Birmingham City: Alex McLeish insists recent good run means nothing

Nov 21 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ALEX McLeish has told Blues they simply cannot rest on their laurels going into today’s game against Fulham at St Andrew’s.

McLeish said that although his side had been buoyed by their recent spell, it meant nothing.

“I can see the confidence on the training ground – but as long as they don’t become complacent because we have done nothing yet,” he said.

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“I think we’ve got a few admirers because of the good football we have played and I think the Birmingham fans have been delighted with it and what they have seen from the team.

“We feel we should be better off points-wise. Performance level, great. Application, terrific. Spirit, terrific.

“But complacency is out of the window and all those other ingredients will make sure we are a Premier League team next season.”

And a team who have followed the example set by Fulham, who edged Blues to the Championship two campaigns ago.

As Blues slugged it out in the Championship, Fulham moved onwards and upwards and qualified for the Europa Cup.

“Absolutely they’re someone we’d like to emulate,” said the Blues boss.

“They are a good example of a team coming up from the Championship and aspiring to achieve what they have achieved.

“Roy Hodgson has organised them very well and, at the same time, he has spent a few bob and we’ve not spent quite as much as our competitors like Fulham.

“But if I can get the team to keep picking up points, and I spend some money on some new quality, then perhaps we can get to the level that Fulham are at.”

Goalscoring has long been a problem for Blues sides, in various guises and under various managers.

McLeish said he felt Blues would become more potent.

“We have to be a threat up front and I’m starting to get potent performances from the front guys,’’ he said.

“It is good to see Larsson in good form again. We have McFadden looking the part and the two centre-forwards, Jerome and Benitez, have been doing well with their pace and power.

“These are good combinations and if I can keep these guys consistently playing well, I believe we can score goals.”