EU DESERVED MUCH BETTER THAN THIS, JOHN

Eustace cared and leaves Blues better off than when he joined

- NEIL MOXLEY

IT was not the first time I've been called into the manager's office at Birmingham City.

Trevor Francis? Usually a moan about the owners.

Steve Bruce? His opening shot was one of the biggest mouthfuls ever off-loaded in my direction.

Alex McLeish? Gary Rowett? Lee Clark? Like speaking to mates down the pub.

This time it was the day before last month's trip to Watford, John Eustace asked for a word after the prematch press conference.

"Just to tell you that this is personal for me," he said.

"I care about this. I live here. I know what this means. I'm desperate to make this a success." football Professional managers don't talk like that.

They all care and it's personal in as much as it affects them. The majority though are parachuted into the west Midlands and they are not local.