Birmingham City have created ‘special legacy’, says manager Chris Davies

While their financial outlay has been eye-catching, goalkeeper Ryan Allsop – a Birmingham-born lifelong ‘Bluenose’ – says the club’s achievements are down to their work ethic as much as anything.

The 32-year-old, whose nomadic career has taken in 14 different destinations, joined his hometown team last summer, seemingly as back-up to Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

But he grabbed the starting spot in October and has not looked back since, keeping 21 clean sheets in 37 league appearances.

“We’ve always gone out and left everything on the pitch. Credit to everyone involved – it’s a massive thing, a big legacy and something we can remember forever,” Allsop told BBC WM.

“There’s still one more game to go and we’re going to look forward to that, but it’s been a phenomenal effort from the lads and staff and everyone involved.

“But to have achieved what we’ve achieved this year, it’s something that will stay with me forever – to be able to help this club get back to where we belong and push on again.

“We obviously want more and more. This is the first stepping stone and to be part of it is incredibly special to me.”