Back in the swing
Down to Wast Hills today for a media gathering, Alex McLeish providing the up-dates.
Eck came back off his holiday at the end of last week and says he cannot wait to get onto the training pitches again.
He's delighted with the transfers completed so far - 'I think there's been some good business done' - and says there's more to come.
From what we could tell, he still had his own office; it hadn't been annexed by the board so they could bring in 'their' players as they see fit . . .
On that subject, McLeish continually made references to the support he has had from the directors, and he spoke as if he was happy to have Giovanny Espinoza.
Revelations that he hadn't been able to see either Espinoza or Christian Benitez 'in the flesh' raised an eyebrow or two. Then again, it's not that uncommon
nowadays, especially when time is of the essence and you have to nip in quick.
On the other side of the coin, the hunt for new defenders has been long and detailed. McLeish feels he has chosen correctly in Scott Dann and Roger Johnson.
He admits Blues have 'hedged their bets' during the past 18 months.
Midfield is the next area to concentrate on. Maybe two more are needed, as he believes Blues remain 'light' in that area.
One of those midfielders is Lee Bowyer. He has penned a contract, it's just a case of signing-off the fine details.
Gareth Bale's name was thrown into the mix. If he was available, I'd be interested, came the reply. Moreover, keep an eye on Armand Traore in the next few weeks.
While waiting for the audience with Eck, one or two familiar faces popped up around the corridors of the training HQ, even though Blues don't report back until July 8.
Rumours that Mathieu Flamini was in the building could not be substantiated, however.
Gary McSheffrey was there continuing to build up his fitness after the knee problem that wiped out his effectiveness last season.
And, peering out of a window, none other that Franck Queudrue could be spied coming down the steps from pitch level to the dressing rooms following a work out.
Spotting me, he said: 'See, I have made sure I am here a week early this year!'.
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Colin Tattum - Mail man Colin Tattum’s view of what’s going on at Birmingham City FC.
cheer's tatts speaking about the midfielders is eck going to address the wide left area's and also is there any truth in the benjani rumours
Good blog Tatts. How good does it feel to be a Bluenose at the moment, can't wait for the season to start. So many questions - are we still in for Armand Traore or another LB, any clues on the midfield play maker, is there going to be an extra striker brought in, who is going to be sold? About time for another webchat maybe. Keep up the good work.
Is it true that Blues are after Aliskander Hleb the former Arsenal player? I know he's a left winger but is he not equally as comfortable in the middle? Also are their any other loans lined up? I've heard rumours of Traore and Ramsey joining us. I don't think either of those player would suit Blues.
Traore was written the other week by Tatts so that seems a goer. Can't have Ramsey and Traore joining as only allowed two PL loans. Hleb is useless and injured all the time. He'd cost us too much as well.
Someone asked who was the Spanish schemer and I sated Hleb as we'd been linked with him. I've heard that Barcelona would like to get rid of him quickly and I think a decent price could be agreed between the clubs and we've been linked to him in the past. The board have been talking about a 'special player' and I think it's more likely to be Hleb than Vieria. Vieria's name was mentioned to throw other clubs of the scent. Remember the player was supposed to have played in Spain. Vieria has not.
As for you can't have two loans from the same club? Er...Larsson, Bendtner and Muamba? You can have no more than three loans but those loans can be from the same club.
Tatts or anyone - can you give me rough dates when FA Cup dates are starting in the 3rd round (Carling cup too if poss.). Reason is I want to plan my annual trip from Canada to St Andrews but do not want to come for FA cup games when there may be postponements. Thanks
The Premier loan situation is different to the Championship.
We had Bendtner, Larsson and Muamba in the Championship. The Premier League rules state that you can have only 2 loans from other Premier League clubs and they cannot be from the same club.
And it looks like the other loan will be Traore from Arsenal - good left back who did well on loan at Portsmouth last season. Another good bit of business by Blues.
The Sun also reporting this morning that we have made a final £100k per week offer to Viera.
For Eric Jones - FA Cup 3rd round is Jan 2nd, 4th Rd Jan 23rd, 5th rd Feb13th
Rumours that Mathieu Flamini was in the building could not be substantiated, however.
Naughty naughty Tatts, do i detect a bit of sarcasm there?
Please no, not joey barton ! Hardworking talented players in their prime, yes. Barton is a clogger an a bully who would do well in the championship. He is viscous and would ruin our team spirit and the name of this club
Phill - everyone said that about Bowyer. I'm still sure he's a bad apple, and agree with you on Barton, but in all fairness, the squad seem to have accepted Bowyer, the fans have seemingly been won over (90%) and the same could well happen with Barton. I'm not convinced but....
Id h
ave jamaine pennant back, hes out of contract!
Get rid of eg tiny,larson,parnaby,Mcsheffry,bent to name but a few we need pace, Mcfadden and larson have no pace for wide men. One of the new center backs must have pace if the other one can read the game like Kenny cunningham i wil be happy. We also need a central midfielder with pace who can run at the opposition eg Diaby,Jhonson of M city if fit, or BARTON?