Blues climb to third as Bruce turns the season around

Birmingham City have climbed into the Championship promotion places after a run of results that has transformed their season and eased the pressure on manager Steve Bruce.

A 2-1 win at Burnley on 25 November, with goals from Nicklas Bendtner and DJ Campbell, kept Blues in third place in the table, just weeks after fans had been calling for Bruce to go.

From crisis to contention

The turnaround has been remarkable. When Blues lost 1-0 at home to Norwich City on 17 October, they were ninth in the table and the mood at St Andrew's was grim. Some supporters called for Bruce to be sacked, and there was speculation about his future.

The board, led by David Gold and David Sullivan, stood by their manager, and the decision has so far been justified. Blues won their next three games, against Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, and have carried on picking up points since.

In November they beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 away and Barnsley 2-0 at home, and drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Andrew's before winning at Turf Moor.

Young talent

A key part of the revival has been the form of Gary McSheffrey, who has scored regularly from the left wing, and the young Danish striker Bendtner, on loan from Arsenal. The 18-year-old has impressed with his height, skill and confidence, and has quickly become a favourite with fans.

Bruce has also relied on experienced players such as Damien Johnson and Matthew Upson to guide a squad that went through big changes in the summer after relegation from the Premiership. Several senior players left, and Bruce had to rebuild with a mix of loan signings, young players and new arrivals.

Back to the Premiership?

Blues were relegated from the Premiership last season after four years in the top flight, and the owners have made clear that promotion at the first attempt is the target. The club has kept most of its key players and has one of the biggest budgets in the Championship.

The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, and a long winter lies ahead. Blues face a busy December, with games coming thick and fast over the Christmas period.

The Boxing Day game against Queens Park Rangers will have special significance. It will mark 100 years since St Andrew's first opened, on Boxing Day 1906, and the club is planning to celebrate the centenary.

Bruce, who led Blues to promotion in 2002, knows how much another promotion would mean to the club and its fans. For now, he will be glad to have silenced his critics, at least for a while.

There is a long way to go, but the fans who were calling for change a month ago are now daring to dream again.