Keshi Anderson decision and goalie backup plan: Inside Birmingham City’s deadline day

admin | February 2, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Tony Mowbray did not wait back until 11pm, Birmingham City’s business was all but over when Alex Pritchard was revealed as their third signing of the transfer window on Thursday morning.

Following the confirmation of Josh Andrews’ departure to Gillingham, staff were sent home just after 7pm.That was Blues’ final act for the window.

During his news conference at 2pm, Mowbray admitted that additional incomings were doubtful.Blues attempted to sign a goalie but were unable to free up funds for a new player.

Keshi Anderson drew interest, and the Blues would have allowed the 28-year-old to leave five months before his contract expired. Pritchard’s signing adds another stumbling block to Anderson’s chances of making the Blues’ starting lineup.

Anderson, who secured his Blues contract through a good pre-season trial, chose to stay and compete for his position. Anderson, Scott Hogan, and a number of other players who will shortly be out of contract understand that their spots in the 20-man team are no longer assured.

Even without long-term absence Alfie Chang, Mowbray currently has 27 senior players at his disposal. Non-injured absences from matchday squads will quickly become the norm.

Due to John Ruddy’s injury, he only has one senior goalkeeper available.According to BirminghamLive, the injury is not serious, but it has caused Blues to consider an emergency loan signing in case his understudy, Etheridge, is also injured. Zach Jeacock’s release from his contract is noteworthy.

In the event of Etheridge’s injury, the EFL would have obliged Mowbray to play Jeacock, who has prior first-team experience. Jeacock, who spent the first part of the season on loan at National League North side Gloucester City, made four Championship appearances for Blues, the last of which was in a 6-1 defeat to Blackpool in April 2022. Bradley Mayo, the 19-year-old goalkeeper likely to remain on the Blues’ bench in Ruddy’s absence, has no previous EFL experience, meaning Mowbray will be able to make an emergency loan signing if Etheridge is injured.

Jordan James’s continued involvement with the Blues is a positive development. More time under Mowbray and a likely European Championships campaign with Wales will further boost his reputation and price tag.Mowbray has drawn similarities to Adam Wharton, a 19-year-old Championship midfielder who joined Crystal Palace for a sum of £22 million on deadline day.

There is usually a wildcard, and Ian Poveda’s name was pushed in late. Blues were unable to sign their preferred goalie, let alone a 12th attacker. Poveda moved to Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Leeds United.

The Blues finished the window with three low-cost additions and no major departures. Mowbray, Craig Gardner, and their colleagues had completed their tasks.