Birmingham City have shown a noticeable shift in their playing style this season, adopting a more direct approach according to former Championship striker Sam Parkin. The 45-year-old, speaking on the Championship Check-in Show, believes the change reflects a greater fight and adaptability in their second season back in the division.
Parkin pointed to the physical presence of forwards August Priske and Luis Vazquez as key to the new approach. He noted their ability to hold the ball up and compete, giving Chris Davies's side a different edge. "I think they’ve shifted, they’re not averse to going a little bit longer," Parkin said.
This tactical evolution comes as Birmingham City sit tenth in the Championship standings with 11 points from eight games. Their record shows two wins, five draws, and a single defeat. The most recent outing was a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at St Andrew’s, a result that extended their unbeaten home run in the league.
Parkin, who has previously praised Priske's improved form since the summer, senses a new resilience in the squad. "There’s a real fight about Birmingham, all of a sudden," he added. That fight was evident in the comeback 2-1 win at Derby County earlier this month, a result that forms part of a recent run of one win, three draws and one loss. The team's overall stats show they have scored 12 goals and conceded 11 so far this campaign.
With the focus on turning draws into wins, the upcoming derby against James Morrison's Baggies will be a true test of their progress.
Further reading: Inside Futbol
