Birmingham City's first season back in the Championship has been described by some as a stepping stone, with a 10th-place finish. Manager Chris Davies believes marginal improvements next season could secure a play-off spot, especially with eighth place granting entry to the playoffs in 2026/27. The team's 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on the final day capped a five-game unbeaten run, ending the season on a positive note.
Get the Balance Right
Davies has realized that Blues must be flexible and physical to win enough Championship games. The league's physicality can overwhelm possession-based teams, as Blues learned in the first half of the season. The introduction of August Priske, a striker who challenges defenders and presses effectively, has transformed the team's approach. Davies plans to coach the team to play both possession-based and physical football during the summer.
Improve Away Form
Blues' poor away record is the main reason they missed the playoffs. Their strong home form means even a slight improvement on the road would have secured a top-six finish. They conceded first in 18 of 23 away games and failed to score in nine. Scoring first is crucial, as they have only turned one deficit into a victory all season. Only Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City have scored fewer away goals. To address this, Blues have become more physical away from home, with Tomoki Iwata and Jhon Solis starting in midfield instead of technicians like Paik Seung-ho and Tommy Doyle. Priske and Carlos Vicente have also been preferred in away matches. Millwall's physicality has given them the best away record, highlighting the importance of this approach.
Sign Jhon Solis
The January acquisition of Solis has made a significant difference. Blues have lost only three league games he started (away to Millwall, Charlton, and Ipswich). Signing him permanently would provide continuity and save the hassle of finding a replacement midfielder. This season's Championship winners, Coventry City, relied heavily on players signed before manager Frank Lampard's arrival, showing the value of continuity. Wrapping up Solis's signing early should be Blues' top priority.
Don't Miss in the Market
Securing Solis and Ibrahim Osman, both proven at Championship level, would give Blues a head start. They would then need five or six more signings: a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a midfielder, a number 10, and at least one striker (possibly two). Last summer's rushed recruitment of 12 players led to mistakes, with some moved on in January and more likely to follow. With fewer signings needed to complement a team now better equipped for the Championship, Blues' decision-makers must pick the right options from their supercomputer recommendations. If they succeed, next season could deliver the promotion everyone hoped for.
