Don Goodman makes bold early League One prediction for Birmingham City

Now a pundit and commentator for Sky Sports covering the EFL, Goodman has been keeping a close eye on Blues and their recent relegation from the Championship. The reasons behind Birmingham’s demise are a hot debate and plenty of what-ifs have surfaced.

Gary Rowett did a decent job when unexpectedly called upon for the final eight games of the season as he returned for a second spell in the St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park dugout. Home wins over Coventry City, Preston North End and Norwich City were impressive but ultimately not enough.

Goodman believes the damage was already done, with the blame falling to owner Tom Wagner and CEO Garry Cook. “Relegation is down to the ownership's decisions. The buck stops with them,” Goodman told OLBG.

“They will reflect and acknowledge that sacking John Eustace had a detrimental impact on the club and if they didn't sack him, we wouldn't be talking about relegation now. They're ambitious but now they've got to make sure that the decisions are right because they've got so many wrong.

“The Birmingham fans recognise that the previous ownership was shambolic and they forced the club to massively stagnate. Anything is better than that. The fans are grateful that money is now being spent on the infrastructure and on the team."

Many would argue Goodman is right as the managerial merry-go-round probably didn’t help matters and ultimately increased the likelihood of relegation. He’s also correct to say the mood has improved a great deal since BSHL were given the boot.

But will Birmingham bounce straight back up to the Championship? Goodman, rather boldly considering the expected summer exodus hasn’t even started yet, thinks so.

“If the owners get their decisions and recruitment right next season, Birmingham City will be promoted,” Goodman said. “I don't see League One being hugely strong next season and I don't think it was this season. League One was very strong during the 2022/2023 campaign.

“If I was a Birmingham fan, I'd be really disappointed at being relegated but also optimistic that the hierarchy make the correct decisions, win games of football, rediscover the feel-good factor, get behind the team and see them get back to the Championship in a strong place.”