddie Kaye has no plans to leave St.Andrews at the end of this season

With many expecting this close season to be a manager merry-go-round Birmingham boss Freddie Kaye has declared his commitment to the club and his determination to take them back to the Premiership. The Scot is coming to the end of his second season with Brum and after a difficult first campaign that saw them finish bottom of the FFO Championship, they have taken big steps this season with what looks to be at least a top ten finish.

"I'm loving my time here" explained Kaye. "The club have been very supportive of me and have provided a lot of backing. It's a team with a lot of history and you can see the passion the city has for the club. I really want to be able to bring success here and I'm hopeful we have laid the foundations for years to come by focusing on youth. There's always a lot of manager changes preseason and I don't expect this coming close season to be any different but I'm here to stay and have no plans to be looking at any vacancies. We really want to achieve big things here at Birmingham and give the supporters a club to be really proud of. I'm hopeful we are heading in the right direction. We're slowly building the foundations, one brick at a time and hopefully in the next few years we can get back to the Premiership and show everyone how good we can be."

Birmingham are not a club blessed with giant financial backing despite have an excellent board of directors and it's expected to be a quiet preseason for Kaye and his staff with limited funds to use in the transfer market. It's thought any spare change could be ploughed into developing St.Andrews, a thought Kaye seemed keen on.

"I think it's obvious we're working on fine margins here at Birmingham. We can't go out and splash cash on a fifty million pound player and that's why we're focusing on the excellent youth players we have here. I think we need to gradually build the infrastructure of the club so we have a solid base for years to come. I'm very much a fan of developing the stadium. If we can bring in more of our brilliant supporters to games then we'll have more cash to invest in players and the youth academy. I've been in talks with the chairman and we both share the vision that this close season will be one where we try to build the stadium."

The Scot finally shared his plans to promote two youth players to the first team squad for next season.

"I've been keeping a close eye on the youth academy and two players who have really stood out this season are Steve Caldwell and James Wallace. Steve is a ball playing defender who could slot straight in the first team. He's in the Scottish Under 21's and looked the real deal there so we're very excited at his potential. James is an attacking midfielder who can play just behind the strikers or on the wing and is really exciting player to watch. He brings a lot of flair and creativity to the pitch. We think they could both be excellent additions for our squad next season and they fully deserve their promotion to the first team."

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