Birmingham boss Alex McLeish yesterday told how he was proud of the effort of his team and insisted there was no shame in slipping out of the top flight by a point after promotion last term.
"The players have punched above their weight again," said the Scot - known as Big Eck - who succeeded Steve Bruce as manager in November and has been assured his job is safe.
"I'm proud of them because this is no disgrace and there's still a job to be done here. With the right investment we can bounce back."
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes was left to reflect on what might have been as his side missed out on the chance of a place in Europe.
With Villa only drawing 2-2 at West Ham, Rovers would have pipped them to an Intertoto Cup place had they beaten City.
"We had an opportunity to get the job done today and we didn't, that's the galling thing," said Hughes.
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JONATHAN PEARCE
ALEC STEWART
THE MOLE