Keshi Anderson Reflects on Birmingham City Departure and Team Selection Principles
Former Birmingham City winger Keshi Anderson has provided an insightful account of his recent exit from the club, alongside his move to Championship side Portsmouth. The 30-year-old footballer, whose contract was mutually terminated earlier this month, has spoken openly about the circumstances surrounding his departure and his philosophy on earning a place in the starting lineup.
A Mutual Decision Amid Changing Circumstances
Anderson confirmed that his departure from Birmingham City was a mutual agreement between player and club, though he acknowledged it was emotionally difficult to leave. "If I had wanted to, I could have stayed at Birmingham but, for myself, I needed to go," Anderson explained. "It was just something that happened in a short space of time, which maybe I could see coming, but it is what it is."
The winger made 21 appearances for Blues up until January, though his playing time diminished significantly from December onwards. "From December onwards, I wasn't really playing as much as I would have probably liked," he admitted. Anderson started seven Championship matches, with his final appearance coming in the New Year's Day defeat at Watford – a result that prompted manager Chris Davies to implement substantial changes to his squad selection.
The 'Earn Your Shirt' Philosophy and Team Selection Concerns
While accepting his reduced role in the team, Anderson expressed concerns about selection principles at Birmingham City. "Every footballer knows you have to earn your shirt," he stated emphatically. "There were times where it didn't feel like people were earning that shirt and it was just a given - which was an issue."
Anderson emphasised his personal approach to football, saying: "As a person and the way I hold myself, I expect myself to get back into the team or push the manager to have decisions where they say, do you know what, you should be playing." He added that such situations are part of football, noting: "In football sometimes you are seen as surplus. Fine, it's part of the game, it can happen to anyone."
Emotional Connections and New Beginnings
The former Birmingham player revealed he maintains strong connections with his old teammates, describing them as "the best team I had been in as a group" and praising the "unbelievable" changing room atmosphere. "It was hard to leave Birmingham," Anderson confessed. "The fans there were unbelievable to me... I was on FaceTime with them on Tuesday. It's not something you just leave."
Anderson has since joined Portsmouth, making his debut in their south coast derby draw with Southampton last weekend. "Now I'm creating new bonds and new friendships with my new teammates at Pompey, which is the most important thing," he said, looking forward to his new chapter.
Looking Ahead with Portsmouth
Despite Portsmouth's current position in the Championship relegation battle, Anderson remains optimistic about their prospects. "I understand the battle the club feel they have in terms of a relegation battle, but I don't see it as that," he commented. "With the quality I know is within the club and the players in the group, I think we can do a lot better than some people think."
The winger had previously expressed his commitment to Birmingham City following their relegation, stating: "I made it clear from the year we got relegated that I wanted to be a part of it, I wanted to get the club back up." While that particular journey has now taken a different direction, Anderson appears focused on contributing to Portsmouth's survival and future success in the Championship.
