Birmingham City have taken like a duck to water in League One, and have used their financial strength to build a squad that looks more than comfortable in the division.
Blues are flying at the top of the table currently, and they look set on winning promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking following relegation at the end of last season.
Chris Davies has inspired his squad of highly talented players to play some incredible, fast-paced football that is lighting up St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, and they look a very difficult side to beat at this moment in time.
While Birmingham’s attacking players are impressing, defensively they have been excellent, conceding just 10 goals in their first 11 matches. It has been this strength at the back that has led them to drop points in just two games so far, losing only once – to Charlton Athletic.
One of their defenders, Alex Cochrane, has formed an instant connection with supporters, and has been near-perfect since joining the club in the summer, and he has been a huge reason behind their early success.
Cochrane is a crucial part of Davies’ team
Although he only signed in July for a reported initial £1.3 million, he has quickly become the first-choice left-back for Blues, and while Lee Buchanan has had his injury issues, the 24-year-old has made the position his own.
It seems unlikely that when the former Derby County full-back returns, Cochrane will lose his place, particularly as Buchanan will take a while to get back to full fitness.
It’s an opinion that is shared by Football League World’s Birmingham Fan Pundit, Mike Gibbs, who has been asked for one word to describe the former Hearts defender.
He told FLW: “I think the one word I’d use for him is undroppable, Alex Cochrane.
“He’s been absolutely outstanding. Just Mr consistent. I think he’s pretty much one of the first names on the team sheet if I’m brutally honest.”