'Let a lot of people down' - Birmingham City captain apologises to Blues fans

Gary Gardner has captained Birmingham City commendably in the last two matches.

Defiant in defeat at Bournemouth and a driving force in victory over Luton Town - the boyhood Bluenose has carried the armband with reverence.

However, in his first interview in the role the 29-year-old chose to hark back to a less happy time, several months ago, when he was heavily criticised for his part in a 2-0 defeat at Hull City.

The issue was that he didn’t play a big enough part that day at the MKM Stadium, as two minutes before half time he was shown a second red card of the season for aiming a headbutt at Josh Magennis.

Having already served a three match ban for a mistimed tackle against Peterborough - he was then sidelined for another four games.

Even with three other potential skippers absent through injury, to be leading the side three months later is quite the turnaround.

The midfielder admits this season has been something of a rollercoaster.

“It’s been difficult,” he said. “I got sent off and I haven’t had the chance to apologise to the fans. I’d like to apologise. A lot of fans came up to Hull and I let a lot of people down.

“That was a real tough time for me because not being able to take part in the games and then when my suspension was up and I got COVID and I was really rough with it.

“The manager stood by me. I apologised [to him] and apologised to the lads, The gaffer has been brilliant with me. I give everything every day, that’s all I can do, learn from my mistakes, I am only human - and keep trying.

“That was a real low point for me. But I am positive person and I have a lot of positive people around me to pick me back up.

“That’s football, it’s how you learn from that, I am full of passion that was just a