Defender is Klar choice at awards

THE mood at Birmingham City's end-of-season awards dinner was a stark contrast to 12 months ago.

- By ALEX DICKEN

A record-breaking season in League One, which saw Blues accumulate 111 points, was the perfect antidote after a first relegation to the third tier in 30 years.

To quote Tom Wagner, 'The comeback is greater than the setback'.

Everyone who listened to Wagner's opening gambit at the ICC building on Sunday evening is certain better days lie ahead. The American knew exactly how to work the room.

His opening line set the tone. 'Tommy Wagner is a Blue, he hates Villa' reverberated around the room as Wagner made his way to the stage. To which he replied: "I do, I really hate Villa!"