Ipswich Town v Birmingham City: Mark Venus says Tractor Boys are a good yardstick
- Published
Mark Venus (left) will pick the Blues team during Tony Mowbray's absence
Birmingham City interim boss Mark Venus takes charge for the first time when he fills in for Tony Mowbray this Saturday - and it could not be at a more fitting place than their old club Ipswich Town.
Ipswich was where Venus and Mowbray first became team-mates back in 1997 to start a friendship that has endured for eight different clubs in management.
And Venus enthuses on how well Ipswich have done under Kieran McKenna.
"I would like us to be Ipswich in a period of time," he told BBC Radio WM.
"They have built a great team spirit, they've got a coach who has got them playing and they've done fantastically well to keep up with the teams who got relegated from the Premier League last season.
"That is a massive achievement from them. They have the community right behind them, they're filling the stadium and it's an enjoyable place to play."
Aside from all the entertainment the Tractor Boys serve up, Venus is also aware of the dogged fighting spirit that has earned Ipswich more points from losing positions than any other Championship side this season.
Mowbray's predecessor Wayne Rooney found that to his cost when Blues gave up a 2-0 lead to Ipswich at St Andrew's in November, to deny the former England captain what would have been a first win as Birmingham boss.
And there is a simple reason for Ipswich's resilience, says Venus. "They have got a lot of belief and they've got a lot of attacking options on the bench. They really utilise their squad."
Portman Road was where Venus he enjoyed his greatest success as a player - and where Mowbray is also considered a bit of a legend - and there is no more fitting a place to be in the wake of this week's news of Mowbray's health scare.
Mowbray is stepping away from on-site duties for approximately six to eight weeks after a medical diagnosis that means he needs to undergo treatment, Birmingham said on Monday.
"Tony's been overwhelmed by the response from inside and outside the club and from people throughout the football world," said Venus.
"A lot of people are looking out for him and sending their best wishes. We're all right behind him and I'm sure he'll be back soon.
"But I can step in and keep in touch with Tony, I know how he will want to play and hopefully I can fill the void. He'll have his laptop on 24/7.
"In fact," Venus added with a grin, "he rang me last night to talk about how training went on Tuesday.
"I'm pleased with everything since we've been here, the ancillary staff, the supporters. Everyone's embraced us. And the players have really got stuck in for us and had a go."
Blues may be 31 points behind third-placed Ipswich going into Saturday's game - but four wins in eight games, in all competitions, peaking with the key back-to-back home victories over John Eustace's Blackburn Rovers and Mowbray's old club Sunderland, have elevated them to 15th.
"There's a very strong team spirit developing," Venus said.
"We're very pleased to have won three out of our first six league games - and those back-to-back wins were much needed as it's put a few teams below us."
Mark Venus was talking to BBC Radio WM's Richard Wilford
Mark Venus has been Tony Mowbray's right-hand man in all his time in management