Birmingham City F.C. season 2007-08

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Birmingham City
Season 2007–08
Manager Flag of England Steve Bruce
to November 2007, then
Flag of Scotland Alex McLeish
Chairman Flag of England David Gold
League Premier League
Final league position 19th (relegated)
FA Cup 3rd round
League Cup 3rd round
Top goalscorer League:
Flag of Finland Mikael Forssell (9)
All:
Flag of Finland Mikael Forssell (9)
Highest home attendance 29,252 vs Liverpool (2008-04-26)
Lowest home attendance 10,185 vs Hereford United (2007-08-28)

The 2007–08 season was Birmingham City F.C.'s 115th season of league football since their admission to the Football League in 1892, their fifth season in the Premier League, and their 55th season in the top tier of English football.

Contents

[edit] Season review

[edit] May – July

After succesfuly returning to the Premier League at the first attempt, manager Steve Bruce started to look to add depth to his team ahead of the new season. On loan midfielder Fabrice Muamba became the first player to join the Blues, as he moved from Arsenal to the second city for an undisclosed fee. June saw the arrivals of Stuart Parnaby who signed on a free transfer from Middlesbrough, Scottish striker Garry O'Connor who signed for £2,700,000 from Lokomotiv Moscow, French midfielder Olivier Kapo who was signed from Juventus for £3,000,000. July saw even more players arrive at St Andrews, with midfielder Daniel de Ridder signing on a free transfer from Celta Vigo, Ghana keeper Richard Kingson also on a free transfer from Antalyaspor, and Brazilian defender Rafael Schmitz on loan from Lille.

The Blues were also ready to spend £3,000,000 on Tottenham Hotspur and Egypt midfielder Hossam Ghaly, but the deal was canceled only days into his Blues career due to a training ground incident that resulted in Bruce sending him back to the London side before a work permit had been granted.[1]

Four players were allowed to leave the club, with defender Bruno N'Gotty leaving the club on a free transfer to sign for Leicester City, midfielder Julian Gray also leaving on a free transfer to join Coventry City, midfielder Stephen Clemence joined Leicester City for £1,000,000, and striker DJ Campbell also joining Leicester City for £2,100,000.

July also saw the Blues become the latest English club to be involved in a take over bid by a foreign millionaire. Hong Kong business man Carson Yeung brought a 29.9% stake in the clubs shared for a reported £15,000,000. The Gold brothers and David Sullivan sold 14.81% of their shares, Karen Brady sold 0.23%, and Bannister sold 0.05%.[2]

[edit] August

13
C. Doyle
2
S. Kelly
16
J. Djourou
6
L. Ridgewell
15
F. Queudrue
7
S. Larsson
12
M. Nafti
26
F. Muamba
11
G. McSheffrey
9
M. Forssell
23
O. Kapo
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 2-3 defeat to Chelsea on the 12 August 2007

The new season started with a tough away trip to Stamford Bridge to play last seasons runners-up Chelsea. But it was the Blues that struck first with former Chelsea forward Mikael Forssell scoring a header from a McSheffrey free kick just 15 minutes in. Chelsea fort back however, and goals from Claudio Pizarro and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a 2-1 lead before new signing Olivier Kapo struck an unstoppable shot past Petr Cech to leave the scored level at half time. The only goal of the second half went to Chelsea, as a Michael Essien goal gave Chelsea all three points. The Blues' first home came of the season was against Sunderland who had beat the Blues to the Championship title the previous season. An own goal from Paul McShane was enough to give the Blues the lead at half time, but Sunderland fought back with a goal from Michael Chopra before a Garry O'Connor goal seemed to have given Blues their first win of the season. However, a late Stern John goal was enough to earn Sunderland a point. West Ham United were the next team to visit St Andrews, where a Mark Noble penalty was the only goal of the game that gave the London club all three points. The last league game of the season saw the side visit Pride Park were two Cameron Jerome goals were enough to defeat Derby who scored a goal of their own from Mathew Oakley. The last game in August saw League Two Hereford United visit St Andrews in the First Round of the Carling Cup. Two first half goals from Garry O'Connor and Gary McSheffrey saw Blues lead at half time, only for Hereford to fight back in the second half to score through Theo Robinson. But it was two little to late from the Herefordshire side as Blues dumped them out of the cup.

August also saw the close of the Transfer Window. Before the season had begun, Steve Bruce continued to strengthen his side with the signings of defender Franck Queudrue for £2,000,000 from Fulham, centre back Liam Ridgewell for £2,000,000 from local rivals Aston Villa, and Swiss defender Johan Djourou on loan from Arsenal. The final day of the transfer window also saw some activity as Spanish midfielder Borja Oubina joined on loan from Celta Vigo and highly rated Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios also joined on loan from Deportivo Olimpia.

[edit] September

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
16
J. Djourou
6
L. Ridgewell
15
F. Queudrue
7
S. Larsson
12
M. Nafti
26
F. Muamba
23
O. Kapo
10
C. Jerome
11
G. McSheffrey
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on the 15 September 2007

The 1st of September saw the Blues travel to the Riverside Stadium to take on Middlesbrough. Two first half goals from David Wheater and Stewart Downing were enough to see of the Blues, who rarely threatened the Middlesbrough goal. The next game saw Bolton Wanderers visit St Andrews. A free kick from Queudrue was flicked on for Olivier Kapo to secure his second goal of the season, and more importantly, Blues' first three points at home. A difficult trip to Liverpool followed, where the Blues were able to secure a valuable point in a 0-0 draw. The downside to the game was a 13th minute injury to Borja Oubina that would see him injured until the end of the season. Blues' exploits in the Carling Cup came to an un-dramatic end as they bowed out to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Goals from David Bentley, Matt Derbyshire and Roque Santa Cruz were enough to see of a much weakened Blues team. The final game of the month saw the side take on Manchester United. Although the Blues bossed large parts of the game, it was the Manchester side that finished with the points. Bad play from the Blues defence allowed Manchester United to score the only goal of the game from Cristiano Ronaldo.

[edit] October

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
5
R. Schmitz
6
L. Ridgewell
15
F. Queudrue
20
D. de Ridder
26
F. Muamba
12
M. Nafti
28
W. Palacios
23
O. Kapo
10
C. Jerome
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic on the 27 October 2007

Blues' first game in October saw them return to Ewood Park for the second time in eleven days. Goals from David Bentley and Benni McCarthy saw Blackburn take a two goal lead, before Cameron Jerome struck to give the Blues a lifeline, but there was to be no comeback. It ended in a 2-1 win for Blackburn Rovers, leaving Birmingham 13th in the league table after nine games played. Thirteen days later a trip to Manchester City was next on the agenda for the Blues, where a 37th minute goal from Elano saw the points stay in Manchester. The last game of the month was a crucial bottom of the table clash with Wigan Athletic at St Andrews. A Marcus Bent goal in the 23rd minute was cancelled out three minutes later when Olivier Kapo scored from a penalty. After half time, Bent was able to give Wigan the lead again before they were pegged back once again, this time by a goal scored by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell. The game could have gone either way before Kapo struck again, this time in the 81st minute leaving Wigan no chance to comeback. It was Birmingham's third win of the season, and at the end of the month they were in 13th position with 11 points.

[edit] November

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
16
J. Djourou
6
L. Ridgewell
5
R. Schmitz
20
D. de Ridder
12
M. Nafti
26
F. Muamba
28
W. Palacios
10
C. Jerome
23
O. Kapo
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa on the 11 November 2007

November started with an away game at Goodison Park against Everton. An early Yakubu goal was canceled out in the 80th minute by Olivier Kapo, only for two injury time goals from Lee Carsley and James Vaughan saw Everton snatch all three points. Next up was the Second City derby against Aston Villa at St Andrews. An early Liam Ridgewell own goal gave the Villa a first half lead. Mikael Forssell tied the game early in the second half however, but it was not to be as Gabriel Agbonlahor gave the Villa all three points. The Villa game was to be the last game in charge of the Blues for Steve Bruce, who left the club to join Wigan Athletic on the 20 November 2007[3]. This left Bruce's assistant Eric Black in charge for the game against Portsmouth at St Andrews. Debutant goalkeeper Richard Kingson was at fault for Portsmouth's first goal as Sully Muntari's shot rolled under the arms of the keeper. Niko Kranjcar added a late second as Portsmouth strolled to victory. Black's short reign as Blues manager ended on the 26 November 2007 as he left to join Bruce at Wigan. On the 27 November 2007, former Scotland manager Alex McLeish was appointed manager of the club[4]. McLeish had quit Scotland the day before to take over at the midlands club, but he brought his two Scottish assistants Andy Watson, and former Villa caretaker manager Roy Aitken.

[edit] December

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
16
J. Djourou
6
L. Ridgewell
5
R. Schmitz
20
D. de Ridder
12
M. Nafti
26
F. Muamba
7
S. Larsson
10
C. Jerome
11
G. McSheffrey
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the 2 December 2007

Alex McLeish's first game in charge was a tricky visit Tottenham Hotspur. Gary McSheffrey was able to give the Blues a first half lead from a penalty given away by Younes Kaboul. It all changed in the early stages of the second half however as Robbie Keane scored two, the first from another penalty that was won by Dimitar Berbatov, the second due to bad defending from a corner. The game changed once again as Phil Dowd sent off Robbie Keane, and the Blues scored the equaliser thanks to Cameron Jerome. Then in the last minutes of the game, Sebastian Larsson scored a 35 yard screamer that secured McLeish his first victory. Next up was a trip to St James' Park to play Newcastle United. Cameron Jerome gave the Blues an early lead, but a controversial penalty was put away by Obafemi Martins, and a late Habib Beye goal gave Newcastle the three points. McLeish's first home game in charge was against Reading. A 4th minute goal from Mikael Forssell was cancelled out again by another penalty, this time scored by Stephen Hunt. A away trip to Bolton Wanderers failed to gain any points for the Blues, as a goal from El Hadji Diouf and two from Nicolas Anelka gave Bolton an easy 3-0 win. Boxing Day saw Middlesbrough visit St Andrews. An own goal by Stewart Downing, and a Mikael Forssell goal gave the Blues a 2-0 lead at half time, and Gary McSheffrey converted a penalty to finish of Middlesborough's resistance. The last game of 2007 saw Fulham entertained at St Andrews. An early Carlos Bocanegra goal not enough to give Fulham the lead as a 55th minute Sebastian Larsson goal shared the points.

December also saw the collapse of Carson Yeung's attempted take over of the club. The Blues board decided to terminate talks as the Hong Kong business man had failed to come up with the reported £35 Million to buy the remaining 70.1% shares of the club. David Gold also confirmed that there would be no chance of another takeover bid until the summer of 2008. [5]

[edit] January

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
6
L. Ridgewell
5
R. Schmitz
15
F. Queudrue
7
S. Larsson
22
D. Johnson
26
F. Muamba
23
O. Kapo
8
G. O'Connor
10
C. Jerome
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on the 12 January 2008

January would see the Blues play three of the 'big four' in English football. First up was a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United. Carlos Tevez struck the only goal of the game for the Manchester side 25 minuets in. It was enough to see off the Blues, and there attention turned to the FA Cup. Blues' third round encounter pitted them against League One Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium. Huddersfield took an early lead thanks to Luke Beckett, but the Blues struck back with Garry O'Connor on target to take the game into half time at 1-1. But it was to be Huddersfield's day as a late goal from Chris Brandon saw them advance into the fourth round. Next up in the league for the Blues was their first ever trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal. A penalty from Emmanuel Adebayor had given Arsenal a first half lead, but the Blues fought back to earn a point just after half time through a Garry O'Connor header from a Sebastian Larsson corner. The third team of the 'big four' to play Blues in January were Chelsea who visited St Andrews. It took a late goal from Claudio Pizarro to beat Blues, as Chelsea took all three points from the encounter. The last game of the month was a must win tie in the north east as the Blues took on Sunderland. But it was not to be as Sunderland won a one sided encounter with goals from Daryl Murphy and Rade Prica.

January also saw the opening of the transfer window. Alex McLeish was able to strengthen his side with the signings of left back David Murphy for £1,500,000 from Hibernian, striker James McFadden for £5,000,000 from Everton, and the loan signing of striker Mauro Zarate from Qatar side Al-Sadd. McLeish also allowed some fringe players to leave the club, with Neil Kilkenny joining Leeds United for £150,000, Rowan Vine joining Queens Park Rangers for £1,000,000, Neil Danns joining Crystal Palace for £600,000 and Mathew Sadler joining Watford for £750,000. Defender Olivier Tebily was also allowed to leave the club after not featuring in the side since the start of the previous season.

[edit] February

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
4
M. Taylor
6
L. Ridgewell
14
D. Murphy
7
S. Larsson
22
D. Johnson
26
F. Muamba
23
O. Kapo
9
M. Forssell
16
J. McFadden
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on the 23 February 2008

February featured three Premier League encounters for the Blues. Derby County were in real trouble in the Premier League, occupying 20th position, with 19th place Fulham well out of reach for the East Midlands club. There visit to St Andrews also saw the return of Robbie Savage who left the Blues back in 2005. A Sebastian Larsson goal looked like it had secured a valuable three points for the Blues before a 89th minute Emanuel Villa goal secured a point for Derby. A trip to West Ham United was next up for the Blues. Fredrik Ljungberg scored in the opening encounters for the Hammers, but a penalty from new boy James McFadden made sure that the Blues would at least leave with a point. The last game of the month was a home match between the Blues and Arsenal. A 28th Minute free kick from James McFadden opened the scoring, before two Theo Walcott goals within 5 minuets looked to have given the points to Arsenal, before a injury time McFadden penalty stole a point for the Blues. However, the game became highly controversial as within minutes of the kick off, a badly timed challenge by centre back Martin Taylor broke the leg of Eduardo da Silva. No one could complain about the automatic red card that Mike Dean the referee showed Taylor, but comments after the game by Arsene Wenger campaigned for a much longer ban than the traditional three match ban[6]. Although Wenger later retracted his comments[7], his idea gained support with Sepp Blatter in particular, who campaigned for Taylor to be punished with a season long ban[8]. The defender also received several death threats from supporters of Croatia[9], as Eduardo would miss Euro 2008 in the summer.

[edit] March

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
24
R. Jaidi
6
L. Ridgewell
14
D. Murphy
7
S. Larsson
22
D. Johnson
26
F. Muamba
11
G. McSheffrey
9
M. Forssell
16
J. McFadden
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the 1 March 2008

March started with the newly crowned Carling Cup champions visiting St Andrews. It was not to be Tottenham's day however as the Blues emphatically won 4-1. A Mikael Forssell hat-trick, and a free kick from Sebastian Larsson saw the Blues lead 4-0 before a late Jermaine Jenas goal in second half injury time saw Maik Taylor fail to get his clean sheet. Next up for the Blues was a tricky away tie to another team going well in a domestic cup. Portsmouth, who had just qualified for the semi-final of the FA Cup, went into an early two goal lead thanks to Jermain Defoe, before goals from Fabrice Muamba and another Sebastian Larsson free kick saw Blues complete a first half comeback. Second half goals from Hermann Hreidarsson and Nwankwo Kanu saw the Blues fail to get anything from the south coast. The next two Blues games would see the team go head to head with other Premier League teams in trouble at the foot of the table. Newcastle United was first up at St Andrews, where a James McFadden goal in the first half was canceled out by an early goal in the second half by Michael Owen. Then it was a trip to the Madejski Stadium where Reading were able to capitalise on poor defending from set plays to earn a 2-1 victory, leaving the Blues only a point from 18th placed Bolton, and in real trouble. The only highlight of the game was a goal for Mauro Zarate. The last game of the month saw Manchester City visit St Andrews. Two Mauro Zarate goals and a penalty by Gary McSheffrey were enough to overcome the Manchester team, who scored with a penalty of there own from Elano.

[edit] April

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
24
R. Jaidi
6
L. Ridgewell
14
D. Murphy
7
S. Larsson
12
M. Nafti
26
F. Muamba
23
O.Kapo
9
M. Forssell
16
J. McFadden
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on the 26 April 2008

The first game in April came on the 5th, with an away trip to Wigan Athletic. Former Birmingham boss Steve Bruce managed his side to a 2-0 win over Birmingham, with Ryan Taylor scoring both the goals. Also in that match, club captain Damien Johnson was sent off for two-footed foul on Kevin Kilbane. A week later, Birmingham were at Home against Everton. Mauro Zarate rescued a point for the Blues with a 25-yard free kick on the 83rd minute, after Everton defender Joleon Lescott put them in front. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. At this time Birmingham were 17th in the Premier League table. The Birmingham Derby took place eight days later as Birmingham were beaten 5-1 by local rivals Aston Villa away at Villa Park. Ashley Young and John Carew each scored twice. Mikael Forssell got a consolation goal for Blues, then Gabriel Agbonlahor finished it off for Aston Villa. With other teams results around them not going their way, Blues dropped to 18th in the league table. Birmingham's final game of April came on the 26th against Liverpoo at St Andrews. Birmingham went into this game with a decent record against them, drawing four and winning two of their last six meetings against Liverpool in the Premier League. Birmingham opened the scoring through Mikael Forssell on the 34th minute. Birmingham were looking comfortable throughout most of the game, and Sebastian Larsson scored a 30 yard free kick to make it 2-0. Birmingham however let their lead slip, after Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun both scored for Liverpool to share the points. Birmingham remained in 18th position in the league table.

[edit] May

1
M. Taylor
2
S. Kelly
24
R. Jaidi
6
L. Ridgewell
14
D. Murphy
7
S. Larsson
22
D. Johnson
26
F. Muamba
23
O.Kapo
9
M. Forssell
19
M. Zarate
Birmingham's starting line-up for the 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers on the 11 May 2008

A must-win game for Birmingham against relegation rivals Fulham, described by manager Alex McLeish as 'the most important game of the season'[10]. The first half ended goalless, but Fulham took the lead through Brian McBride to put them 1-0 up. Erik Nevland then doubled Fulham's tally in the 87th minute, and the game ended 2-0. It took Fulham out of the relegation zone, wile Birmingham were left to fall down to 19th. Birmingham's final game of the season saw them score four goals against Blackburn Rovers. A first half goal from David Murphy was cancelled out by Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen early in the second half. After a miss from close range by Cameron Jerome, the striker responded by scoring two goals, with Fabrice Muamba getting a late goal. It turned out not to be enough however, as both Fulham and Reading secured wins, which left Birmingham to be relegated back to the Championship in 19th place.

[edit] Squad statistics

[edit] Playing stats

Last updated on May 11, 2008.
No. Nat. Position Player Total Premier League FA Cup League Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 Flag of Northern Ireland GK Maik Taylor 35 0 34 - 1 - 0 0
2 Flag of Ireland DF Stephen Kelly 40 0 38 0 1 0 1 0
4 Flag of England DF Martin Taylor 5 0 4 0 0 0 1 0
5 Flag of Brazil DF Rafael Schmitz 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 0
6 Flag of England DF Liam Ridgewell 37 1 35 1 1 0 1 0
7 Flag of Sweden MF Sebastian Larsson 36 6 34 6 1 0 1 0
8 Flag of Scotland FW Garry O'Connor 26 4 23 2 1 1 2 1
9 Flag of Finland FW Mikael Forssell 33 9 31 9 1 0 1 0
10 Flag of England FW Cameron Jerome 33 7 32 7 1 0 0 0
11 Flag of England MF Gary McSheffrey 34 4 32 3 1 0 1 1
12 Flag of Tunisia MF Mehdi Nafti 27 0 26 0 0 0 1 0
13 Flag of Ireland GK Colin Doyle 3 0 3 - 0 - 0 -
14 Flag of England DF David Murphy 14 1 14 1 0 0 0 0
15 Flag of France DF Franck Queudrue 17 0 16 0 1 0 0 0
16 Flag of Scotland FW James McFadden 12 4 12 4 0 0 0 0
18 Flag of Ghana GK Richard Kingson 3 0 1 - 0 - 2 -
19 Flag of Argentina FW Mauro Zárate 14 4 14 4 0 0 0 0
20 Flag of the Netherlands MF Daniël de Ridder 12 0 10 0 1 0 1 0
21 Flag of England DF Stuart Parnaby 15 0 13 0 0 0 2 0
22 Flag of Northern Ireland MF Damien Johnson 18 0 17 0 1 0 0 0
23 Flag of France MF Olivier Kapo 26 5 26 5 0 0 0 0
24 Flag of Tunisia DF Radhi Jaïdi 20 0 18 0 1 0 1 0
25 Flag of England FW Sone Aluko 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
26 Flag of England MF Fabrice Muamba 38 2 37 2 1 0 0 0
Players not playing for Birmingham City at the end of the season:
3 Flag of England DF Mathew Sadler 7 0 5 0 0 0 2 0
16 Flag of Switzerland DF Johan Djourou 13 0 13 0 0 0 0 0
17 Flag of England MF Neil Danns 4 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
19 Flag of England FW Rowan Vine 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
28 Flag of Honduras MF Wilson Palacios 7 0 7 0 0 0 0 0
29 Flag of Spain MF Borja Oubiña Meléndez 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

[edit] End of season player awards

The end of season awards ceremony was held at the ICC on 12 May 2008.[11]

Award Winner Details
Player of the season Sebastian Larsson
Player's player of the season Sebastian Larsson
BRMB listerners' player of the season Sebastian Larsson
Junior Blues player of the season Sebastian Larsson
Academy player of the season Jordon Mutch
Outstanding Achievement award Stephen Kelly for competing in every minute of the Premier League season
Top goal scorer of the season Mikael Forssell
Goal of the season Sebastian Larsson for his goal against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 December
Magic moment of the season Sebastian Larsson for his goal against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 December
First player for Birmingham to score a Hat-Trick in the Premier League Mikael Forssell for his hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 March

[edit] Player transfers

[edit] In

Date Pos. No. Name From Fee Source
2007-05-11 MF 26 Flag of England Fabrice Muamba Flag of England Arsenal Undisclosed BBC Sport
2007-06-01 DF 21 Flag of England Stuart Parnaby Flag of England Middlesbrough Free BBC Sport
2007-06-28 FW 8 Flag of Scotland Garry O'Connor Flag of Russia Lokomotive Moscow £2,700,000 BBC Sport
2007-06-29 MF 23 Flag of France Olivier Kapo Flag of Italy Juventus £3,000,000 BBC Sport
2007-07-03 MF 20 Flag of the Netherlands Daniël de Ridder Flag of Spain Celta Vigo Free BBC Sport
2007-07-03 GK 18 Flag of Ghana Richard Kingson Flag of Turkey Antalyaspor Free BBC Sport
2007-08-03 DF 15 Flag of France Franck Queudrue Flag of England Fulham £2,000,000 BBC Sport
2007-08-03 DF 6 Flag of England Liam Ridgewell Flag of England Aston Villa £2,000,000 BBC Sport
2008-01-17 DF 14 Flag of England David Murphy Flag of Scotland Hibernian £1,500,000 BCFC.Com
2008-01-18 FW 16 Flag of Scotland James McFadden Flag of England Everton £5,000,000 BBC Sport

[edit] Out

Date Pos. No. Name To Fee Source
2007-06-04 DF 21 Flag of France Bruno N'Gotty Flag of England Leicester City Free BBC Sport
2007-07-10 MF 11 Flag of England Julian Gray Flag of England Coventry City Free BBC Sport
2007-07-13 MF 6 Flag of England Stephen Clemence Flag of England Leicester City £1,000,000 BBC Sport
2007-07-20 FW 14 Flag of England DJ Campbell Flag of England Leicester City £2,100,000 BBC Sport
2008-01-07 MF 14 Flag of Australia Neil Kilkenny Flag of England Leeds United £150,000 BBC Sport
2008-01-08 DF - Flag of England Sam Oji Flag of England Leyton Orient Free BBC Sport
2008-01-08 FW 19 Flag of England Rowan Vine Flag of England Queens Park Rangers £1,000,000 BBC Sport
2008-01-14 DF 27 Flag of Côte d'Ivoire Olivier Tébily (later joined Flag of Canada Toronto) Released BBC Sport
2008-01-22 MF 17 Flag of England Neil Danns Flag of England Crystal Palace £600,000 BBC Sport
2008-01-24 DF 3 Flag of England Mat Sadler Flag of England Watford £750,000 BCFC.Com
2008-05-13 MF - Flag of England Asa Hall Released BCFC.com
2008-05-13 MF - Flag of Northern Ireland David Howland (later joined Flag of England Port Vale Released BCFC.com
2008-05-13 GK - Flag of England Adam Legzdins (later joined Flag of England Crewe Alexandra) Released BCFC.com
2008-05-15 GK 18 Flag of Ghana Richard Kingson Released BCFC.com

[edit] Players loaned in

Date In Date Left Pos. No. Name From Source
2007-07-06 2008-05-11 DF 5 Flag of Brazil Rafael Schmitz Flag of France Lille BBC Sport
2007-08-10 2007-12-27 DF 16 Flag of Switzerland Johan Djourou Flag of England Arsenal BBC Sport
2007-08-31 2008-02-09 MF 29 Flag of Spain Borja Oubiña Meléndez Flag of Spain Celta Vigo BBC Sport
2007-08-31 2008-01-02 MF 28 Flag of Honduras Wilson Palacios Flag of Honduras Deportivo Olimpia BBC Sport
2008-01-21 2008-05-11 FW 19 Flag of Argentina Mauro Zárate Flag of Qatar Al-Sadd BBC Sport

[edit] Players loaned out

Date Out Date Back Pos. No. Name To Source
2007-08-10 2008-01-03 MF 14 Flag of Australia Neil Kilkenny Flag of England Oldham Athletic BBC Sport
2007-08-28 2007-12-01 DF N/A Flag of England Sam Oji Flag of England Leyton Orient BBC Sport
2007-08-31 2008-05-23 FW 25 Flag of England Sone Aluko Flag of Scotland Aberdeen BBC Sport
2007-10-01 2008-04-27 GK N/A Flag of England Adam Legzdins Flag of England Halifax Town BBC Sport
2007-10-02 2008-01-02 FW 19 Flag of England Rowan Vine Flag of England Queens Park Rangers
2007-11-01 2007-12-13 DF 4 Flag of England Martin Taylor Flag of England Norwich City BBC Sport
2007-11-08 2008-01-14 DF 30 Flag of England Krystian Pearce Flag of England Notts County
2008-01-04 2008-01-07 MF 14 Flag of Australia Neil Kilkenny Flag of England Leeds United BBC Sport
2008-01-16 2008-05-04 MF N/A Flag of England Asa Hall Flag of England Shrewsbury Town BBC Sport
2008-01-22 2008-05-04 MF N/A Flag of Northern Ireland David Howland Flag of England Port Vale BCFC.Com
2008-01-31 2008-05-14 GK N/A Flag of Poland Artur Krysiak Flag of Scotland Gretna BCFC.Com
2008-01-31 2008-05-04 DF 30 Flag of England Krystian Pearce Flag of England Port Vale BCFC.Com

[edit] Backroom staff statistics

Position Name Date Joined Joined From Source
Manager Flag of Scotland Alex McLeish 2007-11-28 Flag of Scotland Scotland BBC Sport
First team coach Flag of Scotland Roy Aitken 2007-11-28 Flag of Scotland Scotland BBC Sport
First team coach Flag of Scotland Andy Watson 2007-11-28 Flag of Scotland Scotland BBC Sport
Goalkeeping coach Flag of England David Watson 2008-01-10 Flag of England Nottingham Forest BBC Sport
Fitness coach Dan Harris
Academy manager Flag of England Terry Westley 2006-07-04 Flag of England Derby County BBC Sport
Head physiotherapist Neil McDiarmid

[edit] Staff no longer at the club

Position Name Date Left Joined Source
Manager Flag of England Steve Bruce 2007-11-23 Flag of England Wigan Athletic BBC Sport
Assistant manager Flag of Scotland Eric Black 2007-11-27 Flag of England Wigan Athletic BBC Sport
First team coach Flag of England Keith Bertschin 2007-11-23 Flag of England Wigan Athletic
Goalkeeping coach Flag of England Nigel Spink 2008-01-04 Flag of England Wigan Athletic BBC Sport

[edit] Fixtures and Results

[edit] Pre-Season Friendles

  • Birmingham City scores given first
Game Date Venue Opponents Score Scorers Attendance Report
1 16 July 2007 Away Flag of Germany Hohenlohe Auswahl 2-0 M. Forssell, N. Danns 87' Unknown BCFC.com
2 16 July 2007 Away Flag of Germany FC Heidenheim 1846 1-0 M. Forssell 29' Unknown BCFC.com
3 23 July 2007 Away Flag of Germany FC Schweinfurt 05 5-2 M.Forssell 10' 34', G. McSheffrey 13', C. Jerome Abt 45', 52' Unknown BCFC.com
4 28 July 2007 Away Walsall 2-0 M. Forssell 4', C. Jerome 33' Unknown BCFC.com
5 31 July 2007 Away Peterborough United 3-0 O. Kapo 50', C. Jerome, Abt 53' S. Larsson 56' Unknown BCFC.com
6 4 August 2007 Away Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 L. Ridgewell 3', G. O'Connor 66' 5,689 BCFC.com

[edit] The Premier League

  • Birmingham City scores given first
Game Date Venue Opponents Score Scorers Attendance Report
1 12 August 2007 Away Chelsea 2-3 M. Forssell 15', O. Kapo 36' 41,590 BCFC.com
2 15 August 2007 Home Sunderland 2-2 P. McShane og 28', G. O'Connor 82' 24,898 BCFC.com
3 18 August 2007 Home West Ham United 0-1 24,961 BCFC.com
4 25 August 2007 Away Derby County 2-1 C. Jerome 1', 63' 31,117 BCFC.com
5 1 September 2007 Away Middlesbrough 0-2 22,920 BCFC.com
6 15 September 2007 Home Bolton Wanderers 1-0 O. Kapo 37' 28,124 BCFC.com
7 22 September 2007 Away Liverpool 0-0 44,215 BCFC.com
8 29 September 2007 Home Manchester United 0-1 26,526 BCFC.com
9 7 October 2007 Away Blackburn Rovers 1-2 C. Jerome 68' 19,316 BCFC.com
10 20 October 2007 Away Manchester City 0-1 45,688 BCFC.com
11 27 October 2007 Home Wigan Athletic 3-2 O. Kapo 26', 81', L. Ridgewell 67' 27,661 BCFC.com
12 3 November 2007 Away Everton 1-3 O. Kapo 80' 35,155 BCFC.com
13 11 November 2007 Home Aston Villa 1-2 M. Forssell 62' 26,539 BCFC.com
14 24 November 2007 Home Portsmouth 0-2 22,089 BCFC.com
15 2 December 2007 Away Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 G. McSheffrey 24', C. Jerome 62', S. Larsson 90' 35,635 BCFC.com
16 8 December 2007 Away Newcastle United 1-2 C. Jerome 9' 49,948 BCFC.com
17 15 December 2007 Home Reading 1-1 M. Forssell 4' 27,300 BCFC.com
18 22 December 2007 Away Bolton Wanderers 0-3 19,111 BCFC.com
19 26 December 2007 Home Middlesbrough 3-0 S. Downing og 22', M. Forssell 45', G. McSheffrey 90' 24,094 BCFC.com
20 29 December 2007 Home Fulham 1-1 S. Larsson 55' 28,923 BCFC.com
21 1 January 2008 Away Manchester United 0-1 75,459 BCFC.com
22 12 January 2008 Away Arsenal 1-1 G. O'Connor 48' 60,037 BCFC.com
23 19 January 2008 Home Chelsea 0-1 26,567 BCFC.com
24 29 January 2008 Away Sunderland 0-2 37,674 BCFC.com
25 2 February 2008 Home Derby County 1-1 S. Larsson 68' 25,924 BCFC.com
26 9 February 2008 Away West Ham United 1-1 J. McFadden 16' 34,884 BCFC.com
27 23 February 2008 Home Arsenal 2-2 J. McFadden 28', 90' 27,195 BCFC.com
28 1 March 2008 Home Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 M. Forssell 7', 59', 81', S. Larsson 55' 26,055 BCFC.com
29 12 March 2008 Away Portsmouth 2-4 F. Muamba 10', S. Larsson 40' 20,138 BCFC.com
30 17 March 2008 Home Newcastle United 1-1 J. McFadden 33' 25,777 BCFC.com
31 22 March 2008 Away Reading 1-2 M. Zarate 64' 24,085 BCFC.com
32 29 March 2008 Home Manchester City 3-1 M. Zarate 40', 54', G. McSheffrey 77' 22,962 BCFC.com
33 5 April 2008 Away Wigan Athletic 0-2 17,926 BCFC.com
34 12 April 2008 Home Everton 1-1 M. Zarate 83' 25,923 BCFC.com
35 20 April 2008 Away Aston Villa 1-5 M. Forssell 67' 42,584 BCFC.com
36 26 April 2008 Home Liverpool 2-2 M. Forssell 34', S. Larsson 55' 29,252 BCFC.com
37 03 May 2008 Away Fulham 0-2 25,308 BCFC.com
38 11 May 2008 Home Blackburn Rovers 4-1 D. Murphy 31', C. Jerome 73', 90', F. Muamba 90' 26,668 BCFC.com

[edit] Premier League Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
38 35 8 11 19 46 62 -16 6 8 5 30 23 +7 2 3 14 16 39 -23

Last updated: 11 May 2008
Source: BBC
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

[edit] FA Cup

Birmingham failed to get past the third round of the FA Cup 2007-08 as the lost to Huddersfield Town of League One.

  • Birmingham City scores given first
Round Date Venue Opponents Score Scorers Attendance Report
Third Round 5 January 2008 Away Huddersfield Town 1–2 G. O'Connor 19' 13,410 BCFC.com

[edit] Carling Cup

Birmingham reached the Third round of the Carling Cup 2007-08 before losing to Blackburn Rovers of the Premier League.

  • Birmingham City scores given first
Round Date Venue Opponents Score Scorers Attendance Report
Second Round 28 August 2007 Home Hereford United 2-1 G. O'Connor 27', G. McSheffrey 38' 10,185 BCFC.com
Third Round 26 September 2007 Away Blackburn Rovers 0-3 9,205 BCFC.com

[edit] Final League Position

In their first season back in the Premier League, Birmingham were not able to retain their Premier League status for a second season as they finish 19th, and were relegated along with Reading and Derby.

[edit] References