‘No matter how’ - John Eustace hints at future as Birmingham City confirm Championship status

Birmingham City manager John Eustace is delighted with his side’s progress having secured Sky Bet Championship status for next season. Tuesday’s well-fought narrow 1-0 win at Millwall soared Blues up to 53 points, their highest total since the 2016-17 season.

It was a difficult evening at The Den as the Lions were dominant in an attacking sense, but Birmingham dug in for an impressive away display. That has often been the story for much of the campaign, with plenty of results ground out, especially when the pressure has been on.

“I think the lads have been fantastic all season and we deserve to stay in the Championship for another year,” Eustace told the media at Wasps Elite Performance and Innovation Centre on Thursday. “The way we’ve performed throughout the season has been exceptional. There have been some difficult moments throughout but we’ve stuck together and got through it - it’s very pleasing.”

Many eyebrows were raised when Eustace was appointed at the start of the season as his only managerial experience prior was either in non-league, as an assistant, or as a caretaker - but he has done a splendid job. “It’s been great, I’m working for a fantastic football club. We’ve created a really good environment here, it’s been great to come in, work and see the development of the players,” Eustace said.

“We want to build something special and there’s a lot of hard work ahead but we’re all ready to do it. I’ve said from day one this is a really special group of players. We’ve got loan players, young players, and older players but we’re all equal and fighting for the cause. Everyone who’s put that shirt on this season, no matter how old or young, they’ve been fully committed. That’s all I’ve asked for and overall the lads have been very good.”

Birmingham certainly won’t be on the beach for the final three games of the season despite securing survival. “We will keep working hard to get as many points as possible. Then, [for next campaign] we’ve got to get planning in the next week or so. Hopefully we can do that together and see where that takes us,” Eustace said.

Blues take on Blackpool this Saturday before clashes with Coventry City and Sheffield United to round off a successful season.