Birmingham co-owner David Gold insists his team will be stronger next season despite the cutbacks having begun, now Blues are back in the Championship.

Major wage earner Mikael Forssell is leaving for Germany and midfielder Fabrice Muamba heading to Bolton in a £5m deal.

Olivier Kapo could draw a similar fee if he leaves to join Wigan, who are also being linked with Birmingham’s Daniel De Ridder.

And there must still be major doubts that the pick of the crop, James McFadden, will be staying after his agent Willie McKay so firmly stated that the striker wanted out.

Yet Gold says he is excited by some of the potential targets being mentioned to him.

“I’m full of optimism about the new season,” said Gold, who has repaired his enthusiasm after threatening to quit in the wake of abuse directed at him and his colleagues following relegation.

“Not only are we determined not to sell our best players, as we speak I already think the squad is better than the one that ended the season.

“We may have only signed Lee Carsley, but he’s a great signing for the division we are in.”