STEVE CLARIDGE has revealed how “merciless” Barry Fry begged to send a Birmingham star back to his former club – after just one game.
Journeyman forward Claridge, 57, played for over 25 clubs over his long and illustrious career.
He joined Birmingham in 1994 after impressing for Cambridge United.
The Blues were managed by the outspoken Fry, who would later become Peterborough United's chairman-manager.
Birmingham had been relegated to Division Two under Fry the previous season.
And Claridge arrived alongside a host of new faces, including 6-foot-7 striker Kevin Francis.
But in an early season away game, Francis put up a stinker – and Fry let rip in the dressing room.
Speaking to the UndrTheCosh podcast, Claridge said: “With Baz, if you weren't strong, you were done.
“[After the loss] he said to Francis ‘You are the f*cking worst signing, I have ever made.'
“Bearing in mind, we signed 54 players that season.”
Claridge continued: “We paid £800,000 for Kev. [Fry] was raging ‘Is there anything left on this transfer? What do we have to pay?'
“‘Give this f***er back. I can't have him here, he's the worst f***ing player I've ever seen.”
Claridge went on to reveal what he said to Francis when Fry's rant was finally over.
He laughed: “I told him ‘I think he quite likes you, mate! I've heard far worse'.”
Francis – who for a time was the tallest player in the EFL – found his shooting boots after Fry's meltdown.
The striker went on to net 21 goals in 94 games for the Blues, helping them win the Division Two title.
He would later go on to play for Hull City, Exeter and Stockport County.
Fry also helped Blues lift the Football League Trophy alongside promotion back to Division One, now the Championship.
The 79-year-old guided Birmingham to the semi-finals of the League Cup a year later, but was sacked after finishing 15th.
