Birmingham City goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has expressed his pride after signing a new contract with the Championship club, securing his future at St Andrew's until the summer of 2028.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper, who has experienced both starting roles and time on the bench this season, opened up about the challenges of competing for the number one spot and his unwavering commitment to the club's long-term ambitions.
Embracing the Goalkeeper Battle
Allsop's journey at Birmingham has been a rollercoaster. After initially playing second-fiddle to Bailey Peacock-Farrell, he eventually claimed the starting position last season, going on to win the League One Golden Gloves award and playing a pivotal role in the club's historic title-winning campaign.
This term, he began as the first choice but after eight matches lost his place to impressive loan signing James Beadle, who arrived from Brighton. Speaking to Blues TV, Allsop addressed the competitive situation with maturity.
"It's part of football now isn't it?" Allsop stated. "As you get older you sort of accept it a little bit more. Not that I was happy not to play, I wasn't and obviously at the moment James is playing and I want to play."
He emphasised the professional understanding required, adding: "We understand the role of a goalkeeper and it's part of a bigger picture in helping each other succeed... what's best for the club going forward. So slightly frustrated now, but we know the role, we know that only one can play."
Pride and Excitement for the Future
Despite the current competition, Allsop's commitment to Birmingham City is stronger than ever. His new long-term contract is a testament to the faith the club has in him, both on and off the pitch.
"I feel proud and privileged to be able to hopefully be a part of that," he said, referencing the club's Premier League ambition. "I still think I have a lot to offer on the pitch and also off the pitch. I feel like I'm good in the dressing room, I'm a leader, I can help the younger lads and really proud to be able to extend my stay."
His enthusiasm is further amplified by the club's major off-field developments. Allsop, a self-professed fan of the Blues, is "hugely, hugely excited" about the forthcoming plans for a new stadium and Sports Quarter.
"It's obviously a massive project, massive ambition that the club is showing," he remarked. "It's exciting to be a part of as a player and a fan. In years to come when I'm bringing my kids to watch the games hopefully I can see in all its glory."
Assessing the Championship Campaign
On the pitch, Birmingham City currently sit 11th in the Championship table, just four points adrift of the play-off positions. Allsop provided a balanced assessment of their season so far.
"Feel like it's been a bit up and down," he admitted. "I think there's a hell of a lot of positives to take from it. There's obviously been some moments where we've probably let ourselves down a little bit."
He put this down to the process of adjusting to the Championship and integrating new players, but concluded on an optimistic note: "I think we're finding our footing. I think we're showing real promise on what we can actually achieve this year."
With his future secured and his focus on supporting the team's progress, Ryan Allsop remains a key figure in Birmingham City's pursuit of success.
