Garry Monk's Birmingham City side have been in tremendous form in recent weeks and now sit just one point away from the playoff places. 

A 2-1 victory against Reading at St. Andrews on Tuesday night means the Blues have now won three matches in a row, turning them from relegation candidates into promotion contenders.

For a side with a transfer embargo limiting their summer business significantly, it is a remarkable achievement.

Monk was restricted to loan signings but used the market very cleverly, bringing in striker Omar Bogle, winger Connor Mahoney and midfielder Gary Gardner.

For the West Midland's club to get to where they are at the moment, the former Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Leeds United boss has had to make plenty of gambles, on personnel, transfers and tactics.

So, here are THREE of those gambles that are currently working an absolute treat for the Blues...

The decision to exclude David Stockdale from his squad at the start of the season amid a flurry of transfer rumours was a big decision.

Stockdale was seen as one of the Championship's best goalkeeper's but Monk was not impressed by his attitude and wanted everyone at the club pulling in the right direction.

The spirit that has been restored in the side has more than vindicated the decision.

Signing a player from your fiercest rivals always raises eyebrows.

It was therefore undoubtedly a risk for Monk to bring in Gary Gardner in on loan for the season but it has worked.

Considering Monk's ambition to bridge the gap between the fans and the club bringing in Gardner was a risk, but the way he has taken to the club has helped that immeasurably.

There is a strong case to be made that staying at St. Andrews was a big gamble from Monk.

For a long time in the summer, it looked like the club were heading for a financial crisis with sanctions placed on the club from all angles.

No one would have blamed him for walking away, but he stayed and it has done wonders both for the club and for his own reputation.

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