Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has provided detailed insight into the departure of Icelandic midfielder Willum Willumsson, who completed a transfer to Dutch club NEC Nijmegen during the recent window. Davies described the player as a success at the club, particularly highlighting his role in the team's record-breaking League One campaign, while also explaining the tactical reasons behind his exit.
Manager's Assessment of Willumsson's Birmingham Career
Willumsson, who joined Birmingham City eighteen months ago, was among thirteen senior players allowed to leave the club during the transfer period. Davies emphasised the 27-year-old's exceptional professionalism and character, stating he was "as good as you can get" in terms of attitude and daily behaviour. The manager made a point of wishing him well for the future, acknowledging his positive contributions to the squad.
Tactical Limitations in Championship Football
Despite his praise for Willumsson's personal qualities, Davies admitted that Birmingham lacked attacking threat when the Icelandic international featured this season. The team managed only two goals in Willumsson's five Championship starts, suffering defeats against Leicester City, Sheffield United and Watford without scoring in those matches.
Davies explained his tactical reasoning: "As a decision maker, I felt there were other players that could add more to our attacking game than he could in the goals and assists side of things in the Championship." He noted that while he trusted Willumsson defensively and would use him when protecting leads, the team needed more offensive output at Championship level.
Injury Problems and Fitness Challenges
The manager revealed that Willumsson's time at Birmingham was plagued by persistent injury issues that prevented him from establishing consistent form. "He always picked up injuries," Davies said. "He would get going and then there would be something else."
A particularly unfortunate injury occurred after international duty this season, keeping Willumsson sidelined for two months with what Davies described as an "innocuous" problem. This setback significantly disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from pushing for a regular starting position in the Championship side.
Player's Desire for Regular Football
Davies stressed that he was not actively seeking to move Willumsson on, stating: "I was definitely not in a rush to get him out the door. I would have continued to use him as required and hope that he could earn his place." However, the player himself wanted more consistent playing time, leading to the transfer to the Netherlands.
The manager suggested that Dutch football might suit Willumsson's technical abilities better, noting: "He can go to Holland where the game is obviously a little bit slower. He's got very good technique and is very good at keeping the ball, using his frame without being overly aggressive."
Legacy of League One Success
Despite the challenges in the Championship, Davies was clear about Willumsson's positive impact during the League One campaign. "I would class him as a success," the manager affirmed. "He was part of a team that was the most successful you will get in League One. He was a key part of that squad and we should thank him for that."
Willumsson had been a mainstay in Birmingham's record-breaking third-tier team, often operating as the number 10 in what Davies described as their "best team" during that successful period. His departure marks the end of an eighteen-month spell at St Andrew's that brought both achievement and frustration for the Icelandic midfielder.
