Birmingham are experiencing their toughest time in the Premiership since their arrival back in the elite of English football in 2002. A fifth home defeat in six games against Everton on Saturday has left them second from bottom and with a trip to Newcastle on the horizon next week, it certainly isn't getting any easier for Blues. Experienced full back Jamie Clapham is certainly well aware of the problems facing Birmingham as they bid to dig their way out of a hole. But, as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, he is still optimistic of turning their season round
Q:WAS THERE ANY TREPIDATION AMONGST THE PLAYERS BEFORE SATURDAY'S GAME GIVEN YOUR CURRENT HOME RECORD?
A:There wasn't any trepidation before the Everton game as the supporters are helping us through it. I thought we played exceptionally well for the first 35 minutes against Norwich last week but once they had scored it was difficult for us. I don't think you are aware of any fear but it obviously creeps into your game. You still want to go out there and play with confidence and get on the ball and play your game. However, little things like that do unsettle you and then you don't want to be the one who makes the mistake and gives away the goal. It probably does get into your play without you realising it and it is perhaps more noticeable form the sidelines as a supporter; but as a player you don't realise it.
Q:ARE THE PLAYERS AWARE OF THE SITUATION?
A:Very much so. The general feeling if you speak to supporters is that we will be alright and get out of the current situation; but the reality is that we are not alright. It is no use thinking that it will sort itself out, as we have to do better. There is still a long way to go so no-one is panicking but we know these results can't continue. We are aware that the position we are in is not good enough and a club like this shouldn't be where we are.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS THE FANS' BACKING AT TIMES LIKE THIS?
A:We are capable of pulling away from the relegation zone and our fans will play a big part. Even when we lost at Blackburn they were singing to the end of the game and it does give you a lift as a player. There was a fantastic turn-out against Norwich and I don't think anyone expected that and the fans can carry us through a difficult period.
Q:HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOU PERSONALLY?
A:I can be a miserable sod if we have lost and I will spend a lot of time analysing the game on a Saturday evening. You analyse your own performance but if it isn't going well then you generally stop buying papers. If you have had a great game you might pick up the papers and see you have been given a bad mark and it can leave you doubting your own perception of the game.
Q:DO YOU SPEND A LONG TIME ANALYSING YOUR OWN GAME?
A:I look at the ProZone statistics but you have to take it in the right context. It is a great tool for showing you how much ground you have covered and assessing your fitness levels, but sometimes things happen in games that you have to deal with and that can affect your results. Losing does affect your home life because if the team is going well then there is good feeling in the city and you can go out for a meal on Saturday evening but, at present, the last thing you feel like doing is going out.
Q:DID YOU EXPECT TO BE INVOLVED IN A RELEGATION BATTLE THIS SEASON?
A:I don't think anyone expected us to be in this position at the start of the season and I certainly didn't. However, as Everton have proved it can happen to anyone as they have gone from Champions League last year to bottom of the league this.
