BCFC are top of the third-tier table, now nine points clear of Wycombe Wanderers in 2nd and 11 above the play-off spots.
The Blues were widely backed for such a successful campaign but credit where credit is due, they have been fantastic.
The summer saw a huge overhaul of the playing squad but some stars stayed put. Midfielder Paik Seung-ho remained and is among the numerous players certainly capable of playing at a higher level.
It seems Championship sides Stoke City and Norwich City feel so too, with the Birmingham City midfielder revealing he had offers from both clubs in the summer transfer window. The South Korean star told Naver Sports he felt he would be on the move too, with one of the two ‘Sheffield’ clubs keen as well.
Paik, nevertheless, has no regrets about sticking with BCFC. He stated:
“To be honest, I was afraid I would quit, but the management is excellent.
“I kept arguing with myself, ‘Won’t you be able to make the national team if you play in a better league?'” “Can’t you really develop more as a player under this manager while playing the football I like and learned?” was the other half. I got offers from places like Stoke, Norwich, and Sheffield.
“I don’t regret anything. Fortunately, I played the type of game I truly wanted to play when I was called up to the national squad. That’s the best thing, in my opinion. I’m really happy, and it would be the finest if we were promoted here.
Few would have blamed Paik had he departed Birmingham City in the summer window. He showed in the Championship it’s a level he’s comfortable playing at, and he had a place in the South Korea squad to maintain.
Thankfully, despite dropping down a league, the level of football played by him and BCFC has kept him in the international picture.
It is clear that manager Chris Davies has had a huge part in his call to stay, and it just emphasises to the adoring fans just how big his impact has been.
There’s no doubt he’s been helped by massive financial backing and a talented squad, but Davies’ work and impact can not be downplayed.
In the short-term, a move to Stoke City or Norwich City might have been attractive for Paik. However, all being well, there’s a good chance Birmingham City will be overtaking those clubs in the near future.
It remains unknown which of the Sheffield clubs wanted him, but either would have been intriguing moves for the midfielder.
Again though, the call to stay put at Birmingham City has paid off for Paik in a big way and it might only age better as time passes and BCFC progress.
