When the final whistle blew at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, and likewise  at Hull City a few hours later following their last gasp equaliser against Ipswich Town, mayhem broke out within my own little community. Nothing sinister, but sheer scattergun permutations by good, loyal seasoned Blues supporters. All keen to work out a survival route in order to remain in the Championship.

Of course, we all now know what is required. Blues have to beat Norwich City at St. Andrew’s on Saturday and hope any of the three teams above us in the table lose. Or draw with a freakish result at Plymouth. That will do the trick. Easy. Except it isn’t of course, and all Blues supporters now face an anxious wait until next Saturday lunchtime.

Putting ourselves through the daily wringer will be more like it. Permutations and the general analysis of each involved club will be scrutinised as to how the games will pan out, accepting of course that our boys in royal blue do the business. So not an easy few days ahead, and certainly not a final game of football for the faint hearted.

We have been here before. Several times in recent seasons in fact. But never so unexpectedly, due to our wonderful takeover and the future plans mapped out by those now running the club. Frustrations all round for us supporters then, and probably even more so for our owners.

Whatever happens against Norwich and in the matches elsewhere on Saturday, it is important we keep a strong sense of perspective in the coming months. Notably, that our club Birmingham City is a great one, albeit that it is presently sailing in choppy waters as things stand with the playing side. But I have no doubt that that will be addressed.

The frustration, anger and disappointment currently being witnessed will certainly be replaced with a summer of change, and there will be renewed hope for the 2024/5 season.

My final thoughts for the Saturday ahead are, obviously, that we remain in the Championship but also that our new owners don’t see anything but decently behaved and appreciatively loyal supporters irrespective of the outcome. Last but not least I hope for the recovery to full health for Tony Mowbray and his welcome return to the dugout.

Mitchell Bray