All together now
Alex McLeish has made especially sure that the squad has been drawn closer together these past 10 days.
He took them all out to a plush restaurant that nestles halfway up the Alpenrosen Mountain in Westendorf for a team meal - 'manager's treat' - which, by all accounts, was enjoyable and increased the bond that is noticeably forming among the whole touring party.
When you think about it, this pre-season trip is worth its weight in gold for McLeish.
He is now able to bring in - and keep - the players he wants, as well as replace backroom staff in the medical and fitness fields.
Then there's also a relative new PR department with them in Austria too.
All are getting to know one another and McLeish is stamping his authority quietly on the training, playing style and the way everyone must conduct themselves.
It's becoming 'his' Blues, and the mood among them is one of enthusiasm and optimism, fired in no little measure by three straight victories in the friendlies. Relegation is becoming a distant memory.
A couple of days before the meal, the Blues party went white water rafting in Kirchdorf.
It was an exhilarating experience for them and even trialists Zola Matumona and Yamoudou Camara, who both admitted to hating water, didn't shy away from the adventure.
Kit man Denis Butler has some fantastic bruises to show for when he went overboard and had to be rescued.
Roy Aitken recounted with a shake of the head when those he described as the 'Mad Squad' - Garry O'Connor, Liam Ridgewell and Gary McSheffrey among them - decided to overturn their dingy and came careering down the rapids to the end point standing atop it, whooping and a hollering for all their worth.
Amid the thrill of the crashing, icy spray and big waterfalls, there are some idyllic quiet spots. At one, players were invited to jump down into a natural 5m deep plunge pool.
Stephen Kelly, who is the club's Mr Athlete, someone who can turn his hand to any sport or physical activity with aplomb, raised the stakes: he decided to get more air time and dive off railings just behind the ledge.
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Colin Tattum
Mail man Colin Tattum’s view of what’s going on at Birmingham City FC.
it appears yet again the goal conceded was a defensive lapse - how many times did this occur last season.... this needs sorting ASAP...
I am informed from a very precise source that last season 11 goals were down Ridgewell - which cost a total of 7 points. Incidently more than all the refereeing errors put together!!!!!!!!
Tatts - there has been no mention of this in any report and it needs sorting NOW... there was a hint of Atkin doing some set play work - but - last night one error = one goal... so i fear the same this coming season - Taylor/Ridgewell looking at each other pointing - while the ball is goal bound.
Stop being so negative...
its people like you that ruin the atmosphere at the games
always putting a downer on everything... lighten up!!