It was a case of knowing me, knowing you for Chris Davies on transfer deadline day.
The Blues manager brought in two players he was familiar with, Patrick Roberts (from Sunderland, on loan) and Jack Robinson (from Sheffield United, on a permanent two-year deal).
The experience of the both the winger and the defender was another definite plus for Davies. They have won promotion to the Premier League, in Roberts case last May.
“I felt I wanted another winger,” said Davies, talking about the transfer business at length for the first time.
“And there were different names there but Patrick’s someone I have worked previously with at Celtic and I knew him well. For two years he was on loan from Man City as a young player. He did well up there before getting injured.
“He’s gone up (won promotion) with Sunderland. He was a key player. He got an assist with the winning goal in the Play-Off Final.
“Someone with that creativity, craft and invention . . . we haven’t got too many like him so I was really pleased we could get him in.”
Davies continued: “Sunderland were a really solid outfit last year and he played a lot, off the right cutting onto his left foot.
“He is a creative force. With wingers, it’s goals and assists. But Championship experience was also a big one for me as well because you can see what kind of league this is and the more experience we have got, the better.”
Robinson was signed to cover a couple of defensive positions.
“Because of the way we play with our left-back, the role is a little bit more reserved than the right-back, I was really keen to say can we go and add one that can compete with Alex (Cochrane) in the position and can offer also some height?
“When Jack came up it was a late one because he played against us not long ago and he was the captain of Sheffield United.
“But, again, I have known him for a long time. I worked with him at Liverpool. This was back in 2012. We gave him his debut when I was on the coaching staff there.
“So I have known him a long time and he’s had a really solid career both in the Championship and Premier League.
“It’s another big bit of experience for us to gain.”
Roberts is expected to be a regular starter for Blues. Robinson may have to be patient before getting a chance. Competition across the board has been ratcheted up in general.
Davies said of Robinson: “He’s up for that challenge.
“He’s been there five or six years. There was an opportunity to go and he knows he has to earn his place here and he’s backing himself to do that.
“Again, he’s a player who played most of his team’s games last season as well.
“Yes, we have got a squad now who have to fight and earn their position in the team.”
Blues almost moved out Lyndon Dykes on deadline day, but a loan move to Hibernian bit the dust. Preston North End were also interested.
Davies insisted it was not a case of Blues themselves searching for a striker.
“We were looking at sort of attacking midfielders, number 10s, that type. If the right kind of thing came up. We were open minded there.
“But no, (Blues weren’t seeking another striker). I feel we are particularly strong in that area and I think in the end with Lyndon, that couldn’t really develop into anything meaningful so obviously he’s still with us and an important part of what we are doing.
“We know with Lyndon there are many times I will turn round to the bench, if he doesn’t start, and be looking to use him. As I have in many games I have had as a manager here, because of the experience and nous he brings.
“But he can also make a big impact from the start, and he started for Scotland there in the week also (in the 0-0 draw at Denmark). He’s an important player for us.”
The departure of Taylor Gardner-Hickman on loan to Blackburn Rovers was a something of wrench, Davies admitted.
“It was a little bit like the Alfie May one.
“It’s hard when they are your player and then end up moving on especially when they have done well for you. It’s difficult because you feel a real connection to them.
“Taylor epitomised everything I want from the team. His heart, his spirit and his work ethic.
“Where he has come with a tricky position this season is with the extra full-back (Bright Osayi-Samuel) being brought in and extra midfielder (Tommy Doyle). So he doesn’t quite get that game time.
“I’m really pleased he’s got a good move. He goes with his head held high and our best wishes.”
