Interim Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett believes that the club will have a very good chance of survival if they are able to beat Norwich City on the final day of the season.
The Blues currently sit in a far from ideal position entering the final matchday, sat in 22nd and one point from safety, but they do still have a realistic shot at survival.
Plymouth Argyle sit just one point above Rowett’s side, with a further two point gap to both Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers who are also still catchable. Three points are a must, and one of those three teams will also need to lose, but it’s not something that is completely out of question just yet.
It’s not one of the easiest games for Birmingham as they host high-flyers Norwich City. The Canaries have lost just one of their last eight and are arguably one of the form teams in the league currently. There’s the potential for some first team players to be rested with the play-offs in mind despite the club not being over the line just yet.
Sat in fifth on 73 points, David Wagner’s side destiny is in their own hands, a singular point would send them into the post-season however they could also rely on one of West Bromwich Albion or Hull City slipping up. A strong showing is therefore expected and they’ll look to make life tough for the Blues.
In an interview with the Birmingham Mail, Rowett previewed the final day game, emphasising that it’s not over until the final whistle.
“If we win and other teams win, good on them, because they have done their job, just like we will have done. At that point, what will be will be, but my belief is that if we win the game, there’s a very good chance that keeps us in the division. That’s all we can focus on and control.”
“I knew the scenario when I came in, I had a choice. I’ve said it before, the easiest and most sensible decision in any manager’s career would be not to take the risk on a short-term deal where there isn’t really a financial motivation or a career motivation. But sometimes you have to think outside yourself and that’s difficult in football sometimes.”
“I’m still glad I’m in this position. I would love for that to be a positive ending on Saturday but unfortunately in football you can’t guarantee that.
“It would be very easy in my situation to try and deflect accountability but I will always feel accountable. If we’ve had eight games and haven’t had enough points, then I will feel that’s my responsibility. I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Writer’s View
It’s set to be a nervy day at the bottom of the Championship with multiple teams still yet to secure their survival status. Anything bar a win would most likely send Birmingham down due to Plymouth’s superior goal difference, something that Rowett will most likely be telling his players.
Playing at home certainly aids their cause and it could help them get over the line. Nonetheless Norwich are a very well set-up side who will not ease off for this one.
By mid-afternoon we’ll know the club’s fate which may or may not be the one in which fans fear. They’ve still got a chance of pulling off a final day miracle yet probably shouldn’t be in this position after the start to the season that they made…
