Former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has identified the Birmingham City player he believes will be a huge figure for them this season.
The 46-year-old is currently out of work after leaving Bramall Lane but is keeping a close eye on developments at St Andrew’s. The Blues are spending big, with Alfie May reportedly going there on a £16,000 per week deal.
However, it is not just the new signings that Heckingbottom has identified as a key to their success – he’s impressed with another young man who has already featured for Chris Davies’ side. He praised the Birmingham squad, highlighting youngster Jordan James as the player to watch out for.
“Whether he stays there this season or not, I don’t know. But he really established himself towards the back end of last season in the Championship,” Heckingbottom said.
“It’d be someone that Birmingham will be desperate to keep hold of if they want to push and try and get back to the Championship.”
The 20-year-old has come throguh the academy at Birmingham and has played 11 times for Wales, turning his back on England despite being capped at Under 20 level. With eight goals in 42 outings last season, he was a key figure in their futile bid to avoid the drop and looks primed for a key role this season.
Heckingbottom was speaking exclusively to Bristol Street Motors following the Group Stage draw of the competition, and he picked the Blues as favourites for that. The last time they were in the third tier, they also won the competition.
“With Chris Davies going in there. Big job, big expectation, and a trophy like this could be a great piece of silverware to add to them. And like I said, if they’re getting towards the latter end of the season, it may not be their priority right now.
“But for the fans and everyone involved, if they start to see the lights of Wembley getting closer and closer, I’m sure it will come onto their radar and be something that they want to win.”
Their last game in the competition came in April 1995, when they defeated Carlisle United at Wembley. On that occasion, Paul Tait scored the only goal in extra time. A month later, they pipped Brentford to the third-tier title, securing first spot with 89 points.
Writer’s View
On paper, Heckingbottom’s prediction looks solid. Birmingham should be the best team in the division. Their budget is way in excess of anyone else, and they’ve kept the bulk of a talented squad together. They were on the cusp of a top-six place when they sacked Eustace, and the talent is still around the dressing room.
Jordan James is a cracking player, and if he does remain with the club over the summer, he’s sure to be a key figure for them. He’s only 20, but has amassed more than 100 senior appearances. he is the sort of player you could see a Premier League side taking a punt on, perhaps even loaning back out to the Championship.
Like Birmingham, he has no business being in League One. None at all.
To browse a range of used cars to get you to games next season, or get the latest news on the competition, visit the Bristol Street Motors website.
