Birmingham City are having a good season under Gary Rowett after their disastrous season last year under Lee Clark.

Under Clark, they barely won at home and, after only just staying up on the last day of the previous season, time finally ran out for Clark.

His tenure was compounded by a humiliating 8-0 defeat to eventual champions AFC Bournemouth, with their lacklustre defence the main problem.

Rowett, who was doing a cracking job at Burton Albion, came in with the side just above the relegation zone, but was able to steer them comfortably to safety and mid table. He introduced an exuberant style of football and strengthened the defence suitably, and Birmingham marched up the table in the closing months.

At the start of this season, they barely spent a penny, bringing in the likes of Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jacques Maghoma and Diego Fabbrini in the winter.

Rowett also strengthened the defence, which was perhaps the most important job, with Michael Morrison signing from Charlton Athletic after a successful loan spell the previous season. Paul Caddis has been excellent at right back as well, and the Birmingham defence is much stronger than last year.

Rowett has also exploited the loan market well, bringing in the exciting Jon Toral, who has been impressive with eight goals and shone brightly as players like David Cotterill have misfired this season.

The area Birmingham have fallen short in has been attack, and this is down to an over reliance on Clayton Donaldson. He started the season in good form, but his finishing has been disappointing recently, and Rowett has had to draft in Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty on loan.

But their lack of goals has cost them a play-off place, and they will have to go again in the summer, with the fans feeling they are a striker short and possible needing another flair player.

In order to rebuild for next season, Rowett should get rid of more deadwood, so FootballLeagueWorld writer Michael Hasan identifies FIVE players Birmingham should axe before next season...

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS!

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Jonathan Spector

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Spector is an American defender who has been with Birmingham for a while now, and has been a consistent starter since their relegation from the Premier League.

The former West Ham man has raked up a lot of international appearances, but his time at Birmingham is drawing to a close.

Part of the terrible defence under Clark, his man-marking is lacklustre, and Rowett needs to remove all the old element of that soft defence.

Michael Morrison has been excellent at the back for them, but recently he has been injured, meaning Spector has got some game time, coinciding with the drop in form of Birmingham.

There is reported interest from the MLS in him.

Lee Novak

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Rowett did a pretty good job of clearing the deadwood away from St Andrews, but did loan out a lot of it in the attempt to get some money for them instead of having to compensate them.

Novak has been on loan at Chesterfield, and his 11 goals in 23 games may be enough to earn him a move there as his goalscoring record at Birmingham is dire.

Birmingham's main striker is Clayton Donaldson with Brock-Madsen and Lafferty ahead of Novak in the pecking order, so a move away for Novak is expected.

Wes Thomas

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Another striker that Rowett will be keen to move on in the summer is Wes Thomas, who has spent this season on loan to League One sides Swindon Town and Bradford City, failing to make an impact at either club.

His four goals in 33 games for Birmingham shows he is not up to Championship level, and a move in the summer is expected, with a drop down to League One or Two likely.

He has struggled with injury and he was a player liked by old manager Clark, but his lack of ability is unlikely to wash well with Rowett.

Neil Eardley

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The right back has only played 14 games in three seasons, and is mainly cover for the consistent Paul Caddis.

He is a player of potential making the PFA Team of the season when at Oldham Athletic, but the Championship seems a leap too high for him.

Also, if he wants to get back into the Wales picture, a move away and some first team football is the solution.

The defence has been the biggest job for Rowett and, for the most part, he has fixed it this season, but will need some further recruits in the summer.

David Edgar

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Another one of the old guard at Birmingham is David Edgar who, after a disappointing season last year, has spent time on loan at Huddersfield Town last year and Sheffield United this year.

He has been desperately disappointing at this level, and seems more suited to League One Sheffield United.

The midfield at Birmingham looks stable for now, with Gleeson and Kieftenbeld impressing, and it is more likely new recruits will be added instead of Edgar being reintroduced.

Birmingham fans... do you agree? Would you axe these players? Are there any other players you'd axe? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!