Birmingham City vs Sheffield United

English League Cup Round 1 - Wednesday 13th August 2025 - 20:00 - St Andrews
Please keep all discussion related to the match within this thread.

Player Ratings:
Matchday Stats/Player Ratings - https://www.s24su.com/forum/match-day/match/birmingham-city-vs-sheffield-united.754/

Officials:

Referee: Gavin Ward
Assistants: Hugh Gilroy and Emily Carney
Fourth Official: Dean Whitestone

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[Hillsboro Blade]

Dire. I couldn't care less at being out of the cup but that shows our squad is terrible. The kids are barely league standard, let alone will do a job for us.

We lacked a system. we lacked a plan. We lost every fight. We lacked energy. We lacked quality. We had no heart. No desire.

People will come on and say "oh but it was the kids". That's not an excuse. We have come down from the Premier League, they have come up. We changed 1-, they changed 6. This wasn't Birmingham's first team who had 4 times as many chances than us. 20 to 5. And 5 times as many shots on target. They should have thrashed us. No great defending or keeping, just terrible finishing.

Davies: 5 - not at fault for either goal and did well to pull out from a foul/sending off for the first. He just never ever inspires confidence. In his entire time here.
McCallum - 2 - Dreadful. Hard to believe he was in a Norwich play-off team. can't pass. can't defend. can't mark. Can't track.
Robbo - 2 - Got booked and then screamed fuck off at the lino. Should have been sent off. Clearly trying to get sent off. want this whiny plastic scouse cunt as far away from my club as possible. North Wales will do.
Sasnauskus - 1 - Gave them the first goal. Trued to do it again. Looked non-league. Needs to go on loan and show what he's got.
Curtis - 4 - He's barely a L2 player but he was easily our best defender. At least knew where he should be and tried his best
Soumare - 6 - He's far too slow on the ball, but that's the difference in the pace of leagues. That will improve. Otherwise, easily our best player and an impressive debut where he looked very comfortable.
O-Hare - 0 - Appalling. A gnome would have been as useful
Marsh - 2 - So far off this standard. Can do nice things with the ball when he's given as much time as he wants. Otherwise, L2 at best.
One - 1 - Looked like a pub player. Balls bounced off him. Hall went through his legs. Fell over with a gust of wind.
Cannon - 2 - Had one really good shot but everything else was poor.
Ukaki -2 - Looks like he's about 16. lays like he's about 16. put much more effort in than most though.

Subs:

Peck - 3 ran around in circles. sometimes fell over.
Campbell - 3 - Does so little outside of scoring. Watching Stansfield when he came on and he's lightyears ahead of him as a forward player.
Bindon - 2 - Bring back Robbo. bad.
Hamer - 5 - Great goal. not a lot else. Got involved at least
Brooks - not sure he touched the ball.

Selles - 0 - Two games, two zeros. Never been done before. What was that? What was the plan? What was the system? Is someone meant to be tracking their FBs as no one was. Once again they cut through us like a hot knife through butter. Once again no plan B. The formation isn't working but we just kept going with it. Im beginning to question his ability.

Spot on with Robinson. Who the fuck does he think he is? Trying to get sent off tonight is a big fuck off to all Blades but especially to those that have gone tonight, probably most of them earning in a year what he earns in a week, Piss off to Wrexham and take your shit long throw with you,

 

[Bergen Blade]

A good learning experience for the younger players, a bit better than our average performance when we've changed the team around. If we beat Swansea, not many will be bothered about this result.

Birmingham had better, stronger, more experienced players and won, as I expected. They were really good at dealing with our attempted high press first half. Our XI was inexperienced, hardly knew each other and were clearly lacking in some areas. I think we got another confirmation that centre half is our main weakness. We had some players that struggled to contribute. Remember that it is more difficult to contribute and show what you can do when on average, your team is weaker than the opposition.

I like what I saw from Soumare. He will strengthen us. I've not been a fan of Curtis, but I think he held his own tonight. It is too early for Sasnauskas to be a centre half we rely on. One struggled against a top opponent. I'd hoped to see more from Cannon. I like Ukaki. I thought Marsh was ok considering he's adapting to this new position.

 

[Racing Blade]

Few positives again, other than Soumare showing some potential.

Last season, this round showed us that we had a player in Sydie Peck. Tonight, it's told as that none of the youngsters promoted to the first team squad are close to being ready for it. Each should either be loaned out or moved on.

 

[Edgar Allan Poo]

It wasnt the disaster I thought it would be. The youngsters Dovy, Curtis and Marsh get a free pass they battled manfully till the end. It was the so called senior players that were the let down. Davies is shocking as a number 2. His refusal to come off his line led to Brums pressure from set pieces. The defenders dont trust him. JLT looked like he wanted to get sent off he needs to go asap. Yes a wonder goal from Hamer and after we played some decent pockets but we always looked vulnerable to the quick break a feature of the system we are playing. Canon what is there to say he hit the post but did he doing anything other for the rest of the game. Peck is nots a senior but his languid style slow with the ball at his feet got himself into trouble on too many occasions. Begs the question is all not well with him

Is there any plus side well Soumare looked useful and he could do well if we bring in players to complement him. Thats the problem they are not being brought in and thats at the door of a silent Board who are not supporting the manager. We also managed to avoid extra time saving legs for Swansea but small compensation. I said after Saturday teams that cant defend go down. Ive seen little to change that view and begs the question just what exactly do the new owners want from this season. It cant be promotion. There is no sign of any activity to redress what is turning into a poor start to the season. They appear to be treading treacle and the concern that they lack the ability, experience and knowledge to manage an EPL football club will only grow as the days without significant incomings and defeats grow.

Think it would have gone straight to pens.

 

[Pandev]

If we don’t sign at least 2 defenders before Swansea game may as well write that one off too. Embarrassing lack of players.

We’ve been embarrassed by a league 1 team last season. However, they have put our ownership to shame. Brum owners have shown how to back a team.

Very very concerning we are in this state. Looking like we will of lost 4 league games by the time transfer window closes.

Really thought new owners would back Selles! Clearly not! Now he will be hung out to dry even though its their lack of backing which has put us in this mess!!

 

[Silky Sabella]

Absolutely.
Whatever your thoughts on Robinson he clearly didn't want to be on that pitch tonight.

Meaning what exactly?

 

[EastSussexBlade74]

Sky barely able to contain their joy... pricks

Try not to watch any sport on Sky all they do is turn UP the commentary mic's, and pitch side microphone so LOW you can't hear the crowd or atmosphere.

Why ? Sky are so WOKE they go beyond ofcom "Foul language" rules.

Which they often point out when your concentration is on the game - not monitoring f-bombs with a helpful;

"We're sorry if you heard any offensive or foul language"

I first noticed it during lockdown games they did it to drown out the players language as there was no crowd.

Watch it on FOX, STAR, CBS, Peacock etc on your IPTV and just to get an idea switch over from the Sky Sports channel and you'll notice that the volume is DOUBLE as it's also a much better picture.

Sky were still charging for 1080i [or trying to in my case until I asked for C/R as I wasn't paying for 1080i in 2023].

 

[BeardyBlade]

Why ? He was given no service at all leaving himself to create space and hit the post with a deflection from a defender.
If he was missing chances from crosses or failing to get in when the ball is crossed I would agree with you, but I think we only had two crosses all night and both were poor.

He disappears for large chunks of the game, he can’t hold it up, he can’t beat his man, he’s not fast enough to go for a ball over the top, he’s completely anonymous. If we did get a cross on his bonce all he would be doing is having his head in hands looking to the heavens thinking ‘fuck me Im stealing a wage here’

 

[robbiez666]

We also managed to avoid extra time

there is no extra time!

 

[Dimyan93]

Meaning what exactly?

Meaning he doesn't give a f, about this current regime, he's obviously a Wilder boy (maybe rightly)

 

[Addison]

there is no extra time!

Well small consolation that we avoided penalties

 

[robbiez666]

Well small consolation that we avoided penalties

I was wondering how bad our penalties would be. I'm guessing very bad!

 

[EastSussexBlade74]

Next game's coming up....Sorry if this has already posted.

 

[100% part time blade]

 

[Pandev]

Next game's coming up....Sorry if this has already posted.
View attachment 219187

L
L
L
Hoping we’ve signed some defenders by this point
L
D
D

 

[Dodona]

Im no footie expert but here is my take. We are a club in transition. New owners, manager, players, philosophy. I will give it ten games before I start shitting my pants. I remember the first 4 games, I think, under Wilder in Lg1. I wasn't too worried then, as I could see the seeds of what was to follow. Spirit, togetherness, heart and some decent players. What worries me this time is the players look a bit lost. Most worrying is the apparent lack of heart. Tonight they looked just plain poor, maybe to be expected, given the team. Macallum (sp)is rubbish. They all panicked under pressure. First touch is a worry too. Birmingham looked way fitter.
If we lose to Swansea at the weekend, I fear for the confidence and Selles's ability to instill any. However, I won't be sitting my pants until after the first 10 games.

 

[Hackey Blade]

Remember how bad it was being told every week we were the worst side ever seen in the prem, well imagine what its gonna feel like being told every week we are the worst side the championship has ever seen

 

[Tom Bott]

Really thought new owners would back Selles! Clearly not! Now he will be hung out to dry even though its their lack of backing which has put us in this mess!!

Ignoring the lack of defence, where exactly was the high press, attacking, exciting football ?

How many touches in the box and how many shots on goal ?

Worryingly some of the players don't look happy to be here anymore.

 

[Silky Sabella]

The amount of negativity towards the team overall, individual players, the manager and the board is spiralling to a dangerous level, after just 2 games.
You have choices:
1/ wait until the window closes and see what players are brought in
2/ Give the manager time to implement his system with the players HE WANTS
3) Turn nasty and try to remove Selles but knowing that wilder ain't coming back.
What conclusion do you want?

 

[EastSussexBlade74]

To be fair he's hardly had much to work with.

It doesn't matter how much he has to work with he's simply a donkey. Sometimes it's easier to see from inside the Stadium [not just the Lane] you get a real time view of how slow off the mark the players is to run, react .....

 

[Silky Sabella]

Spot on with Robinson. Who the fuck does he think he is? Trying to get sent off tonight is a big fuck off to all Blades but especially to those that have gone tonight, probably most of them earning in a year what he earns in a week, Piss off to Wrexham and take your shit long throw with you,

Get that, and he is a massive liability anyway.

 

[Pandev]

The amount of negativity towards the team overall, individual players, the manager and the board is spiralling to a dangerous level, after just 2 games.
You have choices:
1/ wait until the window closes and see what players are brought in
2/ Give the manager time to implement his system with the players HE WANTS
3) Turn nasty and try to remove Selles but knowing that wilder ain't coming back.
What conclusion do you want?

No good waiting for the transfer window to close. If we continue at the current trend we will of sold our entire defence and brought no one in.

By the time the transfer window closes we will of lost 4 games.

The owners should have backed us and got players in before the season started.

They clearly have no money. If they do they are brain dead

 

[Pandev]

The amount of negativity towards the team overall, individual players, the manager and the board is spiralling to a dangerous level, after just 2 games.
You have choices:
1/ wait until the window closes and see what players are brought in
2/ Give the manager time to implement his system with the players HE WANTS
3) Turn nasty and try to remove Selles but knowing that wilder ain't coming back.
What conclusion do you want?

Selles clearly not the problem when he doesn’t have a squad to work with!!

 

[BeardyBlade]

Next game's coming up....Sorry if

The amount of negativity towards the team overall, individual players, the manager and the board is spiralling to a dangerous level, after just 2 games.
You have choices:
1/ wait until the window closes and see what players are brought in
2/ Give the manager time to implement his system with the players HE WANTS
3) Turn nasty and try to remove Selles but knowing that wilder ain't coming back.
What conclusion do you want?

You can’t install a new manager, sell 2 of the best defensive players we have (possibly sell a third) not bring in replacements or even have any lined up and expect anything other than an absolute shit show.
I’m more worried about who else leaves before the window closes.
If the board don’t back the manager and buy 3 experienced, ‘tall’ defensive minded players we are fucked. Selles is gone. Cooper & Hamer will leave. Robbo can fuck off after tonight. I’d rather Bindon and that other bellend Sucksass were given a chance. He doesn’t want to be here and tried to get sent off tonight. He’s always been shite and the fact we now pin our entire defence on him starting is an absolute embarrassment.

 

[Bl4desutd]

Why ? He was given no service at all leaving himself to create space and hit the post with a deflection from a defender.
If he was missing chances from crosses or failing to get in when the ball is crossed I would agree with you, but I think we only had two crosses all night and both were poor.

I’m generally a happy clapper but I must admit, I thought Cannon was awful for the full 90 minutes tonight

 

[Bl4desutd]

A good learning experience for the younger players, a bit better than our average performance when we've changed the team around. If we beat Swansea, not many will be bothered about this result.

Birmingham had better, stronger, more experienced players and won, as I expected. They were really good at dealing with our attempted high press first half. Our XI was inexperienced, hardly knew each other and were clearly lacking in some areas. I think we got another confirmation that centre half is our main weakness. We had some players that struggled to contribute. Remember that it is more difficult to contribute and show what you can do when on average, your team is weaker than the opposition.

I like what I saw from Soumare. He will strengthen us. I've not been a fan of Curtis, but I think he held his own tonight. It is too early for Sasnauskas to be a centre half we rely on. One struggled against a top opponent. I'd hoped to see more from Cannon. I like Ukaki. I thought Marsh was ok considering he's adapting to this new position.

I wish I'd watched the match through your eyes

 

[Shawy24]

You can’t install a new manager, sell 2 of the best defensive players we have (possibly sell a third) not bring in replacements or even have any lined up and expect anything other than an absolute shit show.
I’m more worried about who else leaves before the window closes.
If the board don’t back the manager and buy 3 experienced, ‘tall’ defensive minded players we are fucked. Selles is gone. Cooper & Hamer will leave. Robbo can fuck off after tonight. I’d rather Bindon and that other bellend Sucksass were given a chance. He doesn’t want to be here and tried to get sent off tonight. He’s always been shite and the fact we now pin our entire defence on him starting is an absolute embarrassment.

Yet Selles made him his team captain. Selles is weak. Robinson is a Wilder man. He was never going to like what was happening. His best buddy played him to trigger the contract extension. I said in another thread that he needed to be got rid of as he would be poisonous in the dressing room. Selles has no doubt tried to get him onside but it’s a sign of weakness already. Seems remarkably poor form to lose a dressing room before you’ve even found it.

 

[EastSussexBlade74]

Thankyou I think that from the sounds of it .It was better that I missed it I managed to see the brilliance from Hamer after the game.

I usually always watch on a stream even though I have Sky Sports available. The reason is 4k - which you need Sky equipment to get this quality.

FOX, CBS/PARAMOUNT+, PEACOCK [formerly NBC GOLD] ALL twice the picture quality and sound.

Sky are so WOKE they turn UP the commentary mic's and turn DOWN the pitch side mic's beyond what is needed to follow OFCOM regulations.

You can tell by watching a Sky channel or live stream and switching straight onto one of the above or many other channels who are broadcasting Sky's OWN feed.

That's what they are constantly saying AND pointing out something that you haven't even noticed because you're watching the game....

"We're sorry if you heard any offensive language there" they do it with all live footage.

I first noticed it in the lockdown games behind closed Prem matches where the players were constantly swearing and there was no crowd to drown it out.

But like you said you wont have to suffer what is going to be a shower if shit all season.

 

[BeardyBlade]

I wish I'd watched the match through your eyes

‘Curtis held his own…’ errrr what were you watching?? I’ll have your eyes as well as he was garbage. Got muscled off the ball, no positional sense. Crap distribution. Mullered in our box. Boys league 2 at best. Completely out of his depth

 

[reedy63]

Absolutely poor United defence all over the place, easy to cut through, no proper marking, outplayed totally in the first half, schoolboy defending gave Brum a goal. Let's face it, we were lucky not to be 5-0 down at half-time. The second half improved when Gus and a few other subs came on. Brilliant goal by Hamer from the halfway line. Then, bad defending again gave another goal away with 3 minutes left. Not impressed by the manager and tactics.Unless we get more good defenders and players in other positions before the transfer window shuts in a fortnight. We will struggle at the wrong end of the championship. Robinson was swearing at the lineman, you could hear him shout F off. Very lucky he dint get sent off for that.