16th Aug 2012 | Football
Championship Promotion Tip: Birmingham City
Fourth last year and without the distraction of Europe this time. Lee Clark comes in with a big reputation.
After surprising many by claiming a play-off spot last term, Birmingham City are again undervalued at best odds of 7/1 with StanJames for promotion back to the top flight. Highly-rated Lee Clark is now in charge, and the former Huddersfield boss has a squad capable of going all the way.
The Blues roared up the table in 2011-12 after exiting European competition that was always going to be a hindrance to domestic prospects. Chris Hughton inspired an unbeaten run of nine games at the end of the regular season to snare fourth position. Now, with Darren Ambrose, Hayden Mullins, Ravel Morrison and Peter Lovenkrands added by Clarke, automatic promotion isn’t out of the question.
The spine of the team was already impressive for this level of football. Defender Curtis Davis was named in last season’s football league team of the year while Chris Burke blossomed in midfield and Marlon King found the net routinely up front. Behind all of them, now Birmingham can also lay claim to an England goalkeeper in the form of Jack Butland.
In a division devoid of outstanding teams, the Second-City Blues have an outstanding chance to re-join the elite they were competing against just 15 months ago.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 01:04 16th Aug, 2012 but subject to change
