Forever Blues

Forever Blues
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCCER

Welcome to Forever Blues, your essential podcast for all things Birmingham City FC! Hosted by veteran Blues journalist Colin Tattum and club legend Paul Tait, we deliver unfiltered opinions, deep tactical analysis, and passionate debates you won't find anywhere else. Every week, Tatts and Taity dissect the true Birmingham City identity, bringing you honest match previews, post-match verdicts, and the real story from St. Andrew's. Your new home for genuine BCFC insight and a heavy dose of Keep Right On spirit! #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #Blues #EFLChampionship

  1. 1D AGO

    Birmingham City SLAYED Wrexham! Vicente Shines, New Tactical Style & Hull City 'Fracas' Preview

    Birmingham City secured a massive, much-needed 2-0 victory over Wrexham to fire up hopes of finishing the season with a flourish! In Episode 43, Colin Tattum and Paul Tait break down exactly how Blues out-battled and out-worked their big-spending opponents, limiting them to zero shots on target. The lads heap praise on the "unplayable" Ibrahim Osman, the influence of natural left-back Kai Wagner, and Carlos Vicente—asking why it has taken so long to see this level of performance from him. Has Chris Davies finally found the right formula? Tatts and Taity discuss the noticeable shift to a more direct, runner-heavy style, sacrificing possession to do more with the ball. Taity urges the manager to keep a settled side and play August Priske every game to build vital partnerships. Finally, the boys preview the upcoming trip to Hull City. Expect an extra edge to this one following the October fracas at St. Andrew's, and keep your eyes on the technical area with Sergej Jakirovic! IN THIS EPISODE 00:56 - All that money spent and out-battled, out-worked, no shots on target 01:29 - Less possession and doing more with the ball 01:55 - Big game for both Blues and Wrexham - what changed exactly? 02:48 - Immense Christophe Klarer, winning the battles and August Priske leading the line 03:07 - Jay Stansfield worry - doing all the work outside the box 04:49 - Ibrahim Osman unplayable in parts and playing the right, quality balls and not smashing it 06:58 - Blues not slowing it down, runners beyond and utilising the wide players' strengths 07:38 - In praise of Carlos Vicente - but why has it taken so long? 08:57 - Playing Priske every game and keeping settled side 10:53 - Next season is going to be tough and Spurs tipped to go down 12:08 - Priske and how to play to his strengths 12:28 - Building up an understanding as pair, Priske and Stansfield 13:49 - Movement, finding space and when Blues are at their muddled worst 14:38 - Kai Wagner's influence, having that natural left-back 16:39 - Keeping on playing the same team and show trust in them 17:54 - Centre-halves Klarer and Phil Neumann chat 21:09 - Would you take Blues not being as pleasing on the eye but winning? 21:58 - Roy Keane and being 'brutal' getting the second balls; mentality 24:18 - Getting fans off their seats 25:03 - Style is changing but don't ignore the core Championship needs. Lessons to be learned 25:31 - Hull City, Blues next opponents 26:07 - Why there will be an edge on this game after the October fracas at St. Andrew's 26:31 - Sergej Jakirovic - watch the technical area at Hull! 27:41 - Taity impressed by Hull and Joe Geldhardt 29:11 - Lewis Koumas doubt, John Lundstram suspended 30:02 - Up to the Blues players to finish the season off on a positive note 31:28 - Geldhardt tormenting Blues for Wigan Athletic as an Under-18 32:25 - Talking transition away from home 32:53 - Too much 'noise', says Taity about how football is played 34:08 - A parting thank you #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #WrexhamAFC #HullCity #EFLChampionship Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min

  2. APR 7

    Birmingham City 'Robbed' at Ipswich! A 'Joke' Decision, Kyogo's Nightmare & Wrexham Preview

    Birmingham City salvaged some pride at Ipswich Town on Easter Monday, but should they have taken all three points? In Episode 42, Colin Tattum and Paul Tait assess a rollercoaster Easter weekend, starting with the dismal Good Friday defeat to Blackburn Rovers. The lads then dissect the vastly improved second-half display at Portman Road, where the handbrake finally came off—only for Blues to be denied by a "joke" of a decision from the assistant referee. Taity pulls no punches this week. He calls out Demarai Gray for flattering to deceive, discusses Jonathan Panzo's painful afternoon, and delivers a brutal verdict on Kyogo, labelling his injury-ended, one-goal season as a "nightmare". With the season in danger of fizzling out, both Tatts and Taity demand continuity. It’s time to stop the chopping and changing, play the January signings like August Priske, and push Jhon Solis further forward. Finally, the boys look ahead to the visit of "big spending" Wrexham. With Phil Parkinson's side chasing the play-offs without a team of "superstars," the lads debate whether the Welsh club has provided the exact template Blues need to follow in the Championship. IN THIS EPISODE 01:19 - Blues hard done by - 'joke' to disallow the equaliser at Ipswich Town 02:02 - Taking the handbrake off 02:48 - Assistant referee guesswork and Jhon Solis pushing on 05:45 - First-half frustration, conceding two goals in four minutes 06:05 - Painful afternoon for Jonathan Panzo 07:20 - Demarai Gray flattering to deceive? 08:18 - Positive changes down the left, wildcard Ibrahim Osman 09:12 - Forget xG, how about xW? 10:40 - Finishing chances off - Blues bad conversion rates 12:12 - Seven alterations to the side, August Priske assessment 13:09 - Taity 'don't change the team' - continuity is key, play the January signings 13:32 - Football Prevention Officers 14:12 - Priske fighting fire with fire 14:20 - Working on runs into the box, variety of movement 15:33 - Building an understanding, Priske and Stansfield 17:07 - Blackburn Rovers defeat and performance - bad passing and a team tuned out to the season? 17:19 - Paik lung-busting run, Doyle the same - they can't do it consistently 18:48 - Why Taity hoped Blues went a goal down. Yes, you read that correctly! 20:03 - A couple of players hiding against Blackburn Rovers 21:11 - Apathy by the end, Chris Davies admitting a few players lacking confidence 22:27 - Chris Davies' praise for Jhon Solis . . . so why not play him every week? 23:26 - Not having natural left-backs available due to injury is hurting Blues 24:50 - Phil Neumann return to the side 25:55 - Kyogo out for the season - underwhelming and a disappointment 27:57 - Tatts' stat attack! 28:59 - A big 'in' tray for someone this summer 30:18 - Kyogo a 'nightmare' to play against - and with 33:31 - Who is going to be happy with a 17th place finish - a big inquest coming 33:49 - Compare and contrast with Wrexham, Blues next opponents 35:15 - 'Big spending' Wrexham under Phil Parkinson, chasing the play-offs 35:51 - Blues landing on second balls at last, as seen at Ipswich Town 36:48 - Can Blues learn any pointers from Wrexham's recruitment? 38:05 - No superstars in Wrexham's team, but they work for each other and play to a certain way 39:01 - Best away following in the league 41:21 - Running through brick walls Blues - no excuses 42:01 - Don't let the season fizzle out and the summer will take care of itself #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #IpswichTown #WrexhamAFC #EFLChampionship Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    47 min

  3. MAR 24

    Birmingham City Identity Crisis! Derby Defeat, Eustace's Jibe & The Liam Daish Chokehold

    With Birmingham City heading into the international break 10 points adrift of the play-offs in 11th place, the season is effectively over. Now, the big questions are being asked. In Episode 41, Colin Tattum and Paul Tait dissect the dismal 1-0 defeat at Derby County. The lads are left flabbergasted by a confusing tactical set-up that saw Ibrahim Osman and Ethan Laird deployed as wing-backs in a deep back five, leaving Osman looking like a "fish out of water". They also debate whether former boss John Eustace was justified in throwing shade with his post-match "no fear football" comments. With 12 defeats in 20 away games, Blues' Achilles heel has completely undermined the campaign. So, what has to change this summer? Tatts and Taity look beyond the Derby game to debate the ultimate question: What is the Birmingham City identity? They discuss the frustrating reality of dominating possession metrics but lacking end product, and Taity calls out the current squad for being "too soft" and lacking "personality". To highlight exactly what is missing, Taity recounts an incredible, hilarious story involving Liam Daish putting Steve Claridge in a chokehold during the tense 1995 promotion run-in! IN THIS EPISODE: 1:10 - Derby County recap 2:13 - Flabbergasted with Blues' set-up 3:00 - Osman, Laird wing-backs, Blues deep in a back five - 'strange' 4:15 - Unfair on Osman, a 'fish out of water' 5:40 - Plan C and D 6:00 - Panzo and a day trip to Alton Towers 7:15 - Understanding the approach and formation - what was Chris Davies' idea? 8:50 - Post-match interviews on repeat 9:15 - Iwata and Paik verdict, Bobby Clark's energy and enthusiasm, Ducksch as a frontman 10:20 - A good five-a-side team - a Baller League side, Panzo hugging Brewster - where's the character in the team? 12:00 - Blues concede a poor goal, again 13:05 - Full-backs stopping the cross and Terry Cooper 15:47 - John Eustace and 'no fear' football - justified in his jibe or naughty? 18:52 - Blues Achilles Heel away record, 12 defeats in 20 20:00 - Chris Davies and players' 'personality' to get on the ball 21:00 - The players not doing enough for the manager and the right characters for the Championship 22:35 - Lads, come on - you need to do more 23:10 - Taity officially gives up on the play-offs 23:35 - Taity asks: what are we expecting to change next season? What do we do? 24:30 - Tatts' take: 'new' players better for the experience, the need for Championship experience, athleticism and physicality, plus a tweaking of the style, what Gary Rowett used to say 26:42 - Players hold all the aces, you can't castigate them like before, Blues are 'too nice' 29:45 - How to stop the season petering out and things potentially becoming toxic 30:42 - Maybe the shackles will come off now the pressure is off 31:50 - The debate about possession and end product - top 7 for every possession metric, bottom 5 for every output metric 33:35 - If you don't get any shots away, what's the point? There has to be a purpose 35:08 - Outlining the Birmingham City identity 36:12 - Blues are 'soft', players who dig in 37:04 - A working class team that puts it in, a rabid crowd, playing for the crest on the shirt 38:29 - Understanding changing the philosophy and the great day out at St. Andrew's - but don't lose your identity 40:33 - Getting booed as a player and Dean Peer's 'real' name 42:52 - Taity wants Chris Davies to do well and for it to all work 43:28 - Liam Daish's choke hold on Steve Claridge as the promotion heat was on Blues in 1995 46:20 - How would current players cope with the Liam Daishs', Dave Barnetts' and Kevin Francis' - players not giving one another enough stick #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #DerbyCounty #EFLChampionship #JohnEustace Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    53 min

  4. MAR 17

    Birmingham City Play-Off Hopes Evaporating | "I Am Bored!" Taity on 'Rigid' Blues | Derby Preview

    Are Birmingham City's play-off dreams fading? A frustrating 1-1 draw against 10-man Sheffield United has thrown up serious doubts about a top-six finish. In Episode 40, Tatts and Tait chew over an incident-packed game that saw a bizarre Jack Robinson handball, a brilliant James Beadle penalty save, and a comical equaliser from Patrick Bamford that undid all of Blues' hard work. Taity holds nothing back, admitting he is "bored" watching the team's rigid, robotic play, even claiming he would rather watch Wrexham right now! Tatts brings the stats to back up the frustration, revealing that Blues are top of the Championship for hitting the woodwork. It’s not all negative, though. The lads praise "highbrow" Marvin Ducksch for his clever play, noting he is adapting his regime for the Championship and will only get better next season. Finally, they look ahead to a massive trip to face former boss John Eustace and Derby County. Can Blues break down a workmanlike Rams side, or will players like Patrick Agyemang and Lyle Taylor cause an upset? IN THIS EPISODE 0:35 - Blues 1 Sheffield United 1. Another home draw against a team a man down 1:22 - Taity's verdict: we looked good in patches, but did we do enough? 3:00 - Blues good start and Jack Robinson's bizarre handball 4:48 - James Beadle's penalty save 5:30 - Everything undone with Patrick Bamford's equaliser - comical 7:35 - Substitutions - Panzo on at half-time; Sheffield United going to 5-3-1 9:15 - Did Blues bang on the door enough? Chris Davies' changes - just go for it 10:23 - Boring football? 11:25 - Tatts' stat attack! 12:10 - Top of the league for . . . hitting the woodwork 12:30 - Runs into the box - nobody in the area; forwards not working as a pair 14:27 - Progressive passes that split the lines - don't see enough of them 15:24 - Players turning into robots, Barry Fry and exciting football 16:08 - Taity - I. Am. Bored. 17:11 - Davisons Law, Marvin Ducksch 18:45 - Taity on Ducksch - a very clever footballer, he'll be even better next season 20:53 - Ducksch a highbrow player, says Tatts, who is changing his regime for the Championship 20:40 - Hitting the woodwork (again) - a positive or negative? 22:50 - Masters of our own downfall 23:40 - Taity's 'sickness' over the play-offs 24:22 - No Plan B - what does that mean? Blues rigidity and prolonging any changes. Modern football is chess like 26:56 - People in odd positions, a back three, in-game flexibility and going longer, mixing it up 27:33 - Being direct against Coventry City and Leeds United, so why not carry it on? Taity would rather watch Wrexham than 'rigid' Blues 29:19 - Derby Country preview 30:05 - Defensive display at St. Andrew's was fantastic by Derby - another tough game, a workmanlike team 30:52 - John Eustace with a point to prove - a 'really good guy' 31:32 - 'Anti-football' Derby County? 'Going for it' on 32 per cent possession? 33:40 - Hitting the woodwork (yet again) - Derby did it at Portsmouth. Tatts talking nonsense all the time 34:46 - First visit to Derby since January 2022 - will we all be having a party again? 35:54 - Patrick Agyemang's threat and a physical presence 39:00 - Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik 40:25 - Taity not giving up on the play-offs, or is he? #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #SheffieldUnited #DerbyCounty #EFLChampionship Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    46 min

  5. MAR 13

    Blues bounce back! Stopping the rot v QPR - play-offs possible again? Sheffield United preview

    Tatts and Taity dissect the much-needed victory against QPR and look ahead to the visit of Sheffield United. With Blues five points from 6th place after the midweek results, are the play-offs back on the agenda? The guys also look back on the Charlton Athletic let down and debate Chris Davies' dampening down comments - should this season be seen as one of consolidation or a potentially 'missed opportunity', as Taity believes? There's also snooker balls and meat pies on Episode 39! IN THIS EPISODE 2:00 - QPR - celebrate the wins when they come 4:57 - Can Blues be more clinical and stop pressure growing 6:00 - Jay Stansfield needs to be a 'pest' - and add much-needed goals 7:26 - Good opposition defending - as Roy Keane would say, it's their job! 8:40 - More aggression and Jack Robinson's know-how 9:35 - Where has Kanya Fujimoto been? 12.30 - Charlton Athletic defeat - non-existent midfield, same old story away and the biggest backside in football 14:30 - The first time Taity was looking over the shoulder, not upwards - Chris Davies' despondency and then the relief after QPR 16:15 A barmy league, much of a muchness? 17:15 - A missed opportunity, due to the teams likely to come down from the Premier League next season 18:10 - Sheffield United and what they will bring to St. Andrew's 20:55 - Callum O'Hare - Ian Clarkson's nephew . . . is he Blues or V***a? 22:00 - Why beating the Blades press will be important, and Paik is key to that 24:30 - The quality of ball going back to front and midfield running power 26:25 - Sideways and backwards, says Chris Wilder 27:00 - Do Blues take enough risks with the ball? A debate. Alex Ferguson's mantra. Don't take the easy option. 29:39 - Football becoming more generic negating the flair and maverick player 31:13 - Snooker balls, Gary McAllister, steak and kidney pies and Ted McMinn 33:30 - Chris Davies comments post-QPR - dampening down expectation and surviving as a promoted team; top teams being together for a few years 35:10 - Blues a work in progress still? Owners' bullishness 36:00 - Taity 'doesn't want to hear it' - expected the play-offs at the season start. 'When are we going to go up, then?'. 37:37 - Expanding the play-offs to eighth place position 38:35 - 'Oven-ready' Championship players needed. Blues require grit during a 'massive' summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    45 min

  6. MAR 3

    Birmingham City Defensive Disaster! 3-1 Boro Defeat, Beadle Backlash & Charlton Preview

    It was a damaging 3-1 home defeat for Birmingham City against Middlesbrough, marking only their second league loss at St. Andrew's in 42 matches. In Episode 38, Tatts and Tait dissect the "calamitous" defending that handed Boro two easy early goals. Taity passionately defends young goalkeeper James Beadle. He argues the back four lacked accountability and "passed the buck" to the 21-year-old under intense pressure. Despite Marvin Ducksch pulling a goal back to start the second half brightly, a third Boro goal quickly killed the contest. The lads discuss Jay Stansfield's visible frustration when substituted, the lack of leadership on the pitch, and whether Chris Davies needs to recruit more aggressive, "Championship-ready" players to succeed in this division. With Blues now eight points off Wrexham and the play-off places, is the season over, or is this team simply a work in progress? Finally, they look ahead to the trip to The Valley to face Charlton Athletic. They preview the threat of highly motivated former Blues striker Lyndon Dykes and discuss the vital return of midfield duo Jhon Solis and Paik Seung-ho. Taity also issues a rallying cry for supporters to stay behind the team during this frustrating patch. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Middlesbrough Review: A damaging 3-1 home defeat. (02:15) Defensive Disasters: "Calamitous" errors and a lack of accountability. (07:30) The James Beadle Debate: Why Taity is defending the young keeper. (14:00) Second Half Hope: Marvin Ducksch scores before Boro kill the game. (17:10) Stansfield's Frustration & the need for "nasty" players. (20:30) Play-off Picture: Are Blues too far behind Wrexham? (25:50) Charlton Preview: Facing Lyndon Dykes and Nathan Jones. (29:00) Midfield Boost: Solis and Paik set to return. #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #MiddlesbroughFC #EFLChampionship #CharltonAthletic Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min

  7. FEB 26

    Birmingham City Midfield Crisis! Solis Red Card & Millwall Defeat | Boro Preview

    Birmingham City are facing a massive midfield crisis after Jhon Solis' red card in a "weak and meek" 2-0 defeat to Millwall. With Paik Seung-ho already injured, how will Chris Davies solve this problem for the visit of Middlesbrough? In Episode 37, Tatts and Tait dissect a sobering night at The Den. They discuss the decisive moments—including Jay Stansfield's missed chance—and the killer blow of conceding just after half-time. It wasn't all bad news this week. The lads also reflect on a historic, drought-ending win away at Norwich City, praising the team's ability to mix up their tactics, alongside standout performances from Bright Osayi-Samuel and James Beadle. Finally, they preview Monday night's clash under the lights against a fast, forward-passing Middlesbrough side. Plus, why are Blues looking for a set-piece coach? Taity shares a brilliant throwback story about the Andy Legg to Kevin Francis long-throw combination! IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Millwall 2-0 Birmingham City: A "weak and meek" defeat (03:15) Decisive Moments: Stansfield's chance & early goals (06:30) Midfield Crisis: Jhon Solis Red Card & Paik's Injury (10:15) Norwich City Review: A historic win at Carrow Road (15:00) Player Focus: Bright Osayi-Samuel & James Beadle (19:20) Middlesbrough Preview: Stopping Hayden Hackney & Boro (23:45) Set-Piece Coach Search & Andy Legg's Long Throws! (28:00) The Championship Run-In: Are the play-offs still achievable? #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #MillwallFC #EFLChampionship #Boro Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min

  8. FEB 18

    Birmingham City | Cup Heartbreak & Penalty Drama | Panzo & Allsop Shine | Women’s Team Sale

    It was penalty shootout heartache for Birmingham City at St. Andrew's, but the performance in a throwback cup tie against Leeds United has given fans plenty of hope. In Episode 36, Tatts and Tait dissect the FA Cup exit. They discuss how Jhon Solis and Tommy Doyle stepped up to control the midfield in the absence of Paik Seung-ho, and debate the pleasant headaches Chris Davies now faces. Did Ryan Allsop's distribution prove he should reclaim the No.1 spot? And did Jonathan Panzo do enough on his full debut to stay in the team? Paul Tait gives a fascinating player’s perspective on the pressure of a penalty shootout—sharing a hilarious story about the only spot-kick he ever took (with a twist you won't believe!). The lads then look ahead to a daunting trip to face an in-form Norwich City. Can Blues replicate their cup display against Philippe Clement’s side? Plus, with 14 games left, is the Top 6 still a realistic target? Finally, they discuss the major off-field news: the sale of Birmingham City Women to Shelby Companies Limited and what it means for the club. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: A "throwback" cup tie at St. Andrew's (03:45) Midfield Masters: Solis & Doyle fill the Paik void (07:10) Selection Debate: Allsop’s distribution & Panzo’s debut (12:30) Penalty Heartache: Taity’s crazy shootout story! (16:15) Norwich Preview: Can Blues stop Clement’s Canaries? (21:00) The Run-In: Is the Top 6 still on? (24:45) Club News: The sale of Birmingham City Women explained #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #FACup #LeedsUnited #NorwichCity #BCFCWomen #EFL #Championship Principal Partner: Davisons Law Junior Partners: Bewdley Spirits, AMG Logistics, and DrainTech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min
See All (43)

About

Welcome to Forever Blues, your essential podcast for all things Birmingham City FC! Hosted by veteran Blues journalist Colin Tattum and club legend Paul Tait, we deliver unfiltered opinions, deep tactical analysis, and passionate debates you won't find anywhere else. Every week, Tatts and Taity dissect the true Birmingham City identity, bringing you honest match previews, post-match verdicts, and the real story from St. Andrew's. Your new home for genuine BCFC insight and a heavy dose of Keep Right On spirit! #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #Blues #EFLChampionship

Information

  • Creator
    Forever Blues
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Forever Blues

You Might Also Like