James McFadden tells Birmingham City to have no fear this season
Aug 10 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail
JAMES McFadden has declared that Birmingham City should not be afraid of thinking big.
As Blues prepare to head into their second full Premier League season under Alex McLeish, McFadden spoke optimistically about their chances.
McLeish, among others, has preached caution. Understandably, the manager doesn’t want last term’s ninth-place finish to raise expectation levels to unrealistic proportions.
McLeish has constantly stressed that Blues punched well about their weight, and rivals teams would be stronger in 2010-11.
McFadden understands where McLeish is coming from but insisted that Blues nonetheless felt good about themselves.
“Can we have as good a season? I think so,” he said. “We’ve still got the nucleus of the squad from last year. Obviously barring Chucho, we could put the same starting 11 out.
“But I think what’s in our favour is that the players have more experience, they know what it’s all about.
“The gaffer said when we reported back about the second-season syndrome but I don’t think that’s an issue.
“The boys have just enjoyed returning and are looking forward to the new season. There’s no reason why we can’t do as well as we did.
