How Birmingham City fans are reacting to big Lyndon Dykes, Charlton Athletic update | OneFootball

Dykes' 18-month spell at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park came to an end on Thursday

Birmingham City fans have been reacting in numbers to the departure of Scotland international forward, Lyndon Dykes, to fellow Championship side, Charlton Athletic.

After the 48-time Tartan Army international had become the subject of heavy exit talk throughout the vast majority of the season thus far, his 18-month spell at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park was officially concluded on Thursday afternoon.

With Blues looking to add further depth to an attacking department which already includes top scorer and club-record signing Jay Stansfield, Kyogo Furuhashi and Marvin Ducksch, it was anticipated that it would be the 30-year-old that would move on, with Football League World initially revealing at the start of the current window that his exit would not be sanctioned until Chris Davies and his recruitment team have identified an adequate replacement.

Dykes has now linked up with the Addicks on an initial short-term deal until the end of the campaign, despite the fact he was approximately at the halfway point of his previous contract in the West Midlands following his move from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2024.

The physical and experienced frontman is now in line to debut for Nathan Jones' side as they return their focus to Championship action with a home clash against an in-form Sheffield United side at The Valley, whilst Blues travel to Swansea City looking to record a first 'double' of the campaign, ironically after Dykes headed home a 94th-minute winner in front of the Tilton in the reverse fixture on September 20th.

Although his gametime had significantly diminished in comparison to his prior role in Birmingham's record-breaking League One campaign, that isn't to say that the Gold Coast-born man was not a cult hero amongst Bluenoses for his habit of scoring either spectacular or important goals when called upon.

Therefore, it was no surprise to see that he departed with plenty of good will.

The aforementioned feeling was also made visible throughout Blues' club statement which confirmed Dykes' exit, with a segment reading: "The Scotland international will be fondly remembered for scoring some important goals during his time at the Club, notably the goal that sent Blues to Wembley in the Vertu Trophy semi-final against Bradford, as well as memorable late winners against Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City earlier this season."

Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of Blues fans reminiscing about the scenes that his strike against the Bantams - which secured a first Wembley date since the club's EFL Cup success in February 2011 - provided.

Another Bluenose was quick to praise the forward for his commitment to the cause, despite the fact he only made 55 appearances for the club.

Whilst, again, praising Dykes for his effort, one supporter was also quick to reference that a move to The Valley is more than likely going to benefit the striker's dream of representing Scotland at the World Cup.

However, there were some Blues fans critical of the decision, with one believing he was "undervalued" by Davies in selection calls.

Meanwhile, another has criticised the club for a potential lack of foresight when it comes to sourcing a replacement, albeit Blues have been heavily linked with August Priske of Djurgardens.

Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City agreement for Lyndon Dykes benefits all involved

Having been omitted from Davies' two previous matchday squads, the writing did very much appear to be on the wall for Dykes' stint at St. Andrew's. However, he will not be forgotten quickly due to his important contributions and commitment.

A move to South London is one which benefits all involved, particularly the striker himself, who can now fully focus on football in the short-term after continuous exit talk.

Again, it would be no surprise to see him be the scorer of important goals for the Addicks, who have struggled to find the back of the net on a consistent basis, whilst Jones' direct style is likely to also see the Reds play towards Dykes' strengths whilst he has one eye on Steve Clarke's upcoming international plans.