Six Birmingham City players face make-or-break pre-seasons under Chris Davies

Birmingham City players will be out to impress new manager Chris Davies in pre-season

A number of Birmingham City players are facing make-or-break pre-seasons following the club’s relegation to League One.

New manager Chris Davies is unlikely to arrive with preconceived notions about the group he has inherited. However, he will want to ensure that players who underperformed last season begin to prove their worth.

Davies has a complete pre-season to evaluate his charges, and he will undoubtedly bring in a lot of players to compete with them for spots in his starting lineup. The Blues’ squad now consists of only 12 senior professionals (players over the age of 21).

At least half of them have points to prove during the preseason. Here are six guys that have everything to do at St Andrew’s.

Dion Sanderson

Sanderson has, predictably, kept a low profile since losing his captaincy at the end of last season. The 24-year-old defender had a disappointing debut season as a permanent Blues member.

Sanderson was deeply disturbed by the dismissal of John Eustace, and he was unable to sustain the standards he established at the start of the previous term. Sanderson has three years left on his contract, and Davies will be tasked with helping him regain his best form.

Given last season’s results, Sanderson owes the club’s personnel and supporters an improved performance in the following season.

Ethan Laird

We’re still looking for some consistency from Laird in a Blues shirt. When everything comes together, the right back has the potential to be a top Championship player.

Laird will be disappointed with how last season finished, and it remains to be seen if he can handle another season in League One. However, one would hope Laird feels a sense of duty to help Blues, whom he joined on a three-year contract, return to the second tier.

Manny Longelo

Longelo has come to a crossroads in his Blues career. He must force his way to the forefront of Davies’ mind in pre-season or go. Longelo, 23, cannot afford another season with limited minutes and activity.

He was treated harshly at times last season and was pushed aside despite doing very little wrong. Longelo looked like a decent Championship left-back in his last two outings under Eustace. There is a player there for Davies to teach.

Alex Pritchard

Pritchard’s addition to the Blues squad in January was a disappointment due to injuries and form. Pritchard has previous League One experience, having gained promotion with Sunderland two years ago, but there will be plenty of competition for offensive midfield slots for Blues next season. Pritchard has two years remaining on his contract and will be looking to impress.

Tyler Roberts

Roberts has only played eight league games in 18 months owing to injury, but he will almost surely start next season for the Blues. He has the capacity to terrorise League One defences, having played in the Premier League two years ago.

Roberts values pre-season more than most. He must demonstrate his fitness, form, and value to Davies, who will have the funds to sign alternatives if necessary.

Siriki Dembele

Dembele did not impress three managers in a row last season. Wayne Rooney dropped him, Tony Mowbray questioned his energy in training, and Gary Rowett did not trust him.

Dembele did not attend the Blues’ end-of-season awards banquet, and he now must restore his relationship with the club’s supporters. Dembele is the player on this list with the most work to do.