Forever Blues

By Forever BluesSports Soccer

Forever Blues episodes

March 24Birmingham City Identity Crisis! Derby Defeat, Eustace's Jibe & The Liam Daish Chokehold
With Birmingham City heading into the international break 10 points adrift of the play-offs in 11th place, the season is effectively over. Now, the big questions are being asked.
In Episode 41, Colin Tattum and Paul Tait dissect the dismal 1-0 defeat at Derby County. The lads are left flabbergasted by a confusing tactical set-up that saw Ibrahim Osman and Ethan Laird deployed as wing-backs in a deep back five, leaving Osman looking like a "fish out of water". They also debate whether former boss John Eustace was justified in throwing shade with his post-match "no fear football" comments.
With 12 defeats in 20 away games, Blues' Achilles heel has completely undermined the campaign. So, what has to change this summer?
Tatts and Taity look beyond the Derby game to debate the ultimate question: What is the Birmingham City identity? They discuss the frustrating reality of dominating possession metrics but lacking end product, and Taity calls out the current squad for being "too soft" and lacking "personality".
To highlight exactly what is missing, Taity recounts an incredible, hilarious story involving Liam Daish putting Steve Claridge in a chokehold during the tense 1995 promotion run-in!
IN THIS EPISODE:
1:10 - Derby County recap

2:13 - Flabbergasted with Blues' set-up

3:00 - Osman, Laird wing-backs, Blues deep in a back five - 'strange'

4:15 - Unfair on Osman, a 'fish out of water'

5:40 - Plan C and D

6:00 - Panzo and a day trip to Alton Towers

7:15 - Understanding the approach and formation - what was Chris Davies' idea?

8:50 - Post-match interviews on repeat

9:15 - Iwata and Paik verdict, Bobby Clark's energy and enthusiasm, Ducksch as a frontman

10:20 - A good five-a-side team - a Baller League side, Panzo hugging Brewster - where's the character in the team?

12:00 - Blues concede a poor goal, again

13:05 - Full-backs stopping the cross and Terry Cooper

15:47 - John Eustace and 'no fear' football - justified in his jibe or naughty?

18:52 - Blues Achilles Heel away record, 12 defeats in 20

20:00 - Chris Davies and players' 'personality' to get on the ball

21:00 - The players not doing enough for the manager and the right characters for the Championship

22:35 - Lads, come on - you need to do more

23:10 - Taity officially gives up on the play-offs

23:35 - Taity asks: what are we expecting to change next season? What do we do?

24:30 - Tatts' take: 'new' players better for the experience, the need for Championship experience, athleticism and physicality, plus a tweaking of the style, what Gary Rowett used to say

26:42 - Players hold all the aces, you can't castigate them like before, Blues are 'too nice'

29:45 - How to stop the season petering out and things potentially becoming toxic

30:42 - Maybe the shackles will come off now the pressure is off

31:50 - The debate about possession and end product - top 7 for every possession metric, bottom 5 for every output metric

33:35 - If you don't get any shots away, what's the point? There has to be a purpose

35:08 - Outlining the Birmingham City identity

36:12 - Blues are 'soft', players who dig in

37:04 - A working class team that puts it in, a rabid crowd, playing for the crest on the shirt

38:29 - Understanding changing the philosophy and the great day out at St. Andrew's - but don't lose your identity

40:33 - Getting booed as a player and Dean Peer's 'real' name

42:52 - Taity wants Chris Davies to do well and for it to all work

43:28 - Liam Daish's choke hold on Steve Claridge as the promotion heat was on Blues in 1995

46:20 - How would current players cope with the Liam Daishs', Dave Barnetts' and Kevin Francis' - players not giving one another enough stick
#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #DerbyCounty #EFLChampionship #JohnEustace
Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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54 min
March 17 Birmingham City Play-Off Hopes Evaporating | "I Am Bored!" Taity on 'Rigid' Blues | Derby Preview
Are Birmingham City's play-off dreams fading? A frustrating 1-1 draw against 10-man Sheffield United has thrown up serious doubts about a top-six finish.
In Episode 40, Tatts and Tait chew over an incident-packed game that saw a bizarre Jack Robinson handball, a brilliant James Beadle penalty save, and a comical equaliser from Patrick Bamford that undid all of Blues' hard work.
Taity holds nothing back, admitting he is "bored" watching the team's rigid, robotic play, even claiming he would rather watch Wrexham right now! Tatts brings the stats to back up the frustration, revealing that Blues are top of the Championship for hitting the woodwork.
It’s not all negative, though. The lads praise "highbrow" Marvin Ducksch for his clever play, noting he is adapting his regime for the Championship and will only get better next season.
Finally, they look ahead to a massive trip to face former boss John Eustace and Derby County. Can Blues break down a workmanlike Rams side, or will players like Patrick Agyemang and Lyle Taylor cause an upset?
IN THIS EPISODE
0:35 - Blues 1 Sheffield United 1. Another home draw against a team a man down
1:22 - Taity's verdict: we looked good in patches, but did we do enough?
3:00 - Blues good start and Jack Robinson's bizarre handball
4:48 - James Beadle's penalty save
5:30 - Everything undone with Patrick Bamford's equaliser - comical
7:35 - Substitutions - Panzo on at half-time; Sheffield United going to 5-3-1
9:15 - Did Blues bang on the door enough? Chris Davies' changes - just go for it
10:23 - Boring football?
11:25 - Tatts' stat attack!
12:10 - Top of the league for . . . hitting the woodwork
12:30 - Runs into the box - nobody in the area; forwards not working as a pair
14:27 - Progressive passes that split the lines - don't see enough of them
15:24 - Players turning into robots, Barry Fry and exciting football
16:08 - Taity - I. Am. Bored.
17:11 - Davisons Law, Marvin Ducksch
18:45 - Taity on Ducksch - a very clever footballer, he'll be even better next season
20:53 - Ducksch a highbrow player, says Tatts, who is changing his regime for the Championship
20:40 - Hitting the woodwork (again) - a positive or negative?
22:50 - Masters of our own downfall
23:40 - Taity's 'sickness' over the play-offs
24:22 - No Plan B - what does that mean? Blues rigidity and prolonging any changes. Modern football is chess like
26:56 - People in odd positions, a back three, in-game flexibility and going longer, mixing it up
27:33 - Being direct against Coventry City and Leeds United, so why not carry it on? Taity would rather watch Wrexham than 'rigid' Blues
29:19 - Derby Country preview
30:05 - Defensive display at St. Andrew's was fantastic by Derby - another tough game, a workmanlike team
30:52 - John Eustace with a point to prove - a 'really good guy'
31:32 - 'Anti-football' Derby County? 'Going for it' on 32 per cent possession?
33:40 - Hitting the woodwork (yet again) - Derby did it at Portsmouth. Tatts talking nonsense all the time
34:46 - First visit to Derby since January 2022 - will we all be having a party again?
35:54 - Patrick Agyemang's threat and a physical presence
39:00 - Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik
40:25 - Taity not giving up on the play-offs, or is he?
#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #SheffieldUnited #DerbyCounty #EFLChampionship
Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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46 min
March 13 Blues bounce back! Stopping the rot v QPR - play-offs possible again? Sheffield United preview
Tatts and Taity dissect the much-needed victory against QPR and look ahead to the visit of Sheffield United.
With Blues five points from 6th place after the midweek results, are the play-offs back on the agenda?
The guys also look back on the Charlton Athletic let down and debate Chris Davies' dampening down comments - should this season be seen as one of consolidation or a potentially 'missed opportunity', as Taity believes?
There's also snooker balls and meat pies on Episode 39!
IN THIS EPISODE
2:00 - QPR - celebrate the wins when they come
4:57 - Can Blues be more clinical and stop pressure growing
6:00 - Jay Stansfield needs to be a 'pest' - and add much-needed goals
7:26 - Good opposition defending - as Roy Keane would say, it's their job!
8:40 - More aggression and Jack Robinson's know-how
9:35 - Where has Kanya Fujimoto been?
12.30 - Charlton Athletic defeat - non-existent midfield, same old story away and the biggest backside in football
14:30 - The first time Taity was looking over the shoulder, not upwards - Chris Davies' despondency and then the relief after QPR
16:15 A barmy league, much of a muchness?
17:15 - A missed opportunity, due to the teams likely to come down from the Premier League next season
18:10 - Sheffield United and what they will bring to St. Andrew's
20:55 - Callum O'Hare - Ian Clarkson's nephew . . . is he Blues or V***a?
22:00 - Why beating the Blades press will be important, and Paik is key to that
24:30 - The quality of ball going back to front and midfield running power
26:25 - Sideways and backwards, says Chris Wilder
27:00 - Do Blues take enough risks with the ball? A debate. Alex Ferguson's mantra. Don't take the easy option.
29:39 - Football becoming more generic negating the flair and maverick player
31:13 - Snooker balls, Gary McAllister, steak and kidney pies and Ted McMinn
33:30 - Chris Davies comments post-QPR - dampening down expectation and surviving as a promoted team; top teams being together for a few years
35:10 - Blues a work in progress still? Owners' bullishness
36:00 - Taity 'doesn't want to hear it' - expected the play-offs at the season start. 'When are we going to go up, then?'.
37:37 - Expanding the play-offs to eighth place position
38:35 - 'Oven-ready' Championship players needed. Blues require grit during a 'massive' summer.

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46 min
March 03 Birmingham City Defensive Disaster! 3-1 Boro Defeat, Beadle Backlash & Charlton Preview
It was a damaging 3-1 home defeat for Birmingham City against Middlesbrough, marking only their second league loss at St. Andrew's in 42 matches.
In Episode 38, Tatts and Tait dissect the "calamitous" defending that handed Boro two easy early goals. Taity passionately defends young goalkeeper James Beadle. He argues the back four lacked accountability and "passed the buck" to the 21-year-old under intense pressure.
Despite Marvin Ducksch pulling a goal back to start the second half brightly, a third Boro goal quickly killed the contest. The lads discuss Jay Stansfield's visible frustration when substituted, the lack of leadership on the pitch, and whether Chris Davies needs to recruit more aggressive, "Championship-ready" players to succeed in this division.
With Blues now eight points off Wrexham and the play-off places, is the season over, or is this team simply a work in progress?
Finally, they look ahead to the trip to The Valley to face Charlton Athletic. They preview the threat of highly motivated former Blues striker Lyndon Dykes and discuss the vital return of midfield duo Jhon Solis and Paik Seung-ho. Taity also issues a rallying cry for supporters to stay behind the team during this frustrating patch.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Middlesbrough Review: A damaging 3-1 home defeat.
(02:15) Defensive Disasters: "Calamitous" errors and a lack of accountability.
(07:30) The James Beadle Debate: Why Taity is defending the young keeper.
(14:00) Second Half Hope: Marvin Ducksch scores before Boro kill the game.
(17:10) Stansfield's Frustration & the need for "nasty" players.
(20:30) Play-off Picture: Are Blues too far behind Wrexham?
(25:50) Charlton Preview: Facing Lyndon Dykes and Nathan Jones.
(29:00) Midfield Boost: Solis and Paik set to return.
#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #MiddlesbroughFC #EFLChampionship #CharltonAthletic
Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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42 min
February 26 Birmingham City Midfield Crisis! Solis Red Card & Millwall Defeat | Boro Preview
Birmingham City are facing a massive midfield crisis after Jhon Solis' red card in a "weak and meek" 2-0 defeat to Millwall. With Paik Seung-ho already injured, how will Chris Davies solve this problem for the visit of Middlesbrough?

In Episode 37, Tatts and Tait dissect a sobering night at The Den. They discuss the decisive moments—including Jay Stansfield's missed chance—and the killer blow of conceding just after half-time.

It wasn't all bad news this week. The lads also reflect on a historic, drought-ending win away at Norwich City, praising the team's ability to mix up their tactics, alongside standout performances from Bright Osayi-Samuel and James Beadle.

Finally, they preview Monday night's clash under the lights against a fast, forward-passing Middlesbrough side. Plus, why are Blues looking for a set-piece coach? Taity shares a brilliant throwback story about the Andy Legg to Kevin Francis long-throw combination!

IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Millwall 2-0 Birmingham City: A "weak and meek" defeat
(03:15) Decisive Moments: Stansfield's chance & early goals
(06:30) Midfield Crisis: Jhon Solis Red Card & Paik's Injury
(10:15) Norwich City Review: A historic win at Carrow Road
(15:00) Player Focus: Bright Osayi-Samuel & James Beadle
(19:20) Middlesbrough Preview: Stopping Hayden Hackney & Boro
(23:45) Set-Piece Coach Search & Andy Legg's Long Throws!
(28:00) The Championship Run-In: Are the play-offs still achievable?

#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #MillwallFC #EFLChampionship #Boro

Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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42 min
February 18 Birmingham City | Cup Heartbreak & Penalty Drama | Panzo & Allsop Shine | Women’s Team Sale
It was penalty shootout heartache for Birmingham City at St. Andrew's, but the performance in a throwback cup tie against Leeds United has given fans plenty of hope.

In Episode 36, Tatts and Tait dissect the FA Cup exit. They discuss how Jhon Solis and Tommy Doyle stepped up to control the midfield in the absence of Paik Seung-ho, and debate the pleasant headaches Chris Davies now faces. Did Ryan Allsop's distribution prove he should reclaim the No.1 spot? And did Jonathan Panzo do enough on his full debut to stay in the team?

Paul Tait gives a fascinating player’s perspective on the pressure of a penalty shootout—sharing a hilarious story about the only spot-kick he ever took (with a twist you won't believe!).

The lads then look ahead to a daunting trip to face an in-form Norwich City. Can Blues replicate their cup display against Philippe Clement’s side? Plus, with 14 games left, is the Top 6 still a realistic target?

Finally, they discuss the major off-field news: the sale of Birmingham City Women to Shelby Companies Limited and what it means for the club.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro: A "throwback" cup tie at St. Andrew's
(03:45) Midfield Masters: Solis & Doyle fill the Paik void
(07:10) Selection Debate: Allsop’s distribution & Panzo’s debut
(12:30) Penalty Heartache: Taity’s crazy shootout story!
(16:15) Norwich Preview: Can Blues stop Clement’s Canaries?
(21:00) The Run-In: Is the Top 6 still on?
(24:45) Club News: The sale of Birmingham City Women explained

#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #FACup #LeedsUnited #NorwichCity #BCFCWomen #EFL #Championship

Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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34 min
February 11 Birmingham City | Paik Injury Blow | WBA Derby Verdict | Leeds United Preview
It’s been a week of extreme highs, lows, and late drama for Birmingham City.
In Episode 35, Taity and Tatts reflect on a spirited 2-1 defeat of Leicester City. The lads praise a fantastic performance, highlighting the dangerous impact of new signing Ibrahim Osman.
The focus then shifts to the local derby against West Bromwich Albion. the lads break down a tense 0-0 draw that had everything but a goal—including August Priske having a 95th-minute winner cruelly disallowed for offside!
Another talking point is the devastating news regarding Paik Seung-ho. The lads discuss the massive blow of his injury and what it means for Chris Davies' midfield moving forward.
Finally, they look ahead to the FA Cup tie against Leeds United.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Introduction & Leicester City Review
(02:30) Ibrahim Osman impresses & taking the positives
(06:45) West Brom Review: A tense 0-0 derby draw
(08:15) Heartbreak: August Priske's disallowed 95th-minute winner
(11:20) The Paik Seung-ho Injury: How do Blues cope with this "massive blow"?
(16:50) FA Cup action versus Leeds United
#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #leicestercity #wba #PaikSeungho #AugustPriske #efl #eflchampionship
Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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30 min
February 04 Birmingham City | Taity's Transfer Verdict | Win at Oxford | The Week Ahead
The January Transfer Window has slammed shut, and Birmingham City finished the week with a massive 2-0 win at Oxford United.

In this episode, Blues legend Paul Tait returns to join Tatts in dissecting a "bizarre" but brilliant afternoon at the Kassam Stadium. They discuss Chris Davies' "bold moves" to make seven changes to the starting XI—was it a gamble that paid off?

New signing Jhon Solís made his full debut—how did he handle the physicality of the Championship? And did Patrick Roberts prove his worth again with a game-changing cameo?

Finally, Taity gives his expert verdict on the Transfer Window and looks to The Week Ahead—with a huge double-header against Leicester City and the derby against West Brom.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:10) Oxford United Review: 2-0 win & a bold team selection
(04:40) Jhon Solís Debut: Steady, game, and finding his feet
(06:30) Patrick Roberts: The impact sub—should he start vs QPR?
(09:15) Taity's Transfer Verdict: Did we do enough?
(12:45) Squad Depth: The striker situation analysed
(16:20) The Week Ahead: Leicester City & West Brom Preview

#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #PaulTait #ChrisDavies #JhonSolis #PatrickRoberts #OxfordUnited #LeicesterCity #WBA #EFL #Championship

Principal Partner:
Davisons Law

Junior Partners:
Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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35 min
January 29 Birmingham City | Legend Paul Tait Joins the Team! | Away Form | New Signings | Oxford Preview
We have made a huge signing in the January Transfer Window! ✍️

In this special episode of Forever Blues, Colin Tattum is joined by Birmingham City legend Paul Tait. The former midfielder and lifelong Bluenose brings his expert analysis and player insight to the show.

Tatts and Tait dissect the 1-1 draw with Stoke City, debating whether Blues were "too nice" and if they need a "destroyer" in midfield. They also run the rule over the club's busy transfer window, giving their verdict on new signings Ibrahim Osman, August Priske, and Carlos Vicente.

Paul also shares his personal and emotional memories of his former teammate and friend, Robert Hopkins, paying tribute to a true "man of the people."

Finally, the lads look ahead to a tough away trip to Paul's former club, Oxford United. Can Blues finally fix their away form?

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Big Announcement: We've signed Paul Tait!
(02:10) Stoke City Review: A "disappointing" draw or a point gained?
(03:40) Tactical Analysis: Are Blues "too nice"? (Tait's expert view)
(07:45) Transfer Talk: Ibrahim Osman's debut & the "managed minutes" debate
(09:45) New Signings: August Priske & the risk of foreign imports
(13:10) The Away Form Conundrum: Why is there such a difference?
(15:45) Jhon Solis: Does the midfield need a "destroyer"?
(17:50) Carlos Vicente: A new winger in the Paul Devlin mould?
(21:15) Outgoings: Keshi Anderson, Lyndon Dykes & the ruthless nature of football
(24:55) Oxford United Preview: A "thorny" trip to the Kassam
(29:30) Tribute to Robert Hopkins: Paul Tait remembers a legend and friend

#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #PaulTait #Transfers #IbrahimOsman #CarlosVicente #AugustPriske #RobertHopkins

Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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38 min
January 14 Birmingham City | Kyogo Scores! | Transfer Targets Solís & Manneh | Tribute to Robert Hopkins
In this episode of Forever Blues, Mox and Tatts pay an emotional tribute to Birmingham City legend Robert Hopkins, who sadly passed away this week. The lads share their personal memories of a player who "bled royal blue" and epitomised the spirit of the club.

On the pitch, there is finally good news for Kyogo Furuhashi, who broke his goal drought in the FA Cup win over Cambridge United. Does this mark a turning point for the striker?

The January Transfer Window is heating up, and Mox reveals the latest on two major targets: Abdoulie Manneh and Jhon Solís. Why are Blues targeting players without Championship experience, and who could be leaving to make way?

Finally, the lads look ahead to a tricky doubleheader against Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday, and discuss the future of goalkeeper James Beadle.

IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:44) Cambridge United Review: A professional job & Kyogo scores!
(05:35) Swansea City Preview: A "conundrum" of a side
(09:00) Sheffield Wednesday Preview: The importance of the first goal
(10:10) Transfer Window Special: The latest on Abdoulie Manneh & Jhon Solís
(13:30) The Experience Debate: Do Blues need more Championship know-how?
(16:00) James Beadle Update: Could Blues sign him permanently?
(19:00) Marvin Ducksch: Adjusting to the "oxen" of the Championship
(21:30) Kai Wagner: A whirlwind start for the new signing
(23:00) Tribute to Robert Hopkins: Memories of a true Bluenose legend

#BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #RobertHopkins #Kyogo #EFL #facup #Transfers

A huge thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.
Principal Partner: Davisons Law
Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech.

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39 min

About Forever Blues

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Forever Blues, your essential podcast for all things Birmingham City FC! Hosted by veteran Blues journalist Colin Tattum and club legend Paul Tait, we deliver unfiltered opinions, deep tactical analysis, and passionate debates you won't find anywhere else. Every week, Tatts and Taity dissect the true Birmingham City identity, bringing you honest match previews, post-match verdicts, and the real story from St. Andrew's. Your new home for genuine BCFC insight and a heavy dose of Keep Right On spirit!

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