Thoughts On The Blues with Simon Brew | An independent Birmingham City podcast

On Thursday 17th September, Birmingham City held the latest of its Open House sessions at St Andrews (at Knighthead Park.) The big takeaway from the evening was changes to the Sports Quarter project, and that Chris Davies has been sent the picture of himself from the end of the Derby County game. But there was much else to talk about too.Somehow, Simon Brew got a ticket. Taking with him a sizeable bag to collect, er, 'souvenirs' while nobody was looking, here's his report from the evening...---MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version

Following defeat at Norwich City, Chris Davies took the Blues to Derby County for our second EFL Championship away game on the bounce. This one went better. It went on for hours, granted, but goals from Carlos Vicente and Paik Seung-ho helped us get over Luis Vazquez's aversion to putting the ball into an empty net.Meanwhile, John Eustace looked stern, Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann must be knackered, and Birmingham City have their second win of the season. In this latest episode, Simon Brew rounds it all up...---MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version---

Birmingham City took their unbeaten record in the league to Carrow Road, for a midweek EFL Championship fixture against Norwich City. The teamsheet looked thin, with Patrick Roberts and Demarai Gray on the injury list, Alex Cochrane on the bench, Kristoffer Lund getting a start and two goalkeepers in reserve. The game? Well, we went for it, but the Blues hit three key problems. In the latest Thoughts On The Blues, Simon Brew looks at the offside goal, the Norwich double response, and a Kyogo moment for Carlos Vicente as well...Plus: Sky. A few words there.

The first local derby of the season, shifted by Sky Sports to a Sunday lunchtime. Blues found themselves up against Wolverhampton Wanderers, for a lunchtime EFL kick-off where we'd learned ahead of time that Jhon Solis was injured.Were we on the back foot? Initially so when Wolves too the lead. But it all turned into a memorable afternoon at St Andrews (at Knighthead Park), with the emotional return of Tom Wagner, and a frenetic draw that neither side will forget in a hurry. Not just for the debut of Liam Millar, either. Simon Brew rounds everything up. Well, he will do, once he's stopped laughing...---MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version

The transfer window slams shut with just Liam Millar added to the ranks, as Birmingham City took to EFL Championship action against Southampton. Last season, there was a gap between the two teams, and Chris Davies needed a home performance to help steady things too.In then for his first start of the season came Patrick Roberts. Begging the question: why has he played so little football for us of late? Whatever the reason, Blues fought out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining game. Simon Brew reflects on the game, on deadline day, and what lies ahead at home to Wolves...---MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version

In the game that nobody from Birmingham was calling the Hollywood Derby, Wrexham welcomed a shellshocked Birmingham City side for a Friday night EFL Championship game where the Blues needed a result, and needed a performance. With Chris Davies under immense pressure, BCFC supporters needed a happy end to a rotten week. And boy, did we get one.In this episode of Thoughts On The Blues, Simon settles down with paintstripper wine to talk about our new star striker, Phil Neumann, our set pieces, James Beadle, the fact that Sky seemed to, er, 'not be fans', and a first league win of the season...---MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version

Buckle up. Birmingham City won't be winning the Carabao Cup this season, courtesy of an absolute horror show at home to Brentford. The Blues have now shipped eight goals at home in four days, and against Premiership opposition, barely laid a glove on their opponents.Is that it for Chris Davies now? Where does this leave BCFC? And with Wrexham coming up on Friday, is it time for change? Simon Brew, when he's finished crying, shares a few thoughts...

The first competitive match at St Andrew's (at Knighthead Park) for nearly four months, and a full house was ready for the visit of Bristol City. After two ground out away performances, this was the moment for Chris Davies to take the handbrake off.The same line-up, Jay Stansfield still on the wing. Paik behind August Priske. Marvin Ducksh on the bench, too. A game there for the taking. So why didn't we take it? Er, glad you asked...

Ah, here we go. Bramall Lane. The EFL Championship opener. Sheffield United playing host to a Birmingham City, who have a good away performance this season already under their belt.Chris Davies and Chris Wilder went head to head, and it turned out to be a game where James Beadle, Jhon Solis, Patrick Bamford and Bright Osayi-Samuel ended up as talking points. As well as a very welcome shot or two from Jay Stansfield.Simon Brew, who'd been off to see, er, Mrs Doubtfire The Musical on the same day, has some thoughts to share...MY BIRMINGHAM CITY BOOK (independent!) OUT NOW: www.tinyurl.com/bcfcbookprint for print versionwww.tinyurl.com/bcfcbook for Kindle version version