We're top of league...but standard of football could be better, says James Mcfadden

Oct 12 2008 Mark Guidi

BIRMINGHAM are bang on course for an instant return to the Premiership but James McFadden reckons the brand of football they are playing is a turn-off.

The Scotland striker wants to see sexy soccer at St Andrews to entice back the stayaway fans and get Alex McLeish's men to the top flight in style.

But Faddy conceded that might take a while in the kick-and-rush Championship where winning ugly is considered an art form.

He said: "We're top of the league but not really playing well. I'm sure the manager would agree with me on that.

"We've been grinding out results and that wasn't the plan but it's the way things are working out.

"It's not enjoyable and I'd much rather we were producing nice football. Mind you we did play well in the first half against Bristol City a few weeks ago.

"Because we were relegated from the Premiership last season teams see us a bit of a scalp.

"Some sides try to open up against us and others just sit in. You have to get on with it and can only play what is in front of you.

"There's pressure on us to win every game and if we don't it will be considered a bit of a crisis.

"Last yearwe were happy to grind out results as part of trying to stay in the Premiership but it has to be different in this campaign."

Birmingham's home games haven't been selling out and although McFadden can't pinpoint the reason, he reckons it's up to the team to provide better value for money.

He said: "Our fans have to be happy because we're top of the league. But it would be nice for them to go and watch exciting, attractive football.

"We don't sell out every week but we have played away to the likes of Derby, Southampton and Norwich in front of full grounds.

"Sometimes the game can be a bit kick and rush and Roberto Martinez has said his Swansea side were allowed to play more football in League One last season.

"There's no doubt this league is more frantic than the Premiership and I suppose that also has a lot to do with what's at stake.

"There is a huge reward for promotion to the Premiership, probably the biggest financial prize in club football.

"We will just keep working hard and try to pick up points. I hope the good football comes with it and there are still plenty of games to reach the level of entertainment we'd like."

McFadden was surprised to be left out of City's starting line-up against QPR last week and told McLeish he did not agree with the decision.

He said: "My form hasn't been great and I've not been happy with myself. It's not that I'm low in confidence or worried about it.

"I can't pretend I have been brilliant although it's not like I've been hopeless either.

"The manager decided to leave me out last week and told me I needed a rest.

"I disagreed and told him I was just starting to feel good. I'll just have to work hard and hopefully I won't be left out in the future.

"I've been playing wide right and wide left this season but I would prefer to be through the middle.

"However, I appreciate the gaffer has four other guys who can play there and the likes of Garry O'Connor and Kevin Phillips are quality."

For all his frustrations at club level this season, Faddy can't help but smile when he is constantly reminded about his career high.

There is no escaping the screamer he scored for Scotland to dump France 1-0 in Paris last year and the 25-year-old smiled: "People still talk about it tome, always say what a great night they had when we beat France.

"I'm really proud of that goal, it's a good feeling to know I gave so many people such a buzz.

"Yes, it's a good achievement but I don't want to be sitting talking about it all the time - I want to achieve other good things in the game.

"We'll see what the future holds and I hope there are a few highs to come this season with Birmingham and Scotland."