John Ruddy was one of a number of players to leave Birmingham after relegation in 2024.placeholder image
John Ruddy was one of a number of players to leave Birmingham after relegation in 2024. | Getty Images
Birmingham City had a major clearout at the end of last season before winning the League One title
Birmingham City steamrolled their way to promotion last season, and are now entering this campaign with an incredible wave of optimism and excitement co-owners Tom Brady and Tom Wagner continue to back Chris Davies with the money to make big-name signings.The Blues are amongst the favourites to win promotion to the Premier League and belief that the club can reach the promised land is arguably at its highest in years after relegation in 2011.
However, the mood could not have been more different back in May 2024, just 15 months ago, when the club were consigned to relegation from the Championship to League One - marking the end of a calamitous campaign and the side’s first term in the third tier since 1994–95.
Big changes were needed to get the club back where it needed to be, and part and parcel of those changes was a number of player sales as many that were relegated were sold to make space for new and exciting talents. But how have those former players fared since leaving Birmingham in the summer of 2024? And would any of them get anywhere near the starting lineup this year? Here we assess how each player has fared in their first season away from St Andrew’s.
Birmingham City summer player sales (2024)
Neil Etheridge to Buriram United F.C: Experienced 35-year-old goalkeeper Neil Etheride is now playing for Thai club Buriram United and won the title in his first season with the club.
Tate Campbell to Buxton: After his release by Birmingham, Campbell spent time at National League North club Hereford. He played 40 times, scored six goals and has since signed for Buxton.
Scott Hogan to MK Dons: Striker Scott Hogan found the net eight times in 33 appearances for League Two side MK Dons after being released. He’ll have ambitions of winning promotion this season.
Marcel Oakley to Solihull Moors: Young defender Marcel Oakley made 29 appearances for National League side Solihull Moors as they finished 14th in the league.
Marc Roberts to Barnsley: Veteran defender Marc Roberts played 37 times for a Barnsley team that finished mid-table in League One. However, they’ve made a strong start this year with two consecutive league wins.
John Ruddy to Newcastle: Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy is now the fourth choice for Newcastle United. He’s yet to play a competitive match but did form part of the squad which won the League Cup in fine fashion against Liverpool.
Ivan Šunjić to Pafos: Has scored four times in 32 games for Cypriot side Pafos - helping them to a league title in the process for the first time in the club’s history.
Alex Pritchard to Sivasspor: Former Huddersfield man Alex Prichard has registered four assists in 20 matches for Turkish side Sivasspor. His debut season ended in relegation and he’s now preparing for life in the second tier.
Jordan James to Rennes: 20-time Welsh international joined French side Rennes where he’s managed by ex-Aston Villa defender Habib Beye. He played 23 times and helped the club to a respectable 12th place finish.
Siriki Dembélé to Oxford United: The 28-year-old managed two goals and two assists in 25 appearances as The U's beat the drop. He could face his former club this season.
Kōji Miyoshi to VFL Bochum: He tasted another relegation last season with VFL Bochum finishing rock bottom of the Bundesliga. He played 15 times, scoring once in total.
Josh Williams to Carlisle United: Academy graduate Josh Williams was also relegated again as he made six appearances for Carlisle in League Two.
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