Former Birmingham City defender warns Tom Wagner and Tom Brady in candid rant

Winterburn believes Birmingham are still in ‘a bit of a mess’ despite the takeover and subsequent progression under the wing of Knighthead Capital.

Once a member of Blues’ academy but never a senior appearance-maker for the club, Winterburn thinks consistency and care is needed to climb back up the leagues. The 60-year-old, who played 556 times for Arsenal during his playing days, is a little unconvinced that Wagner and Brady can continue their gun-ho approach.

Winterburn reckons the huge spending in the summer was a positive sign but he’s not persuaded it can be sustained for many years to come. The two-time former England international is worried that the ‘brutal’ nature of League One and the Championship will catch up on Blues.

“The best way to describe it is a bit of a mess. Two owners worth nine billion pounds or so? I think Birmingham City needs owners who care deeply about the club and who will invest consistently,” Winterburn told MyBettingSites.

“It’s early days, but they’ve spent big and expect promotion. Yet, the lower leagues are brutal, with the number of games they play. They should have enough quality to go up, but pressure can drive you mad, especially with high expectations.

“What Birmingham really needs is stability and continued investment to become a strong contender in both League One and the Championship,” Winterburn added.

It’s not exactly gone badly for Blues in the English third tier thus far but Winterburn wants to see consistent trajectory. Currently second in League One and two points behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers with a game in hand, Birmingham remain the title favourites.