Case for the defence

It's not very often we get all in a lather about centre-halves, is it?

Well they've created plenty of debate since well before the season's triumphant end, and will continue to do so for some while yet.

The changing of the guard is happening at St Andrew's.

Scott Dann has come in, it is increasingly likely that Roger Johnson does, while Geovanny Espinoza was undergoing his medical in Birmingham today.

Then we have Joe Hart, a new goalkeeper, and the likelihood of a left-back on loan from the Premier League or abroad.

Having the right combination at the heart of defence is absolutely vital.

Think back to when Blues first came into the Premier League in 2002.

Kenny Cunningham was an inspired signing. He had the know-how, he could read a game and organise. Then Matthew Upson arrived. Pace, power, purpose, hunger.

Those two under-pinned Blues in the first three seasons.

Darren Purse, Michael Johnson, Steve Vickers, Olivier Tebily and Joey Hutchinson were all around St Andrew's at that time seven years ago.

But it was all about getting the right pair to gel, and that was Cunningham and Upson without question.

Dann, 22, and Johnson, 26 have no Premier League experience; Espinoza (32) has been round the block but not over here. Martin Taylor, at 29, is the grand old man of Blues central defenders.

Liam Ridgewell (24) walked the Championship and will get better as the years tick by. It's a shame for him and Blues that he suffered ill fortune and broke his leg.

Alex McLeish has to hope that his defence learns fast, clicks and hold firm.

It won't be for a lack of desire as both Dann and Johnson are itching to make their mark at the highest level. Espinoza will be eager to please.

The way the rest of the team is set up and does their duty in Blues own territory is critical too of course.

It might be too much to ask for another Cunningham-Upson straight away. But the alternative to change was to do nothing - and that just was not an option.

On the subject of getting into a lather, as for the 'mystery 90k-a-week man', there's nothing really new to report. It remains a long shot.

From what I gather Blues have recently tried to change his mind about entertaining them, but he is not a priority target and was not budgeted for.

It would be a bit like an extra topping on the cake, a pleasant surprise, if it came off. And a 'special case', a bit like Christian Benitez, transfer kitty wise.

Five, now six, weeks ago, as I've written elsewhere, Blues became aware that he might be available and contact was made through his representatives.

The board and McLeish have been working assiduously on other targets since, primarily those to remodel the centre of defence.