Well Done Mr. Rowett: Birmingham 0:0 Wolves

An away game at Molineux is always a serious affair for the boys in royal blue however when you add in the appointment of Gary Rowett, it became more important. Although we understood he would not be able to change everything with only a couple of days of training, we had high hopes to see what he could do.

Birmingham City's Goalkeeper Darren Randolph

Rowett did not disappoint. To anyone who watched the game on TV and isn’t a Blues supporter or a regular at ST. Andrews, this may sound ridiculous. You’re probably thinking that Wolves were the better side, we were lucky to draw and we didn’t play particularly well. The main thing I am impressed with is the level of confidence. It is important to remember that the game before, Birmingham were ripped apart 8-0 and then Rowett had to come in and instill confidence into the team. An 8-0 defeat really must destroy the confidence of a team and especially goalkeeper Darren Randolph. However, Rowett put his faith in him and wow did he repay it. To go away to top of the league Wolverhampton after an embarrassing defeat, not only did Randolph keep a clean sheet but also won Man Of The Match for some wonderful saves throughout the game.

If Rowett continues the way that he has started I don’t think defending will be a problem for us this season. Paul Caddis looked a lot better than he has so far this season and the two-month loan of Charlton defender Michael Morrison looks an inspired one as he also played a big role in the clean sheet. The problems in the game lied further up the field, Largely with Clayton Donaldson. Admittedly, with the defensive football we played it was difficult to create a lot of chances for him. However, when he was given the chance on multiple occasions he fired wide. He simply doesn’t offer enough. He struggles to win headers, he doesn’t have blistering pace and despite what I was led to believe before he joined the club, he doesn’t put away his chances. He must show something in training, which he is yet to show on the pitch to be repeatedly picked over Wes Thomas who just seems to offer more penetration. Thomas’ finishing is lacking but he makes up for that with his superb work ethic, his desire to make the run and his pace. If Thomas repeatedly gets into the positions that he does, I am confident he could score one in ten opportunities, which is far more than can be said for Donaldson who doesn’t create chances for himself and who has currently scored two in fifteen but should have scored far more.

I would also like to make something very clear about the interruption of the minute silence. I was at the game myself and Blues fans did not start it. One Wolves fan shouted out which riled up the Blues fans, who began to shout back telling the wolves fans to (put politely) be quiet. However, screaming abuse and telling them to be quiet completely defeats the object and makes the Bluenoses look like the villains. I must say that for 40 plus fans to retaliate like that is foolish, ridiculous and obviously makes them look disrespectful but I think it’s more than understandable that this interruption angered the Blues faithful.

Blues Fans as far as the eye can see

Fiery derby as it always promised to be, lots of items thrown, scuffles outside the ground and the police accompanied us to the train station. Putting all other issues aside, a point from Gary Rowett’s first game is an excellent result.