Lee Bowyer’s first summer transfer window as the manager of Birmingham City was pretty much exactly as was expected by most.
Lots going out, lots coming in - though the majority of those in were either free transfers or loans.
It’s a theme that continued in January and it’s a theme that is expected to continue for the next season or so at least.
Bowyer himself has stated that big change is needed at the club and he’s said so on a number of occasions. There are far too many players on far too big contracts earning far too much money due to mismanagement of both his predecessors and those at the top.
The good news is, what Bowyer has managed to do so far is pretty damn good and if the pattern continues in the near future - there’s going to be a lot more talented players coming through the door and a lot more of those we’d like to call “deadwood” going the other way.
He released 13 players back in the summer, from youngsters to experienced players that never kicked a ball for Blues. Classic.
Anyway, for those interested, here are exactly how all of those first batch of releasees are getting on now they’ve left St Andrew’s.
1. Geraldo Bajrami
Bajrami was snapped up by National League North outfit Kidderminster Harriers following his release from Blues. He’s played a big part in the teams fortunes so far this season including starting in their FA Cup ties vs Reading and West Ham United. Photo: George Wood
2. Ryan Burke
21-year-old left-back Burke joined Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town in the summer and after a positive start to his life with the Stags has found himself out of the team. Clough recently suggested sending him out on loan. Photo: Chris Holloway
3. Jack Concannon
Concannon stayed local following his release, signing a permanent deal with Tamworth of the Southern League Premier Division. The midfielder spent the final year of his Blues career on loan with the Lambs and after a successful spell was brought back. Photo: Dan Istitene
4. Dan Crowley
A man that once showed so much promise, Crowley has already seen two clubs since his release from Blues in the summer. He initially joined League One outfit Cheltenham Town on a short-term deal but after failing to agree terms on an extension in December, he switched club and country and is now playing for Eredivisie side, Willem II Tillburg. Photo: David Rogers