“Absolute masterstroke” – Birmingham City lauded for keeping “outstanding” player at St Andrew’s

“Absolute masterstroke” – Birmingham City lauded for keeping “outstanding” player at St Andrew’s

Although Keshi Anderson struggled for fitness throughout the previous season, Birmingham City manager Chris Davies placed his trust in the midfielder, which may have caused some eyebrows to be raised over the summer.

As City was demoted from the Championship in the 23–24 season, the former Blackpool player made just 12 starts and did not score a goal as the Midlands team fell into the third division.

However, the current campaign has seen a significant change, with the 29-year-old returning to full fitness and demonstrating his ability to be a nuisance when playing at his best, which has benefited Birmingham.

We talked to Mike Gibbs, a fan commentator for City in the Football League World, on his recent performances and the decision to extend his contract past the summer after the team had such a great start to the season.

Keshi Anderson repays Chris Davies’ faith with Birmingham City displays

After a disappointing start to life at St Andrew’s, many would have wondered if it was worth keeping Anderson when Birmingham plummeted to League One during the summer.

Anderson has shown his value as a member of that aggressive system, with crucial goals against Lincoln City and Leyton Orient enabling his team sit atop the table in the early going. Under Davies, the Blues are a relentless force when they bomb forward.

In light of this, Gibbs acknowledges that his assessment of the midfield player was incorrect and that a longer stint in the starting lineup helped to highlight his best qualities.

Although I was taken aback to see him retained, I believe he has performed admirably. He has, in my opinion, improved over the previous year.

“He has had a good run of games now and has been in the team for a good few weeks, and you can see the contribution he brings to the team.

“Not just goals and assists, but how hard he works tracking back, his tenacity and braveness, he has been outstanding.”

Keshi Anderson earns Birmingham City future with early League One displays

Anderson, 29, has not only been helping the club during the 24/25 season, but his performances have also earned him a contract extension at St Andrew’s for another year.

The Blues player will be associated with St Andrew’s until the summer of 2026 if his present contract is extended, which is a fitting reward for his strong play since the start of the season.

With his performances improving from the previous season, few could argue the City hierarchy’s decision after he scored the first goal in the 2-1 victory against Orient in August and a game-winning brace against Lincoln City earlier in October.

After his injury problems, Anderson has shown that he can be counted on to start games every week and has developed into the player that many anticipated when he arrived 15 months ago, averaging a goal every other game.

Another season in the second division might be on the cards for the Blues, who are hoping to return to the Championship this season. This would be a fair reward for a player who has shown how big of an influence he can make when playing at his best.

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