Darren Ambrose Out

Darren Ambrose has joined Greek side Apollon Smyrni on loan until the end of the season.

The midfielder will see out the remaining months of his Birmingham City contract with the Super League side who are managed by Lawrie Sanchez, subject to international clearance, with a view to signing permanently in the summer.

Since the 29 year olds arrival at St. Andrews in July 2012 from Crystal Palace, Ambrose made just ten appearances for the club, scoring just once goal against Barnet in the Capital One Cup last season.

It was revealed on Saturday by Blues’ boss Lee Clark on the club’s website that the former Ipswich Town, Newcatle United and Charlton Athletic midfielder had flown to Greece ahead of a move.

“Darren is a talented footballer but for whatever reason since he’s come to Birmingham it hasn’t happened for him. He’s found it more and more difficult.

“Maybe he has lost a bit of confidence. I think the fresh start for him and his family will prove to be productive. As a club and as me as the manager I wish him well.”

If his international clearance is cleared, Ambrose could make his league debut on Sunday at home to Asteras Tripolis for his new side, currently sitting 12^th in the Greek top tier.

Brian Howard In

Brian Howard has signed for Birmingham City on a deal until the end of the season.

The 30 year old was released by CSKA Sofia earlier this season after making just eleven appearances for the Bulgarian side.

The attacking midfielder made a name for himself scoring the winning goal at Anfield as Barnsley knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in 2008.

Howard then went on to be named in the Championship team of the 2007/2008 season before moving to Sheffield United, Reading, Portsmouth and Bristol City before his move to Bulgaria in August.

With injuries to Tom Adeyemi and Jonathon Spector as well as Jesse Lingard and Dariusz Dudka’s deals expiring, Howard will bolster Clark’s midfielder options for the remaining months of the season.

This signing may not be the only one during the January transfer window as it has been reported that Dan Burn could return on loan following Fulham’s FA Cup replay with Norwich City and a less likely return of Lingard from Manchester United.

What are your thoughts on the two deals?

By Oliver Osborn (The Bluenose Bible)