Birmingham City can start preparing for the Championship now after building up an almost unassailable lead on their League One rivals.
Blues are on course to return to the second tier at the first time of asking by winning the League One title and Chris Davies won’t want to just make up the numbers next year.
The ambitious Blues manager will have his sights set on upsetting the apple cart, just as Ipswich Town did two years ago when they entered the Championship under Kieran McKenna and sealed a second straight promotion.
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Blues have the core of a strong Championship team but they will need to strengthen their squad again in the summer – and one area stands out in the ‘requires improvement’ category.
Keshi Anderson has been the only wide player in the Blues squad to shine in League One this term. Scott Wright has proved to be a good option off the bench, albeit one that isn’t always available, and Emil Hansson has struggled to find fitness and consistency.
Swedish winger Hansson arrived with a history of scoring and assisting in the Netherlands but he has rarely threatened a goalkeeper in League One this term.
And Japanese winger Ayumu Yokoyama is a punt that hasn't paid off. If Yokoyama can’t get minutes under Davies in League One, he isn’t likely to be trusted in the Championship.
As a result, Blues need to sign at least one – probably two – quality wide players in the summer transfer window.
They need a flier on the left to match Ethan Laird’s athleticism on the right and compete with Anderson for a starting berth.
Every team competing at the top-end of the Championship has high quality wingers. Blues need to prioritise strengthening their wide department to ensure they are ready to compete.
