Team Overview: The Birmingham City Blues (founded in 1875) have always been close to my heart. They won the first Second Division title in 1892 and they were promoted this season, but the best they have ever done in the top tier is 6th (1956). Now that they are back in the top level, they hope to stay there and finish in the top five.
Top Performers: Kevin Phillips had a fantastic year for the Blues, notching an enormous 14 goals. Forward Cameron Jerome also made some nifty plays and ended the season with 9 goals. But, it was GK Maik Taylor who was most often the “Man of the Match”. He gave up only 0.80 goals per game on the year and was the Blues’ 2009 MVP.
Highest Highs: The Blues were the best defensive team in the second tier this season. They only gave up 37 goals for the entire season, which helped them finish with the fewest losses in the second level (9). They also won 12 of their first 19 games of the year. Birmingham was really the only team that could challenge the Wolves this year.
Lowest Lows: Birmingham had a great regular season, but their cup performances were not so strong. They did have a fast start to the Carling Cup, but then they dropped a favorable match-up with Southampton. The Blues also fell out of the FA Cup early with a loss to the Wolves. All in all, it was a good year, but cup play was pretty poor.
Future Outlook: Birmingham knows they must get better on both sides of the ball to compete in the Prem. They have already signed Christian Benitez to a club-high fee and they are now looking to strengthen their defense with a back or two. Man City also may loan them Hart, though I am not sure whether they need another keeper in 2010.
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