Bryan Gunn's biggest pal in football insisted that it was “all to play for” at the of the Championship table – just as everything remains firmly up for grabs in the bottom four.
Alex McLeish – the man whose boots the Canary boss used to clean – is well aware that a decent run now could spare Blues the agony of the play-offs.
All too often, of course, for the team that finishes third there is only heart-break ahead; having missed out on one of the automatic promotion berths, so the team on a roll in sixth takes full advantage of that disappointment – just as Norwich did en route to Cardiff in 2002.
Hence why Gunn's old Pittodrie pal sees tomorrow's game as a real promotion six-pointer as Blues, Wolves, Reading and even Cardiff now jostle for one of those two, prized automatic promotion slots.
“Wolves have had a couple of great away victories, Reading are not down and out – they had a great away victory in the week – and Cardiff won the other night, so it's really all still to play for,” said the Blues boss, ahead of a real hum-dinger of a game.
Or, at least, on paper.
“I think all those teams will think they've got a chance – a genuine chance. And it'll be a case of who keeps their nerve; who's going to produce the consistency to get them over the line.”
Norwich, of course, face their own test of nerve tomorrow.
That having racked up three clean sheets in their last four games – and taken nine, huge points in the process – can they keep their cool in the hothouse atmosphere of St Andrews.
Fortunately they have discovered in the likes of David Mooney and Cody McDonald players that are playing with no fear; in the likes of Jason Shackell and new skipper Gary Doherty, they have players nearing the top of their game; big hearts very much on their sleeve.
“We've been seeing results where teams at the bottom have been beating teams at the top,” said McLeish, all-too well aware that Norwich could yet spring a nasty surprise on him – much to 'The Big Man's' delight, no doubt.
“And every teams fighting for a reason – the teams at the top are fighting to go up, the teams at the bottom are obviously fighting for survival.
“So the spirit and the competition within every club – from top to bottom – seems to be alive and kicking,” said McLeish, speaking to BBC WM.
Without a game in mid-week, it has allowed one Kevin Phillips to get his name back into contention for this weekend. All of which should keep the Bluenoses on a roll.
“I can feel a little surge within the crowd,” said McLeish. “I can feel that they're starting to believe themselves when it was a bit of doom and gloom for a wee while.”
But, that said, you still sense a wariness in his thoughts.
“The last couple of results have been terrific for Norwich,” said the former Scotland chief.
“And I expect them to try and come to Birmingham and try and get the points – I don't think they'll come to shut up shop; they know that they have to take as many games as possible with the three points. And for that reason I think it'll be an open game.”
Gunn himself was going into old pals battle in fine fettle; with City now out of the bottom three – albeit just – there was one weight off the shoulders.
“It's a bubbly place,” said the City boss, quizzed about the new mood around Colney.
“Things are going well – the Academy boys as well. They've obviously had a great run in the Youth Cup – and they're part of the whole spirit as well.
“And it's everyone off the field as well – right from the cleaners, the chefs, Fiona the wash lady – they're all part of the whole spirit and togetherness that we've got. And if the lads do their job – complete their mission – then its for everybody.
“It'll be for themselves, but it'll be for everyone behind the scenes as well.”
Team-wise and most expect Simon Lappin to fially be granted his chance in the centre of midfield after nine months in the wilderness under ex-boss Glenn Roeder; given the way that both David Mooney and Alan Gow have played of late, it would be a surprise if new loan signing Alan Lee started at St Andrews.
He could expect to be on the bench alongside Master McDonald; a complete new front pairing chomping at the bit to be given their chance.
My, how times are a-changing…
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