Gold 'hates' Birmingham survival bid

David Gold admitted he is “hating every minute” of Birmingham’s battle against relegation but is still optimistic they can hang onto their Premiership status.

The Blues chairman insisted himself, co-owner David Sullivan and the board of directors are “as committed as ever” to the midlands club, who will take on Stoke in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

It is a break from the pressure of trying to remain in the top flight, with Birmingham currently six points adrift of safety after Monday’s 3-0 defeat at West Ham.

Gold admitted: “We are in the worst situation we have been in during my 13 years here. We achieved our first objective, to get into the Premiership - although it took longer than we thought – and now we have got a battle on our hands to stay there.

“That is what is driving me to wake up at 5.30 some mornings. I’ve got to confess being third from bottom is the most awful experience in my business, in my life and in football.

“I hate every minute of it. I’m not enjoying it. I’m down about it. I can’t hide that.

“But I’m as determined as ever, the board are as committed as ever. You can’t imagine how driven we are – and the gap at the bottom can be bridged.”

Gold insisted: “I think it is a three-horse race between ourselves, West Brom and Portsmouth.

“Someone else could be sucked into it if they have a bad run but it looks like there will be one winner from that group of three clubs in terms of staying in the Premiership.

“I think the two games coming up against Sunderland and West Brom at home are crucial. If we win both of those, I believe we can get out of trouble.”

Birmingham’s season has been dogged by a series of long-term injuries but there is one ray of light for manager Steve Bruce, with David Dunn back in training.

The former Blackburn midfielder could be in contention for the trip to Stoke but Bruce may decide to hold him back for the visit of Sunderland on February 25.

Emile Heskey and Damien Johnson will also be available again after serving two and three-match bans for their red cards against Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.