Who Are Yer?: Birmingham

Vital Sheffield Wednesday invites two Brummies - 'MaxBlue' and 'TiltonTrev' - to have their say on all things Bluenose in this week's 'Who Are Yer?'...

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1. You're top of the pile at the moment - do you think you can stay there?

Well, I see us staying there or thereabouts, simply because of the quality that we have in our squad. I still think, like many-a-Blunose, that we could do with a new manager in the long-term, specifically if we get back into the Premiership. I'd be happy if we were in the top 2, and I don't see why that can't be achieved.

2. Steve Bruce took a bit of a battering until recently - are you happy with him as boss?

Honestly, no. The 'Bruce out' thing was not just because of our poor form at the beginning of this season. I saw it as a reaction to about 3 years of odd line-ups, having squad favourites, strange transfer dealings and very negative tactics that did not make the best of our players. His excuses are awful as well, he makes them a lot when the team is doing poorly. He does his best, and seems to be managing things well currently, but I don't think he is suited to Premiership management.

3. You have arguably four of the best strikers in the division in Forssell, McSheffrey, Jerome and Bendtner - what's your best pairing?

Ooh my, that's tricky. If we add DJ Campbell into the equation, although he's not excellent he can do a job in this division. I prefer McSheffrey as a winger, although I prefer him as a striker to Campbell and Forssell. Bendtner is in the my top two, no doubt. He can get a bit lazy, but he is the best striker in the league (well, him and Chopra) and needs to be in our side. If McSheffrey was on the wing, I would have Jerome beside him. Forssell has been an excellent servant to our club, but I don't see him getting his fitness back to a degree where he can open up defences the way he used to.

4. Has David Dunn returned to his best this season?

Not really. He's our best midfielder when he's fit, but he never seems to quite get there. We all feel very sorry for him, it must be frustrating in his position. I am personally of the opinion we should let him go, as I don't see him, like Forssell, recapturing the glory days.

5. Matthew Upson has been linked with a move away - how important is he to your team?

Don't get me wrong, Jaidi and N'Gotty are good players, but I don't think they can play together. Martin Taylor is fine for this division, and pairs with either of the aforementioned players well. Upson is not necessarily essential this season, but like I say, if we get promoted, we won't survive with just the other centre backs. If we can get good money for Upson, by all means let him go, provided we have a player near his quality when we get promoted.

6. Will you be strengthening in January and if so, what positions?

For me, Dunn, Forssell and Gray are dead weight in our squad. The first two for fitness issues, Gray because he is a lazy player, with little commitment to our team, ducks out of tackles etc. Someone who could play on both wings would be excellent for that reason, as a replacement for Gray's position/backup to McSheffrey and an extra option on the right.

7. Who are your danger men?

McSheffrey, no doubt. Dunn used to be, when fit.

8. What are your weaknesses?

Hmm, our goalkeepers aren't the best at coming for crosses, and we have a habit of playing as a bunch of individuals, not a team.

9. What's your most memorable SWFC v Birmingham match?

I`ve been to Hillsborough a few times,and will be again on Saturday,although no game particulaly stands out as a classic we`ve made some good pals at a local pub and always return to that pub each year.

10. What do you make of our chances this season?

I like Wednesday and certainly sympathise with their plight over recent years as god knows we`ve been there too,but this year they seem to be making strides in this division and with a bit of luck they may be an outside bet for the play offs.

11. Finally, what do you think the score will be?

MaxBlue: Hmm, a 1-1 draw I think.

TiltonTrev: 0-2 with a Bendtner brace!!!

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Cheers lads - Saturday aside, good luck for the rest of the season!

NEXT UP - SOUTHAMTPON...

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