Birmingham City manager Steve Cotterill was glowing with pride following his sides 1-0 win over Cardiff City last night, as he guided his new team to a crucial three points to move them up the table and give the club a much needed boost.

Speaking to the Blues' official website after the game, Cotterill was delighted to see his side take the three points as he got the off to the perfect start to life at St Andrews.

“I’m very proud of the players. I’ve just thanked them in the dressing room for everything they’ve done for me over the last two weeks.  Tonight was a big game for them and for me because it’s my first one in charge". Cotterill said.

The win was crucial for the Blues, who had been in miserable form so far this term and sat in the bottom three. However, taking three points against one of the Championship's high flyers will do the team the world of good, and Cotterill went on further in his assessment.

“It will give them belief. They see the benefits of the hard work we’ve done this week and last week on the training ground. Hopefully they’ll buy into it. We’ve got that hard-working, healthy, competitive, cohesive and disciplined environment that they actually like being in, but you have to sell it to them first of all."

Cotterill will now be hoping to press on and hope the result is a catalyst for the season for the Blues.

The Verdict

A crucial win for Birmingham last night and the perfect start for manager Cotterill. The club invested in the summer before sacking Harry Redknapp, and Cotterill has fallen on a good quality squad.

If he can continue to instill his hard working mentality into the team, then the Blues should continue to rise up the table.

Blues fans, what did you make of the game? Give us your thoughts!