Chris Davies has evolved into a better manager than he was at the start of the season, according to outspoken BirminghamLive columnist Tom Ross. As Birmingham City prepare for their final match at Portsmouth, a point would secure their best Championship finish since the 2011/12 season, potentially ninth place.
At St Andrew’s @Knighthead Park, Blues have been formidable, outperforming all play-off contenders on home points and ranking second only to Southampton in home goal difference. However, their away form has been a persistent weakness, with only Watford, Charlton, Oxford, Leicester, and Sheffield Wednesday winning fewer road games, and only Wednesday losing more.
Encouraging Progress Despite Setbacks
Ross notes that even a tenth-place finish—matching 2015 and 2016—would mark the best result in a decade. His preseason expectation was a top-ten finish, but like all fans, he hoped for more. The season has been a steep learning curve for Davies, who has discovered the vast difference between being an assistant and being the man ultimately responsible.
Many players, new to the Championship or English football, have also adapted. Davies acknowledges that at a club with high expectations, winning is paramount. A recent run of ten points from twelve—victories over Wrexham, Preston, and Bristol City, plus a draw at Hull—has transformed the atmosphere. He says, “Winning breeds confidence,” and the team has adjusted its approach, getting the ball forward earlier and increasing threat in the box.
Connection with Supporters and Key Players
Davies is acutely aware of the fans’ role and emphasizes that players must love their work and feel connected to the supporters. He hopes to retain Ghana international Ibrahim Osman, on loan from Brighton, for next season. Osman, who has played in Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, is enjoying his time at Blues and playing with a smile.
Davies admits he had no illusions about the Championship’s toughness and believes the team has made progress while remaining competitive. He states, “If we keep doing that, we’ll get Blues to where we want to be—the Premier League!”
Learning Through Adversity
Honest and open, Davies says he has learned a great deal this season, facing different challenges, including navigating three poor runs. He insists that tough times reveal much about players and oneself, and he is confident he is now a better manager than on day one. Ross concludes that this growth bodes well for Birmingham City’s future.
