Clark/Carson Out Banner

Lee Clark says he has no problem with Birmingham City fans demanding more of himself and the team.

As he prepares to take his side to Wolverhampton Wanderers for tomorrow’s derby, the manager concedes that Blues should be doing better.

At the Middlesbrough game, a banner was unfurled at the back of the Tilton Road End when Blues went 1-0 down. It read ‘Carson Out, Clark Out, BCFC’.

It was twice taken down When Blues equalised, and when they went into the lead, with what turned out to be the winning goal.

“I was just happy they spelt my surname right, usually they put an ‘e’ on it – that’s what winds me up more than anything else,” was Clark’s wry response.

“So fair play to the guys who did it, they took a lot of time over it and knew how to spell my surname.

“Listen, they couldn’t find a more hard-working manager and someone who wants to be successful for this club.

“I know where I want to go and I know how to do it. I know how to progress where we are now, and I’m determined to do it.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. They have just got to stick with us.

“If that’s how they think they’ve got to motivate me and the team – it’s not how to motivate me – it isn’t a problem.

“As I said, I thought it was spelt very nicely and very neatly so they’ve obviously spent a lot of time on it...”.

Clark says that every manager ‘is in a different position, there are different scenarios’ to consider.

Blues worsening financial plight hasn’t helped, but more so injuries to the defensive unit which have resulted in a lack of continuity and stability.

“It’s obviously coming off the back of what the players achieved last season in getting to the play-offs,” said Clark, about criticism.

“But you need to have a look, as well, at all the other factors.

“Birmingham City had a settled back five last season.

“How many times have I had to make a substitution of a defender, not for tactical reasons?

“It’s not excuses, it’s facts. We need to put all these facts in front of everybody before people make judgements.”

As Blues have been unable to replicate their form of last season at St Andrew’s, there has naturally been much angst.

But Clark points out that Blues fans have been excellent in their backing when the chips have been down.

Grumbles have been heard, yet St Andrew’s has not been boiling over in rebellion or mass protest.

“That’s one of the reasons the team responds so well so many times,” said Clark.

“Fans of our club support the players all the way through the game.

“And then if they have any issues such as disappointment at the performance or result, then they let myself and the players know come the end of the game.

“There’s not many clubs, during the course of the game, where the fans stick with the players and stick with the group. That’s got to be one of the reasons why the players have responded on so many occasions.”