Happy Valley

Andy Munro enjoys Blues’ 1-0 win at Charlton.

Just when you think Blues are settling into a reasonably comfortable mid table rut, we go and win well and deservedly at high-flying Charlton.

Massive credit has to go to Pep Clotet, especially as I thought that playing young Jude Bellingham from the start away from home could be too much for the youngster. Additionally I felt that playing the vertically challenged duo of Crowley and Mrabti in midfield might see us bullied out of the game.

How wrong I was as Blues fully deserved their win and when it was kitchen sink time in the Blues penalty area during the closing stages everybody held firm, but particular credit must go to Lee Camp and the back four, who ensured we kept our shape as Lee Bowyer’s boys cranked up the pressure.

Incidentally, full credit to Bowyer for acknowledging the Blues fans even though he predictably eventually got sent from the dugout.

With Maghoma returning Blues now have some real competition for places and some good options, so without getting carried away, things look set fair. A bonus might be if we sign the undeniable talent and free agent Josh McEachran although sometimes too many players (in midfield) can lead to problems and lack of continuity.

Either way, entertaining in form Preston next week should be a good litmus test in terms of our progress and it will be interesting to see if Pep changes anything.

Incidentally, best wishes to Garry Monk who, agent bias or not, did a great job to restore a fractured club. Hopefully we will remember that contribution when the Owls come visiting and we will afford him a good reception.