In truth, Birmingham City have been much improved from last season and the work done by manager Gary Rowett has been well received by fans and neutrals alike.

They have come a long way from their 8-0 home thumping to AFC Bournemouth under Lee Clark, and Rowett has solidified their defence and got them challenging for a top six place.

They sit in ninth, six points outside the play-offs with a game in hand, and with a lot of home games coming up against top sides they will also have a big say in where the Sky Bet Championship trophy ends up in May.

The success of Birmingham has been surprising as Rowett has built this side on a shoestring budget, adding solid defenders like Michael Morrison to the backline for next to nothing.

All of their signings seem to have worked out as well, with Jacques Maghoma and Maikel Kieftenbeld who both came in for small fees being magnificent. Jon Toral has been an excellent loan signing from Arsenal after his good spell at Brentford last season, and Rowett has built the side around frontman Clayton Donaldson and the inspirational captain Paul Caddis at right back.

He has also transformed last season's flops into solid squad of players, with Stephen Gleeson really upping his game specifically.

Whatever happens they have had a brilliant season and even if they fail to get top six this season, then the work continues into next year and they will hope to make that breakthrough under Rowett.

Here though, FootballLeagueWorld writer Michael Hasan identifies FIVE players that have not pulled their weight for Birmingham so far this season...

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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David Cotterill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He was one of the bright sparks for Birmingham last season under Clark, with his brilliance from set pieces particularly noteworthy.

Yet it was under Rowett in particular he flourished last season with Rowett commenting that he can play badly but still affect games.

His brilliance was the reason Birmingham pushed up the table at the end of the season and he was expected to have an even bigger impact this season.

He has had a few injury problems this season but his two goals in 20 games is disappointing and an improvement in the run-in is essential.

Clayton Donaldson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is their top scorer just about with seven goals but in recent months he has lost his finishing touch and is getting criticism from the fans.

His performance in the 0-0 draw against Wolves sums the year up for Donaldson, who is getting plenty of chances but squandering them.

He is the best striker they have though and fans feel they will definitely need a new striker if they are to push for play-offs next year.

They have young Brock Madsen in the wings and Birmingham fans would like to see him get a chance, as Donaldson is just not getting the job done.

Jonathan Spector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The defence for Birmingham has been much improved for them this season, but there are still some weak links.

Michael Morrison and Paul Caddis have been excellent in the backline, as has the very experienced Paul Robinson, but Spector has proved the weak link.

His man-marking has been poor and the 30-year-old American is losing his touch.

When the Birmingham side do capitulate this season it is often due to poor defending by Spector, and fans feel he must be replaced next season.

James Vaughan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birmingham fans were pleased when the Huddersfield Town striker joined them on loan after having a spell out with injury.

Nahki Wells was outperforming him at Huddersfield and fans at Birmingham felt he could help Donaldson out, but he has no goals in 13 starts and is part of the striker crisis.

As he has agreed to sign a permanent deal at the end of the season, his poor form makes this a questionable move.

He was a natural scorer for Huddersfield when fit so fans and management alike will hope that he will find some of this form soon.

Will Buckley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former Brighton winger has endured a miserable career since moving to Premier League Sunderland, and has had a few failed loan moves to Championship sides - Birmingham are one of them.

He has one goal in nine games and is now struggling for first team football due to the nature of his poor performances.

Brought in due to the misfiring Cotterill, he has failed to live up to expectations and is now a fixture on the bench.

Birmingham fans... do you agree? Are there any more misfiring players in the squad? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!