The season ..
The season started brightly with Blues going through the first six games undefeated which was mainly down to some superb defensive displays, only two goals were conceded in those opening half-dozen fixtures.
Sandwiched in between these league games a disappointing exit at Blackpool in the Carling Cup brought the side back down to earth a little.
The league form continued to be impressive and a good run in the FA Cup was anticipated although that ended with a bitterly disappointing exit when Sunderland won the 5th round replay at St Andrew's in February.
Expectations became high as Blues continued to sit on the shoulders of the leagues leading pack with European qualification muttered amongst many.
Mainly through a lack of squad numbers and the ultimate injuries incurred, any outside chance of European qualification disappeared over the final 5 to 6 weeks.
In this just our second season in the Premiership to have never have been outside of the top ten in the table must be summed up as a good season and afterall the final placing of tenth is the highest the side have achieved in 31 years!
The gaffer ..
Bruce's magic wand came in to play again. The season long loan signings of Mikael Forssell and Maik Taylor being proved to be wise investments.
Success brings rumours and Bruce was the subject of wide speculation linking him with a move to manage his hometown club, Newcastle. Gladly these rumours seem to have quietened down now following Sir Bobby Robson signing a new one year contract and his side gaining European qualification with a fifth place league finish.
Seasons stars ..
On-loan Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell - whose goals have been a big factor in a successful campaign. Nice to see him signed up for another season before this one had finished.
New keeper Maik Taylor - without whom many points would have been dropped. Now signed on a permanent deal of course for £1.5million. A bargain in my book.
Stan Lazaridis - probably wouldn't have figured in many fans starting XI back in August. He as improved immensly this season.
Damien Johnson - for never giving up the fight right up until the last minute of the last game of the season when many were seen to be just playing out the final fixtures.
Biggest flop ..
Christophe Dugarry - who every Blues fan must have expected to continue where he left off last season with some never-seen-before displays. It wasn't to be however and the French talisman had his contract at the club terminated by mutual consent.
Highlights of the season ..
Improved results against the top sides, most notably the 0-0 draws away at Chelsea and Arsenal.
Jeff Kenna's goal against Southampton at St Andrews in January.
Stan's goal against Everton at St Andrews in February.
Coming back from being 2-0 down against the Villa, when Stern John popped up with an injury time equaliser at Villa Park.
Best away fans at the shrine ..
Leeds Utd - never stopped supporting their side despite being 4-1 down.
Worse fans at The Shrine ..
Charlton - All 100 or so of them.
Number one hate-figure at another club ..
Olof Mellberg at The Villa. Never short of a few coarse words leading up
to a local derby that chap!