Birmingham City's steady improvement under Gary Rowett went from strength to strength this season as they secured a 10th place finish despite them not spending much.
In the summer they recruited wisely with the free signings of Jacques Maghoma and Maikael Kieftenbeld who both had solid seasons.
Even though they lost starlet Demarai Gray they also got shot of plenty of deadwood that had littered the bench for years.
One of the major improvements made by Birmingham this season was the defence which the previous season was a shambles under Lee Clarke, showcased by an 8-0 hammering by Bournemouth.
The defence conceded 15 less goals allowing a play-off challenge which Birmingham did mount until the goals dried up towards the end of the season.
Michael Morrison played a major part in plugging the defence and good loan players like Ryan Shotton helped too and Rowett will want to improve it even more if they are to go up next season.
Here is the dream defence under Gary Rowett next season......
LB - Rhoys Wiggins
Wiggins is an established left back and has plenty of experience in the Football League making well over 100 appearances for Charlton and for Bournemouth in League 1.
He is currently playing for Premier League Bournemouth after a miserable spell at Sheffield Wednesday where he barely got any game time.
Bournemouth may of signed him but Wiggins has not played a single game since with Charlie Daniels keeping him out the team.
Also with Tyrone Mings regaining fitness Wiggins' chances at getting a game is slim, so Birmingham could benefit from someone of his experience.
CB - Michael Morrison
Some people say that Michael Morrison's impact at Birmingham has been unmatched by any other player.
Last season after Lee Clarke was sacked and Rowett was hired, he made his first move to try and plug the defence by loaning in Michael Morrison from Charlton and his impact was immediate.
In his 21 games, the Birmingham defence improved vastly convincing Rowett to buy him on a permanent deal and his partnership with Paul Robinson and Shotton has been very good.
He has to stay as he is a big part of the Rowett revolution and there most important player.
CB - Ryan Shotton
The 27- year-old Derby player spent half a season on loan at Birmingham as he could not get in the Derby side ahead of Keogh and Shackell.
At first he filled in for injured captain Paul Caddis at right back, before partnering Michael Morrison at centre back and his performances were very impressive.
Even though the goal threat died towards the end of the season the defence was still solid and Shotton was part of that.
He scored his first goal against Reading and after impressing Rowett made it clear he intended to buy him on a permanent deal, which should interest Shotton and Derby as well.
RB - Paul Caddis
The first name on the team sheet is probably Paul Caddis, with his passion as captain another reason Birmingham have improved as much as he has.
He has been a regular starter for the last 4 seasons and no Birmingham fan has forgotten his goal against Bolton a couple of seasons back in the last minute, that kept them up.
He is one of the most underrated right-backs in the Championship with his leadership and defensive ability vastly improved - he will play a big part next season.
Thoughts Birmingham fans? Leave thoughts and opinions below!