Birmingham City must undergo fan-led review to save Championship side from failing owners

The stewards at St Andrew’s, decked out in orange bibs, were in no mood to allow a second fans’ protest to take place last night..

It wasn’t so much a 50-man ring of steel - and it wouldn’t have been obliterated set against mass dissension - but any attempt by disgruntled Birmingham City supporters to make their point about the Championship club’s ownership wasn’t on the agenda of the hired guardians.

At the weekend, the fans’ frustration became the focal point ahead of a meeting with Barnsley. A march from the city centre that ended on the Kop car park certainly left few under any illusion as to the depth of feeling.

But festering resentment at the manner in which the club is run remains, no matter how much the hierarchy, whoever it is, attempts to bury it.

A charm offensive set up by the club last week did not placate supporters. In fact, it only served to cement their feelings. A divide and rule policy isn’t going to wash.

It is unlikely much will - barring, perhaps, results on the pitch.

However, judging by the limp, disjointed show against Peterborough United - Posh somehow left the West Midlands without victory - that looks as far away as ever.

Patience has worn thin. Past a breaking point in the eyes of some. Boss Lee Bowyer will surely come under increasing pressure if on-field matters do not improve, too.

Birmingham were led a merry dance for all but the last five minutes of Tuesday night’s fixture. Judging by the manager’s comments about his players afterwards, the terraces are not the only place where dissension is rife.

Fortunately for Bowyer and his team, goals from Gary Gardner and Scott Hogan were sufficient to ensure the boys in royal blue weren’t given the bird at the final whistle. A 2-2 draw has