The Midlander: Birmingham will fully appreciate Seb Larsson once he steps out of the exit door

15 April 2011 16:27
Players come and players go. Managers come and managers go. Us sports journalists, assigned to a particular patch, welcome them in and wave them goodbye.[LNB]Some will go with the best wishes of supporters and the media. (Kevin Phillips would be one, for instance, unless you follow Wolves, in which case it would be 'good riddance.')[LNB] On his way: Seb Larsson is almost likely to leave St Andrews at the end of the season[LNB]    More from Neil Moxley... The Midlander: Aston Villa must dodge the drop before hitting the crossroads07/04/11 The Midlander: Huge debt, threat of administration... life at Coventry01/04/11 The Midlander: Derby's honesty is commendable but they must stay up11/03/11 The Midlander: Birmingham fans must forget about the past and enjoy their big day out at Wembley25/02/11 The Midlander: Molineux moaners must look at the bigger picture18/02/11 The Midlander: West Bromwich should have appointed from within the club10/02/11 The Midlander: It could be another window of missed opportunity for West Brom04/02/11 The Midlander: Blues must stand by McLeish... the glue holding it together28/01/11 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEOthers with little more than a cursory glance and crossed-fingered hope that they never darken our collective doors again. (Joe Kinnear hasn't been missed since he left Nottingham Forest, if you want names.)[LNB]But it has to be said that the majority fall into the first of those two categories.[LNB]Now, with respect to the players, the public perception that players aren't the sharpest isn't fair, in my opinion. They are paid to be good at their jobs out on the pitch. It helps if they can hold a decent conversation off it.[LNB]However, as long as they produce on that green turf and are polite when the stage lights have dimmed, you can't ask much more.[LNB]As happens every year, it's likely that several will leave the patch this summer. And despite the rows, heartache, unadulterated drivel, boasting and all the rest of it, there is a part of me that will be sad when Robbie Savage finally calls it a day.[LNB]Blimey, we have had some headlines out of him. And he has used that platform to forge a media career for himself. Good for him. At least now he's on the radio he has to listen to someone else's opinion, rather than put his fingers in his ears.[LNB]However, it's not about the Welsh wonder that I pen this week's Midlander.[LNB]It's likely that Birmingham City will part company with Seb Larsson this summer when his contract expires. I can think of plenty of players who have contributed far less and received far more with regard to remuneration than the Swede during the past few years.[LNB]It wouldn't be right to go into the details of how I know, but it would be difficult to begrudge him a decent Bosman move at the end of this season. Lest anyone forget, Larsson has been through the mill with Birmingham City during the past five seasons.[LNB] Engine: Larsson has been a key ingredient in Birmingham's success[LNB]And, with respect to some of the cash that has been lavished on players less worthy - possibly more skilful - but certainly less worthy individuals, the former Arsenal trainee deserves his moment.[LNB]He might have not been as effective away from St Andrew's as he has been on his own turf, but there have been signs this season that he is becoming a far more rounded performer. His set-piece delivery is excellent and he now turns in a consistency of effort that most managers depend upon.[LNB]I would hate to think that the St Andrew's crowd has under-valued him. But it may be that the club has. Given that fact, I wouldn't blame him in the slightest if he decided to seek a fresh challenge in the summer.[LNB]I don't think Alex McLeish has given up hope of persuading him to stay. And it may be that the Swede decides, all things being equal, that it is a case of 'better the devil you know.' [LNB]But I would hate to think that if he does leave that he would go with anything less than good wishes from the St Andrew's faithful.[LNB]By the standards of his peers in the Barclays Premier League he's not been fantastically rewarded and the club hasn't fallen over itself to right that issue. And if Larsson decides that his future lies elsewhere it should be with that understanding that he departs.[LNB] I came away from Pride Park with my faith restored. Tuesday night's defeat of Leeds was the most tenacious Rams' performance I've seen in years.[LNB]I remain committed to Nigel Clough, although my loyalty has been tested, particularly after watching an insipid display against Doncaster on my last visit. But I don't think you can under-estimate the wretched run he has had with injuries.[LNB]He claimed last season that it had a marked effect. And it has been the same this time out. He pointed out afterwards that apart from John Brayford and Mr Ubiquitous Savage (look it up, Robbie!) he has not fielded a settled side.[LNB]It does have a bearing. When Mick McCarthy used that as a reason why Wolves missed out on the play-offs bya solitary goal three seasons ago, everyone rolled their eyes.[LNB] Battling display: Gareth Robert holds back Leeds United's Barry Bannan[LNB]Wolves didn't strengthen massively that summer but players like Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly (mostly) managed to keep themselves fit the following year and the club went up as champions.[LNB]This summer it is likely that Clough will see off the remnants of Billy Davies' regime and Paul Jewells'. [LNB]Finally, he will have a blank sheet of paper upon which to work. It has not been easy for him to right the mess that was left behind. But there were some decent signs. For too long at that club the players haven't delivered - set against the money that has been paid out. The drive has been missing.[LNB]I like James Bailey, for instance. I know he's been up and down this season, but he will be better for a year at this level. I expect him to come back stronger.[LNB]It would be nice to see Stephen Pearson on a more regular basis. Shaun Barker seems to be a good competitor. And every regular in Derby's press room, including that old sage Gerald Mortimer, has been raving about Brayford.[LNB]There are some positives. You know, I don't like to point it out because comparisons are normally irrelevant in football. But it took his dad four years to deliver at the Baseball Ground.[LNB]So, I'd stand by Nigel because his choices have been limited by having too many players on too much money. If they are of insufficient quality - and they must have been otherwise they'd have been sold - then you have to make-do.[LNB]The next campaign will be the acid test. And I think even Nigel would think it fair to expect improvement. [LNB]  Explore more:People: Matt Jarvis, Nigel Clough, Joe Kinnear, Kevin Phillips, Alex McLeish, Robbie Savage, Mick McCarthy, Billy Davies Places: Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham

Source: Daily_Mail