In from the cold

Andy Munro talks about Blues and their pre-season tour.

It was interesting to see that as part of Blues’ pre-season friendly against Portuguese Primeira Liga side Portimonense (they’re based on the Algarve, which makes it a perfect place for combining a holiday with watching the team, even if it might be bit hot for serious training), two outcast players in the shape of Scott Hogan and Harlee Dean were welcomed back into the fold, as was Troy Deeney. All of them gave a decent account of themselves in a very decent 1-1 draw, which was pleasing, and this is a comment coming from somebody who would, if I’m honest, have happily written them and their high wages off.

Other things to note from our performance out there were some very encouraging signs from our impressive youngsters and the appearances of our two new signings, Dion Sanderson and Przemyslaw Placheta. I suppose if I had a complaint it would be the 3-5-2 formation, but as one of the more senior Blues fans I suppose I must come to terms with the fact that 4-4-2 is in modern tactical terms the equivalent of pre-decimalisation currency.

Either way, events out there are at least showing some early footballing reasons to be cheerful at St Andrews, and we haven;t said that too often lately.