Birmingham boss Garry Monk is growing increasingly frustrated over Blues’ transfer shambles just four days before the season kicks off against Norwich. Monk took charge at St Andrews in March after being promised significant funds by Far East owners Trillion Trophy Asia. He did well to keep Brum up on the final day last term after inheriting a side in freefall which had lost five successive games. But Monk’s hopes of a major summer rebuild have been halted by a transfer embargo from the EFL over breaching Financial Fair Play and after two years of fighting fires, Birmingham are doing it again before a ball has been kicked. CEO Xuandong Ren has pledged to deal with the crisis and is in talks with the EFL to try to get the ban lifted. please log in to view this image But Birmingham’s only summer recruit, £2million defender Kristian Pedersen from Union Berlin in June, is still sweating on clearance to play in the Championship. Monk admits: “We’re still waiting on some clarity on the whole situation, as are the club. “Like everyone else I’m waiting for that clarity and when it comes through we’ll be able to see what we can do.” The defender played in Saturday’s friendly draw with Brighton as Monk insisted: “He’s looking forward to the new season.” Ren has promised Monk the defender will be available to play against Norwich on Saturday on the opening day but time is running out. please log in to view this image It also gives Monk a major headache in goal where he expected to bring in a new keeper and froze out experienced shot-stoppers David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak. Last season’s No.1 Stockdale, who has two years left on his contract, has been training with the kids and was excluded from Blues’ tour of Austria. Monk has played youngster Connal Trueman in pre-season but admits it is not ideal. Monk said: “It’s a position we do need to strengthen, that we want to strengthen, but Connal has done fantastically pre-season.” Monk is also light up front where Isaac Vassell is back running on grass but is at least a month away from after surgery on a cruciate ligament in November. please log in to view this image Lukas Jutkiewicz and Che Adams are the only other recognised senior strikers after loanee Sam Gallagher, who scored seven goals last term, returned to Southampton. Birmingham, who have only just survived on the final day in the last two seasons, appear under-strength ahead of the transfer window closing on Thursday. Squad members are understood to also have major concerns they do not have the depth for another long, gruelling season in the second tier. Blues’ initial bullish optimism of avoiding an embargo, fuelled by comments from board member Edward Zheng Gannan at a fans’ forum in May, have been replaced by concern and mounting anger among supporters at the lack of communication from the club’s Chinese directors. But the EFL are sticking to their guns and recently underlined their stance when QPR were hit with a £42m fine and a transfer ban in January for breaching FFP. A BCFC statement said: "Talks between Birmingham City and the EFL remain ongoing in regard profitability and sustainability regulations. "The Club has spent several months working diligently to satisfy the EFL. "Unfortunately and disappointingly the EFL are currently refusing to allow us to make additions which would enable us to strengthen the Manager's squad. "We are hopeful that a satisfactory agreement can be reached with the EFL as soon as possible to help ensure our continued competitiveness in the Championship. "We fully understand supporters’ frustrations over this issue in the wake of recent speculation and rumour. We share those frustrations. "The Club asks supporters to maintain the fabulous and passionate backing they have given to Garry Monk and the team since the Manager's appointment - it is hugely appreciated and when we have that togetherness and strength in numbers it can make a big difference.
Can someone please define banter for me as I'm at a loss to understand it's meaning in regards to this site. I've always thought if you phrase your posts correctly only an imbecile would fail to see the humour and take offence.
The definition would be subjective and those you describe wouldn't understand. I am liking the new fighty anarchist Jammy
Disclaimer: That was banter and under no circumstances did I mean to cause offence to Any imbeciles who might have read it.
The people I am most suspicious of are the ones who believe they are "good" drivers and never make mistakes.
I am concerned for your welfare that's all. Any inference to people fictional or otherwise is purely accidental.
Nope... but 0 points on my licence, never been on a speed awareness course and never paid a parking ticket. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. Score for your cast: 2/10 could do so much better.
Shall have to ask Mrs Glory at York races if in fact you do self determine yourself as a good driver... The truth will out.
Mrs Glory will be too pissed to speak. Will deffo do a day.. but the weather will dictate which one. will keep you posted. P.S she wont approve of those two wallet eating scrubbers!
