It has certainly been an eventful summer for Robbie Savage. Having been the subject of constant transfer speculation, and a possible move to Everton, the Birmingham and Wales midfielder has signed a new contract with the Blues which means he can now concentrate on what he does best - playing football with passion. Here he tells givemefootball's Lawrie Madden about the proposed move to Goodison that was never meant to be.
Q:YOU'VE JUST PLAYED YOUR FIRST GAME OF THE PRE-SEASON - HOW DID IT GO?
A:It was nice to be back and to get 90 minutes under my belt. It has got my season underway after the lads were playing in Germany and now I am back in with them.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SQUAD CHANGES THIS SUMMER?
A:It's a different look. It's good. The gaffer has made some inspired signings and all can play at this level. We now have a squad in depth with almost two players for every position.
Q:WHAT ABOUT ALL THAT TALK OF YOU GOING TO EVERTON?
A:The bottom line is that I was never going to sign for Everton. The Everton thing was hanging around for two years really. The gaffer was honest with me and said Everton had put in a bid and did I want to go. I was never going to Everton.
Q:HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW YOU'VE SIGNED A NEW CONTRACT?
A:Birmingham is a massive club and can get even bigger. It was a decision I made on my own. I would have signed for less money but I have signed a long contract because I love it here.
Q:WHAT ARE BIRMINGHAM'S REALISTIC TARGETS THIS SEASON?
A:I still think that fourth from bottom would not be bad but you look at the potential and the squad is better than last year. We finished tenth last season so we would look to improve on that.
Q:ARE YOU FULLY RECOVERED FROM YOUR NECK INJURY?
A:Yes I am. It has been a worrying time for me. It was a bad neck injury and during the time I was out I was thinking of all sorts of things. I just thought of my health and my family and realised how lucky I was to be playing football. The neck injury was more serious than many people realise.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL GOALS FOR THIS SEASON?
A:I think this is the most important season of my career. I have a great chance with both Birmingham and Wales this season. I have had two great years at Birmingham and I feel fit and strong.
Q:WITH ALL THE COMPETITION FOR PLACES, DO YOU FEAR FOR YOUR PLACE?
A:I think it says a lot about our manager that he got those players in. It will increase competition and everyone will be looking over their shoulders. If you have got the shirt then you try and keep it. Everyone is fighting to be in that first team against Portsmouth in our first game.
