Birmingham City News Wrap: June 30th: Signings and hopes

Jun 30 2009 By Dave Higgerson

Birmingham City were today told they had future captain material in £5 million defender Roger Johnson.

Tony Capaldi, a former Blues left-back and Cardiff City team-mate of Johnson’s, provided a resounding thumbs-up after analysing the transfer.

Cardiff’s loss was definitely Blues’ gain, reckoned Capaldi, who was raised a Brummie in the Sutton Coldfield area.

“Roger is a confident lad, a strong character and an excellent defender,” said Capaldi, a former Blues Academy product who left St Andrew’s in 2003 for Plymouth Argyle.

“He’s been the best centre-half in the Championship and our player-of-the-season for the past two years.

“He’s definitely captain material. He’s that sort of leader."

Click here for the full story

Birmingham City's opponents on their pre-season tour to Austria have been announced.

Their toughest game in the Tyrol is their opener, against German side Vfb Stuttgart on July 21 in Zell am See (6.30pm).

Markus Babbel’s team finished third in the Bundesliga last season.

Alex McLeish said he would probably give his whole travelling party a run in the friendly.

Click here for the full story

Birmingham City were today at last able to accelerate the transfer of £9 million striker Christian Benitez.

The Ecuadorian star has obtained a visa and was due to enter the country for his medical.

It has been a frustrating wait for player and club since a deal was agreed with Mexican side Santos Laguna.

But now the fine details were set to be tied up and although Benitez has broken his leg and had a shoulder operation in the past eight months, Blues believe he should pass his physical examination.

Benitez has cost Blues £6.2 million with a further £3 million in add-ons.

However, a squabble has broken out between an agent, Barry McIntosh, and the club.

Click here for the full story

Birmingham City are giving a makeover to the club Superstore situated in the shadow of St Andrew’s.

A bright new look is promised as well as much more floor space to make the retail outlet truly fit for a Premier League club.

As a result, Blues have announced a ‘closing down’ sale with 50 per cent off everything tomorrow and Thursday.

Click here for the full story

Nottingham Forest have announced they have agreed to sign Bristol City striker and former Birmingham City striker Dele Adebola on a two-year deal.

Adebola, 33, has turned down a new contract at Ashton Gate to move to the City Ground, with the deal set to be finalised on Wednesday.

For the full story click here