After securing a 4-0 win over Kidderminster in the final friendly game, Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett claimed that he is feeling confident ahead of the new season.

The club failed to even come close to achieving their objective of getting promoted back to the Premier League last season. This time around, the competition is expected to be more intense with clubs like Newcastle United expected to be favourites for the top prize. Aston Villa are also in the mix to get promoted back at the first instance.

Even though the relegation of Villa means that the Midlands derby will renew once again, Birmingham are looking jealous at their arch rivals after having seen them complete the signing of Ross McCormack. The former Fulham striker has been one of the best forwards in the Championship over the last few years. Amidst a lot of fight between clubs like Norwich City, Aston Villa managed to sign him for around £ 12 million.Rowett is under extreme pressure to deliver the results this season. The club has managed to finish only 10th in the last two seasons under the former Burton Albion manager. Even though some would see this as a lack of progression,Rowett will feel pleased since he has been able to achieve this without spending a lot of money.

“You can name six or seven teams in this division who, if they want a deal doing, can massively overpay to get that deal done.We’re not in that position. We’ve almost got to try and underpay and see if we can make it happen. No disrespect to us, but that’s just where we are in comparison to some of the others,” said the Birmingham manager about the club’s inability to compete in the transfer market due to financial constraints.