BIRMINGHAM’s season of turmoil is on the verge of total collapse as they go into the final game of the season needing a win and the help of others to avoid crashing into the third tier of English football for the first time in 20 years.
The Blues recorded yet another defeat at home to leave them on the verge of relegation[ACTION]Callum McManaman’s third-minute goal condemned Birmingham to their 13th home defeat and confirmed Wigan’s place in the play-offs.
Birmingham, up for sale, with no money and owner Carson Yeung given a six-year jail sentence, need a win at Bolton, plus other results to go in their favour, to stay up.
It is only three years since Birmingham shocked Arsenal to win the League Cup, but that afternoon at Wembley seems a long way off as they face their second relegation in four years.
McManaman, out on the left, took Jordi Gomez’s pass and angled his shot, right-footed, across and wide of goalkeeper Darren Randolph, to put the home side in early trouble.
Birmingham’s fans had rallied to the call, giving loud collective support, but it was not until the 29th minute that their team responded with a Emyr Huws shot that Wigan keeper Scott Carson turned away one-handed. Nikola Zigic was brought on for Lee Novak at half time to try to exert some pressure, but his weak 68th-minute header was easily held by Carson.
Birmingham’s confidence was not high to start, not after 18 home games without a win, 11 of them defeats, the reason they will go into Saturday’s game at Bolton sweating on their future.
Charlton secured their place in the Championship for next season with a 3-1 win at the Valley against Watford.
Callum Harriott put Charlton ahead but Troy Deeney levelled before Johnnie Jackson and Harriott struck to ensure Charlton’s safety.
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