Jordan James drops claim on Birmingham City's fans ahead of Wolves clash | OneFootball

Jordan James has discussed the reception he expects from Birmingham fans on his return to St. Andrew's with Wolves.

Wolves midfielder Jordan James has admitted he hopes to receive a good reception from the Birmingham fans when he returns to St. Andrew’s on Sunday.

The Welsh international came through the ranks at Birmingham, and he went on to make over 100 appearances in royal blue.

However, he left Blues following their relegation to League One as he signed for Rennes, although his time in France didn’t go to plan, as James spent last year on loan at Leicester, before he joined Wolves in a similar deal this summer.

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Jordan James discusses return to Birmingham City with Wolves

James was injured for the Foxes’ trip to Birmingham last year, so this will be his first appearance at St. Andrew’s on the away side.

Given the rivalry between Blues and Wolves, it seems likely that James will get a hostile reception, but, speaking to ITV, the 22-year-old explained that he won’t be bothered by that, as he reflected on a positive time at Birmingham earlier in his career.

“I don’t know what reception I’ll get, but I’m not too bothered. Hopefully it’s a good one because you always want a good one.

“I didn’t really leave on bad terms, and obviously I was there since I was eight years old. I've thanked the club massively, and obviously I had a good relationship with the fans at the time, being homegrown. So, hopefully, I will get a good reception, but if not, then we’ll see what happens.”

Birmingham City fans will make St. Andrew’s hostile against Wolves

It seems highly unlikely that James will get a good reception from the Blues fans, as this is a derby game that always has an edge to it.

So, even though there was no major animosity towards James when he did leave, they will not like to see him in Old Gold against them on Sunday.

But, the reality is that he wanted to move at that stage of his career for football reasons, and, to their credit, Blues have bounced back impressively since their relegation.

Either way, this is going to be a crackling atmosphere, and the Blues fans will be doing all they can to help the team to what would be a huge three points against Wolves.

Jordan James is ready to start for Wolves at Birmingham City

James has had to settle for three sub appearances in the league for Wolves since his arrival, and you could initially understand that as Cesar Peixoto’s side had started well.

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But, in those brief outings, James has shown why his signing was considered a real coup, which includes scoring an excellent goal against Stoke.

With Wolves losing to West Ham last time out, it now feels time for Peixoto to make a few changes, and James should be one to benefit.

Marshall Munetsi has done reasonably well this season, scoring twice, but James has a better all-round game, and whilst it could be a difficult afternoon in terms of the fan reaction, it’s time for Peixoto to put his new recruit in the starting XI for this big game.