Birmingham City’s survival D-day is looming large but the presence of one man is keeping Blues relatively calm: manager Garry Monk.
Blues need a point from Sunday’s do-or-die clash with Fulham to maintain their Championship status. Nerves, naturally, are slightly frayed, but such has been Monk’s impact on the club since joining last month, supporters are just about bearing up.
Speaking to club legend Dele Adebola on free busses laid on by club sponsor 888sport for last weekend’s away trip to QPR, supporters praised Monk’s positive mindset and open attitude in guiding the club tantalisingly close to safety.
“Since Gary Monk's come in, it's boosted the fans 100%,” said one long-time fan on one of four coaches funded by 888sport as part of its In the Blues’ Corner campaign, which is backing the club’s survival bid.
“He's a person you can relate to, he's embraced fans and the philosophy of BCFC and what it means to us who travel home and away, season in season out - he's brought us all on board. That's been shown on the pitch.”
Despite the 3-1 reverse at Loftus Road, supporters were undimmed in their optimism regarding Blues’ survival – and that’s down to the boss.
“We've had some very nice managers but I like the one we've got at the moment,” added another fan.
Adebola, who scored 31 times for the club in a four-year spell, also asked fans for their standout Blues performers of the season.
Blogger Davo, who runs a popular supporters’ YouTube Channel, told Dele: “Jacques Maghoma has been great this season, he's been our player of the season. Jota is looking a lot better and David Davis is back to his best in the middle so we're looking strong.”
888sport’s In Blues’ Corner campaign also saw Monk and captain Michael Morrison get into a boxing ring surrounding by passionate Blues’ fans to demonstrate their fighting spirit in the club’s push for survival.
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