Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has had his say on the League One promotion race backing Birmingham City to “probably win it by 20 points or so” whilst also name checking Stockport County and Wrexham as “very good” sides.
The 24/25 League One season is approximately a third of the way through and is set to enter the busy winter period as games come thick and fast. Steve Bruce took over Blackpool mid-way through the season and despite a positive start results have turned resulting in the seasiders dropping to bottom of the form table.
Bruce was asked by the Blackpool Gazette about the competitiveness of the league, after suffering another defeat, this time at the hands of Bolton Wanderers:
“It certainly is. Especially with what we’re finding this year.
“I mean Birmingham of course will probably win it by 20 points or so I would have thought. They’re the standout team in the division but there are a lot that are chasing them. Very good sides like Wrexham, and Stockport, and there’s always one or two who give you a bit of a shock.
“It’s very competitive really, and I’ve enjoyed the honesty of it. I’ll not change it, I think. It’s a long slog all season because there’s some very good teams in the division.”
Results
#1. Which of these teams has won League One the most times? (Since the 2004 renaming)
The correct answer was Wigan Athletic, who won the league three times in 15/16, 17/18 and 21/22.
#2. Who won the first ever League One title? (2004/2005)
Luton Town won the first League One title after it was renamed by the EFL in 2004.
#3. Only one of the two Bristol sides have won League One, but which one?
Bristol City won League One in 14/15
#4. Two current Non-League sides have won League One, but which ones?
Select all that apply:
#5. Who won the title last season? (23/24)
#6. How many current Premier League sides have won League One?
The answer is three, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion.
#7. Which of these sides have NOT won League One
Select all that apply:
Can Birmingham City win by 20 points?
At the time of writing Birmingham City sit 4th in the table, behind the two other teams mentioned by Bruce Wrexham and Stockport County and surprise leaders Wycombe Wanderers.
On paper after the summer window and the large amount of spending on players such as Jay Stansfield it would have been easy to think that the Blue would be ahead of the pack by some margin by now. However, it is apparent the side have an Achilles heel, first Northampton Town, now Wycombe Wanderers have had success from sitting back and making themselves compact. It is common to find teams that are experts at this in the lower leagues and if Chris Davies is unable to find a way of breaking down and competing against these sides it may become a far more difficult second half of the season as more and more sides adapt and put 11 men behind the ball and attempt to hit them on the break. Even sides that would usually try and go toe to toe with the relegated Championship side will adapt if there is success to be had.
On paper, Birmingham City have more than enough to win the league, however if they are unable to overcome these shortcomings it may be more difficult than their fans expected. They do however hold games in hand on the sides above them and a squad depth the envy of sides in the Championship never mind the third tier, so when injuries and fatigue hits the other teams they may start gaining ground.