Leading figures from each of our five West Midlands football clubs have agreed to answer the questions of Row Z readers.*
 This week it's the turn of Blues legend Trevor Francis to take his place in the hotseat... Hi Trevor, what do you make of Blues' first ever season in the Premiership? Neil, Olton TF: Quite good, I suppose. Which Blues players have impressed you this season? Isobel, Stafford TF: It's not my style to single out individual players. I would just say, though, that Geoff Horsfield, Stan Lazaridis, Martin Grainger, Darren Purse, Bryan Hughes and Damien Johnson have stood out. Dear Mr Francis. You were just a callow youth making his debut for Birmingham City when first I laid eyes on you. I've been a big fan ever since. Can you send me a bar of soap that you've used in the shower, please? Malcolm, Shard End. TF: Of course showering is important, Malcolm. When I was in Italy we showered nine times a day. Our showering coach would set out a meticulously-planned routines and drills for us to follow to keep it interesting. Sadly we do not see that kind of professionalism in this country. I would just say, though, that your request for a bar of my used soap is deeply unsettling and it's a request I am going to have to decline. You scored the goal that made Nottingham Forest Champions of Europe in 1979. Can you envisage a time when such a feat could be repeated? Gerald, Birmingham TF: I honestly don't think so, Gerald. I wouldn't completely rule out a return to playing. I would just say, though, that I am 49 years old and may not be able to hold down a place in the Forest side. Hi Trevor! You played for Rangers for a while and I was wondering if you still maintain an interest in Scottish football? If so, who do you think will win this year's championship? Forbes, Coventry TF: Well Forbes, it's certainly an exciting season - probably too close to call. In answer to your first question, yes I do still maintain an interest in Scottish football and I have very fond memories of my time 'up north', especially the bond I formed with the fans. I still remember the rousing reception the Rangers support gave me every time I was stretchered on at Ibrox. Is the current Real Madrid side the best team you've ever seen? Dave, Burton-on-Trent TF: The current Real Madrid team are quite clearly an outstanding side. I would just say, though, that the Birmingham City team of the 1998/99 season displayed many of the same characteristics - movement; pace; craft and guile. Are Real better than that Blues team? It's too tough to call but I think many observers would admit that Real Madrid are the team Birmingham City could have been, if some people - and I shall not name names so please do not ask me to - had been a little more forthcoming with financial support. Why do you think English teams have struggled in Europe in recent years? Arsene, London TF: One word, Arsene - attitude. In Italy, where I played for many, many years, the player is treated like a thoroughbred. In England the player is treated like a beast of burden. For example, at Sampdoria we had a breathing coach who ensured that we remembered to breath - and breath in the correct way. We also had specialists who ensured we adopted the correct procedures in chewing, scratching and coughing. That kind of detail is sadly lacking in England and the results are quite clear. What does the future hold for Trevor Francis? Nan, Dorridge TF: Nan, the future holds many possibilities for Trevor Francis. There are a few things I wouldn't rule out. And one or two I certainly can't rule in. One things for certain however. When I was in Italy everyone had their future mapped out by specialist planners who would map emerging social patterns to determine the course of the future. That kind of professionalism is sadly lacking from the English game. Unfortunately that's all we've got time for. Thank you Trevor Francis. Or, to put it another way, no they haven't. We've made the whole thing up. | 
Row Z 
