Saturday’s defeat against Swansea was disappointing. By all accounts the lads weren’t at their best, but had the chances to take a point. The defending wasn’t too clever for the goal. I don’t want to slaughter the full-back, but the cross from the by-line should’ve been stopped.

We’ve dropped out of the play-off places but have a game in hand on most of our rivals. There’s still a long way to go and we’re in a solid position. It’s all about staying in contention and timing our run at the end of the season.

City’s FA Cup opponents this Saturday will be Cardiff after they beat Bristol City. It’s a bit of a nasty draw, but on our day we’re capable of beating anybody in the Championship.

It’s only the third time the clubs have met in the Cup and the first time since the 1980/81 season, when City won 3-0 at Filbert Street. Cardiff won the other two games back in 1920’s, so they’re 2-1 up at the moment. It would be nice to redress the balance this weekend.

If City can progress, Chelsea or Arsenal away would do for me. It would be a proper day out for the fans and a chance for the players to test themselves against the best.

Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor has been linked with the club this week. He’s a big lad with plenty of experience in the top two divisions and certainly gets stuck in. He can play a bit too and in recent weeks we’ve struggled with distribution from the back.

It would be a solid loan signing, but I don’t think we’re in desperate need of another defender. It’s at the other end of the pitch that we seem to be struggling at the moment. Matt Fryatt’s on a bit of barren spell and nobody else is really chipping in. I’m sure Matty will go on another scoring run soon and I’ve got loads of faith in Pearson’s judgement in the transfer market. I’m not about to start saying which players he should sign.

Nolberto Solano has signed for City this week and even though he’s knocking on a bit, he’s got enough quality to make a difference. With 95 caps for Peru and years of Premier League experience with the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham, Solano has excellent pedigree.

His delivery into the box from crosses and corners is top class and strikers like Howard and Kermorgrant should thrive off it. Nobby can also take a decent free-kick and he could be the creative spark that boosts our play-off challenge.

I chuckled to myself listening to Radio Five Live’s coverage of Villa against West Ham on Sunday. Robbie Savage was commentating when a stray clearance from Stiliyan Petrov flew into the stands and smashed Sav on the nose! I’ve always liked Petrov.

He’s pretty accurate with his passing, but with the size of Robbie’s conk he couldn’t exactly miss, even from that distance. The Birch didn’t used to call Sav ‘Pelican Head’ for nothing! To listen to the live commentary of the incident click here.

During my Radio commentary a couple of seasons ago, I never came under attack from the ball, but I did see a few reporters on the receiving end from managers, in particular Ian Holloway.

After one away game, I think it was Southampton, Holloway was incensed by some stick Barry Hayles received from City fans. Following the post match press conference he started laying into them without realising that one radio reporter was still recording.

Olly absolutely lost it and started shouting and swearing at the journalist. He demanded that the quotes didn’t get played on air and got right in his face. He was shaking he was so angry, but he got his way and his comments were never aired.

I went to a dinner organised by a company called SAPCA (The Sports and Playing Construction Association) on Monday night. Former England manager Graham Taylor was speaking and answering questions and as you’d imagine, he got a bit of stick.

People were asking why he substituted Gary Lineker during England’s defeat to Sweden at the 1992 European Championships. Graham dealt with it really well and said the Lineker substitution was more than just a tactical decision. I had a chat with Graham at the end of the evening and gave him my card and he’s been in touch since, which is nice.

I enjoyed the opening of City’s 125 Exhibition on Saturday with club historian, John Hutchinson. It was a really interesting day and John’s knowledge of The Foxes is second to none.

The Leicester Mercury Sports Awards on Wednesday night at the Walkers Stadium was a great event, hosted by the Birch. Nigel Pearson deservedly claimed the coach of the year award and I was delighted to present Leicester Tigers and England flanker Tom Croft with his Sportsman of the Year trophy.

Sadly, I had no joy with my wager last week. This time round I’m backing West Brom, Spurs and Burnley to win. As always Fitzy from Turner & Kendrick will be donating a £25 bet for Wishes4Kids.

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