Getting rid of 'label' just perfect for Paik

PAIK Seung-ho is relieved he no longer has to call himself a League One player and now has his sights firmly set on reaching the Premier League.

- By ALEX DICKEN

The South Korea international decided to stay at Birmingham City last year following their relegation from the Championship and signed a new four-year contract in October.

He could have jumped ship with Championship clubs interested but Paik instead helped to restore Blues to the second tier with a record-breaking season.

"I've gotten rid of the 'third division' label, so it's quite successful," Paik told Sports Donga. "Now I'll look forward to the next stage of my dreams."

Chris Davies' presence was important to Paik. Davies has made Paik a fixture in Blues' line-up alongside Tomoki Iwata in the engine room and the 28-year-old played 50 games in total across 2024/25.

Paik and Iwata will be key players again next season when Blues will be looking to challenge in the upper echelons of the Championship for the first time in more than a decade.

"He has a clear football philosophy and direction," says Paik. "I am learning a lot tactically.