Birmingham City fans have warmed to Lee Camp in-between the sticks at St Andrew’s, but virtually every supporter will have fond memories of Darren Randolph’s time at the club.
Darren Randolph, who is valued at £4.05 million (by Transfermarkt), joined on a free back in the summer of 2013 and it’s safe to say that he turned out to be a steal as the Englishman immediately secured a permanent place at St Andrew’s.
But, lots of supporters were shocked by the goalkeeper’s decision to turn down a new contract at Birmingham City in May of 2015, as fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
https://twitter.com/_PapaulskiBCFC_/status/601795667921604608
@BCFC shocking news! I backed @Randz587 to all the fans who thought he would leave. No loyalty in football, why let a loyal Colin Doyle go!
— Charlotte Beard (@Charlie_Lanky) May 22, 2015
https://twitter.com/4cc0un1/status/601825999895007232
@BCFC @Helbel1301 what a surprise!! Wouldnt say he is premiership quality though
— EmmaLouise1983 (@emmalouise_bish) May 22, 2015
@BCFC great when he's great, when he's not he's not! However if he doesn't wanna be at the club were better off without.
— Jo Gibson (@blueJo85) May 22, 2015
Randolph was inserted straight into the starting lineup, making his debut against Watford in a 1-0 defeat and remained ever-present throughout the 2013-14 season in the Championship. His fine form continued into his second season at the club as he kept his place in the league, apart from being sent off against Bolton Wanderers.
He was a very reliable figure in-between the sticks as he made a name for himself at St Andrew’s with his shot-stopping ability and quick reflexes. But, the ‘keeper brought his own Birmingham City career to an end as he turned down a new contract in the Midlands, which certainly didn’t go down well with the fans.
Of course, Blues fans will always appreciate how he helped their club stay in the Championship and then aided their mid-table finish the following season, but the manner in which he left the club was harsh.
Sadly, he joined West Ham United on a free transfer after running his contract down at St Andrew’s, and he now finds himself performing magnificently at Middlesbrough after struggling for minutes in the English capital.
Birmingham City fans, was Darren Randolph better than Lee Camp? Join the discussion by commenting down below!
