David Sullivan is a notorious pessimist yet his bleak outlook on Birmingham's forthcoming Premiership fixture list appears justified.

The ramifications after Birmingham's humiliating 7-0 FA Cup defeat by Liverpool are still rumbling as disgruntled supporters are voicing their displeasure in increasing numbers.

A hastily-convened board meeting with Steve Bruce, the Blues manager, was held yesterday in the aftermath of their worst home defeat in Birmingham City's 100-years at St Andrew's.

The outcome may be only a stay of execution for Bruce.

Sullivan, ever the realist, said: "He [Bruce] is not going to be sacked this season. He won't be sacked for the forseeable future.

"It would be foolhardy to change managers now, absolute madness. Where would we get someone else from?"

Not exactly a vote of confidence; more an acknowledgement of the cost - financial and in terms of morale - to the club were it to terminate the manager's empolyment.

With three-and-a-half years left on his contract, Bruce would be an expensive dismissal with a figure of #4 million-plus being suggested.

It is easy to see why the board would stick by the manager for now.

Not so the fans.

Two supporters tried to approach Bruce during the game on Tuesday night aremed with with their torn-up season tickets, but were intercepted by stewards before they reached Birmingham's dugout.

Once again, Birmingham's co-owner has offered the beleaguered Bruce his backing, before describing Tuesday night's lamentable defeat against Liverpool as "the worst defeat in the 13 years I have been here."

Defeat against the champions of Europe was no surprise given the team Bruce cobbled together - the result of an horrendous injury list. Yet the manner and size of the loss sent shockwaves reverberating throughout the boardroom.

Bruce is aware that any more such capitulations such could make his precarious position untenable.

The crippling injury list is a major factor in their decline, but not the sole reason for it. The Premiership is unforgiving and Birmingham must now face Manchester United and Chelsea on consecutive weekends.

Birmingham's co-owner expects no more than a damage limitation exercise from Blues next two fixtures and cited the clash with Bolton on April 4 as a red-letter day.

"It's not our job to say anything to the players, that's the manager's job," said Sullivan bluntly.

"They know it's not good and we just hope in the next few games we can get through it. You can't see it against Manchester United and Chelsea but then we've got Bolton and we will live and die on those last seven games.

"We've got to be up for it more and get some players back. There will be a major rethink if we do stay up [in the Premiership]. We need to get rid of players and there will be five or six new players coming in the summer.

"We were playing very well after Christmas but we need Chris Sutton back as soon as possible. He made an enormous difference when he arrived and maybe his fitness is the key to our survival. We need him."

Sullivan's backing of Sutton is admirable but appears to be unfounded judging by his recent goals record.

Whether he proves to be the catalyst for a revival remains to be seen, but on the evidence of his last three performances against Arsenal, West Ham and Sunderland it is unlikely.

Yet Sullivan is prepared to clutch at any straws after enduring 90 minutes of misery.

"We brought Chris in on monstrous wages - and he had an enormous impact.

"He's the second best player I've seen at this club behind Christophe Dugarry.

"He would make such a difference, he's strong, tough and a born leader - but unfortunately he's a week or two away from playing again."

But even Sullivan can't pin all his hopes on one player.

"This is very depressing and the worst defeat in the 13 years I've been here," bemoaned Sullivan.

"We've been very lucky against Liverpool over the years but this was poor. It was appalling and disappointing for the supporters. But nothing changes in terms of Steve's position.

"We've got nine games - nine cup finals - and the next two games are difficult.

"However, we hope for the remaining seven games that we can get some players back to produce better results.

"Nothing will happen [to Bruce] whatever happens after the games against Manchester United and Chelsea. "We've just go to make do. I've reassured Steve but he knows that he's okay. I spoke to him and he's as disappointed as anyone.

"It was one of those nights, we've got a lot of injuries but we've got to do better.

"It hurts. You must accept on paper Liverpool will beat you but not in that fashion. You could probably pick play-ers from an average League Two team and they will probably do better than that.

"It's a cup tie and you're 2-0 down after five minutes. Even then you're dreaming you can get back into it and then another one goes in.

"A couple of goals were poor but you can't just blame the goalkeeper, the whole team were poor."