“Release him” – Birmingham City on decision to keep out of contract star

admin | March 7, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Birmingham City will make a significant choice on the future of defender Marc Roberts in the summer.

Roberts joined the Blues from Barnsley in July 2017, and he has played a key role for the club over the last seven years.

However, Roberts’ playing time has been limited this season, with only 13 appearances in all competitions so far, despite the fact that injuries have opened up opportunities for him in recent weeks.

Roberts’ contract at St Andrew’s is set to expire at the end of the season, and given his lack of playing time this season, his future appears questionable.

Birmingham has had a difficult season, sliding from the play-off places to the relegation zone following the contentious decision to replace John Eustace with Wayne Rooney in October.

Rooney was fired in January after only two wins in 15 games in charge, and his replacement, Tony Mowbray, made an immediate effect, but he has stood down temporarily due to health issues, with assistant manager Mark Venus taking over in his absence.

Birmingham City fan pundit on Marc Roberts’ future

Mike Gibbs, a Birmingham City supporter on FLW, believes that while Roberts has played admirably this season, the club should not grant the 33-year-old a new contract.

“I think with Marc Roberts, it’s a fairly simple one to release him,” Mike said.

“He’s come in and actually had some really good games this year, but I don’t think it changes the overall view from my perspective that post the end of the season, I see him moving on.

“He’s had a turbulent time at Birmingham, he’s into his 30s now, he’s not the sort of defender that I think Mowbray and the owners want.

“What I mean by that is that he’s not particularly good with the ball, not a great passer of the ball, he hasn’t really got that pace and acceleration to play on the front foot, so you couldn’t play a high line with him because he’s going to get caught in behind.

“I think, for me, I would definitely see him released.

“I believe he was on fairly big wages as well when he signed, which is why I was surprised his contract got extended a few weeks ago, so I think it’s an absolute no-brainer, new direction to go in.”

Birmingham City must release Marc Roberts this summer

It’s impossible to disagree with Mike on this point.

Roberts has been a valuable asset to Birmingham over the years, leading them to Championship survival on several times, and his experience will be critical in the coming months as the Blues attempt to avoid relegation.

However, Roberts is no longer first choice at St Andrew’s, and as Mike mentions, he may struggle with the type of play Mowbray intends to install.

Birmingham are in need of a major rebuild in the summer following an extremely poor season, and it would be the ideal time to break ways with Roberts.