Birmingham August Review: late business

With a two-week break from the Championship for internationals, this is a good time to review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here’s our assessment of Birmingham City.

What we said in pre-season

“A modernizing Championship will catch out tactically limited sides, of which Birmingham may be one. While David Stockdale is a good signing, this summer hasn’t delivered the overhaul needed with no senior players leaving permanently. It remains to be seen whether key figures can provide the shake-up required. 20th ”

Have they surprised us so far?

No. They didn’t make enough changes to the squad before the season, following last year’s near-capitulation, to expect a good start. Their only victory in five came against Bristol City, who they were fortunate to be a few goals down to at half-time. That win was accompanied by three uninspiring performances against Ipswich, Bolton and Burton, which combined saw the Blues attain just one point.

The positives

There have been more positives off the field for Birmingham than on it. It was feared that Harry Redknapp would sign too many old players but only three of the 14 additions are over 27, with much-needed pace added to the squad. He has been able to attract arguably Brentford’s best two players, versatile forward Jota and committed centre-back Harlee Dean.

The negatives

In publicly placing so much importance on transfer dealings, Redknapp has risked unsettling the 16 players who remain from the previous campaign. The high-turnover of players would have ideally been done earlier in the summer, giving signings a little time to adjust to their new surroundings. In this case, they have to immediately transform the team’s performances.

Late business

In classic his wheeling and dealing manner, ‘Arry has made nine additions in the last 10 days of August, five of which on loan. Carl Jenkinson got injured on his debut but Jeremie Boga could spice up the midfield, having already featured in the Premier League once for Chelsea this term.

The Football Lab’s Grade

A B for signings, an E for performances. The pressure is on those new additions  to make an instant impact. D