Birmingham City fans have had to endure a lot in recent years, from a points deduction to securing survival on the final day.

It never seems to be dull at St. Andrew's and you just don't know what is going to happen next with the west Midlands club.

Yet, despite that, there was actually some optimism around the club this summer as Blues tried to embark on a new approach under Pep Clotet, who had been assistant to former boss Garry Monk.

The Spaniard was going to encourage an attacking style of play and bringing in the likes of Fran Villalba, Dan Crowley and Alvaro Gimenez backed up those intentions.

However, things haven't really gone to plan on that front, with Blues somehow collecting ten points from their opening six games through workmanlike, backs-to-the-wall displays.

The latest win, a comeback against Stoke on Saturday, lifted Clotet's men to ninth and they are only outside the play-offs on goal difference.

But, Clotet admitted afterwards that his first target is survival.

Whilst you can understand his view point, and it should be stated that he is working with a pretty small squad and he lost top scorer Che Adams in the summer, it's not going to endear himself to the fans.

They will see a top two of Swansea and Charlton right now, clubs who lost key players this summer and have limited budgets, and want Blues to replicate the fearless approach that they have.

Of course, the boss has to be realistic but Blues made some good signings on paper this summer.

Ivan Sunjic was considered a real coup when he joined from Dinamo Zagreb and Gimenez scored 20 goals in the Spanish second-tier last time out, whilst Crowley and Villalba have quality to unlock the oppositions defence in the final third.

On one hand, Clotet needs time to revamp the playing style and six games is far too soon to judge him. Plus, picking up points when you're not at your best is a positive trait for a team to have.

However, the support don't seem totally on board with the new boss right now and that scepticism is understandable. Results tend to reflect performances as the season progresses and Blues can improve significantly on that front.

The new-look Birmingham hasn't really materialised yet and comments about trying to survive first and foremost isn't sending out the message that the club are hopeful that they can do much more in this campaign.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.