Birmingham City: News For The 2024/25 Season – July 2024

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There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die. 

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here.

I was, like any Blue Nose, downhearted when  Blues were sadly relegated to League One but as soon as that heart ache was over I was looking forward to the new football season straight away, even more so now with the appointment of new manager Chris Davies

Giving everything that as happened to us over the recent years under the chinese ownership I think relegation wasn’t a bad thing.  We start the new season with a clean slate and it means we can get rid of the dead wood and rebuild stronger.  This is going to be an exciting season with exciting things happening on and off the pitch and they started as soon as last season ended. 

Together with Tom Wagner and co., our new manager and our players old and new, ALL Blues fans need to get 100% behind them and give it our all and all we ask is we get the same back in return.

Below you will mainly find news that relate to our owners, the staff and the first team squad going on off the pitch  For lots more news including the Women’s team and under 21’s team etc. click here. T

July 2024

Forward Lukas Jutkiewicz Announcement

Forward Lukas Jutkiewicz Announcement
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Forward Lukas Jutkiewicz announcement.

On the 1st of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Lukas Jutkiewicz agreeing to a new Blues contract.

The striker has agreed a one-year deal, keeping him at the Club until at least the summer of 2025.

Signed in readiness for pre-season, this will take his time at the Club into a ninth season after he initially joined on loan from Burnley in August 2016.

Across a magnificent 331 appearances, encompassing more than 20,000 minutes of football, he has found the net 67 times and thrice been the Men’s First Team’s top goalscorer.

This news has made me so happy because I love Jukey.  He is my favourite Blues player in this squad.  He has been a fantastic servant to the club and gives 100% every time he steps onto the pitch for us.

Thank you for staying Lukas.

Lukas Jutkiewicz’s Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 1st of July, 2024,  Birmingham City striker Lukas Jutkiewicz sat down with Blues T.V. to reveal his delight at signing a new contract at Birmingham City.

This is such a pleasing video to watch.

Watch the video here.

Alex Pritchard Leaving Blues Announcement

Alex Pritchard Leaving Blues Announcement
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Alex Pritchard leaving Blues announcement.

On the 1st of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Alex Pritchard leaving Blues to go to Super Lig side Sivasspor. 

After joining from Sunderland the 32-year-old, who arrived at St. Andrew’s during the second-half of the 2023/24 season, made nine appearances for Birmingham City, recording one assist.

We didn’t get to see his possible potential because he was injury-prone, however, like any other Blues player, I thank him for his time here and wish him good luck in the future.

Forward Alfie May Announcement

Forward Alfie May Announcement
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Forward Alfie May announcement.

On the 2nd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Alfie May becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s third signing.

The 30-year-old striker joins from Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a three-year contract at Birmingham City, subject to league and F.A. clearance.

Last season, he found the net 27 times in all competitions and won the Sky Bet League One Golden Boot, as well as the Addicks’ Player of the Season Award.

It was also the third successive term that the frontman had breached the 20-goal barrier at this level, having previously averaged a goal every two games for Cheltenham Town following their promotion from the fourth tier.

May’s C.V. and goal-scoring record are very impressive.

Welcome to Birmingham City Alfie.

Read more about him here.

Alfie May’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City striker Alfie May sat down with Blues T.V. to reveal all the details about his move from Charlton Athletic.

Watch the video here.

Birmingham City’s First-Year Pro Signings Announcement

Birmingham City's First Year Pro Signings Announcement
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Birmingham City’s First-Year Pro Signings Announcement. 

On the 2nd of July, 2024 Birmingham City made an announcement about 13 first-year professionals signing for the club.

Each player has agreed terms with the Club following the completion of their two-year scholarship, during which they competed in the Professional Development League, Professional Development League Cup and FA Youth Cup.

Their efforts in winning the North Division earned the entire second-year cohort a pro deal, with this unprecedented achievement backed up by victory in the National Final over Charlton Athletic in May 2024.

Taylor Dodd, O’Shea Ellis, Daniel Isichei, Will O’Sullivan, Stoyan Pergelov, Alvaro Ruiz Rente, Oliver Sayer and Zach Willis have signed one year, with a year option, with Cameron Eubank signing a one-year contract.

Godfred Boakye, Menzi Mazwi, Frank Tattum and Ben Wodskou have agreed to two-year contracts, with a year option.

Taylor Dodd
Taylor Dodd
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Taylor Dodd.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City central defender Taylor Dodd sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here.

O’Shea Ellis
O'Shea Ellis
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O’Shea Ellis.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City midfielder O’Shea Ellis sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here.

Daniel Isichei
Daniel Isichei
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Daniel Isichei.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City winger Daniel Isichei sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City. 

Watch the video here

Will O’Sullivan
Will O'Sullivan
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Will O’Sullivan.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City goalkeeper Will O’Sullivan sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City. 

Watch the video here

Stoyan Pergelov
Stoyan Pergelov
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Stoyan Pergelov.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City’s Stoyan Pergelov sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Alvaro Ruiz Rente
Alvaro Ruiz Rente
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Alvaro Ruiz Rente.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City winger Alvaro Ruiz Rente sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Oliver Sayer
Oliver Sayer
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Oliver Sayer.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City goalkeeper Oliver Sayer sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Zach Willis  
Zach Willis
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Zach Willis.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City defender Zach Willis sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City. 

Watch the video here

Cameron Eubank
Cameron Eubank
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Cameron Eubank.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City midfielder Cameron Eubank sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City. 

Watch the video here

Godfred Boakye
Godfred Boakye
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Godfred Boakye.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City defender Godfred Boakye sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Menzi Mazwi
Menzi Mazwi
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Menzi Mazwi.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City midfielder Menzi Mazwi sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Frank Tattum
Frank Tattum
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Frank Tattum.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City striker Frank Tattum sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City.

Watch the video here

Ben Wodskou
Ben Wodskou
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Ben Wodskou.

On the 3rd of July, 2024,  Birmingham City forward Ben Wodskou sat down with Blues T.V. to speak about signing his first professional contract at Birmingham City. 

Watch the video here

Nathan Gardiner Joins Blues Announcement

Nathan Gardiner Joins Blues Announcement
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Nathan Gardiner joins Blues Announcement.

On the 4th of July, 2024 Birmingham City made an announcement about the appointment of Nathan Gardiner as Men’s First Team Assistant Coach.

The 47-year-old is the second appointment to Chris Davies’ First Team staff, following the arrival of Ben Petty as Men’s Assistant Manager last month. 

Gardiner has spent most of his professional life with Tottenham Hotspur but has also held roles at Fulham and Charlton Athletic. 

Having joined Spurs in 2006 as a Fitness Coach, he rose through the ranks to take up the position of Head of Sports Science, Fitness and Conditioning during his 14-year spell in North London. 

He switched to Fulham in October 2020, embarking on a new challenge as First Team Coach, linking up with former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker. 

Known to possess varied skillset, the versatile Gardiner holds a Sport Science and Physiotherapy degree, attending Loughborough University and Kings College for his academic studies.

Holder of the U.E.F.A. A licence, he rejoined Spurs in March to later form part of Ange Postecoglou’s backroom staff, occupying the position of Head of Sports Science. 

Men’s First Team Manager, Chris Davies, said, “Nathan has extensive experience in fitness and conditioning, having worked at the top level of English football for the last 18 years, 14 of which were at Spurs where I worked with him”.

Welcome to Birmingham City Nathan.

Romelle Donovan Details His Footballing Journey And Lofty Ambitions

Romelle Donovan Details His Footballing Journey And Lofty Ambitions
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Romelle Donovan details his footballing journey and lofty ambitions. 

On the 5th of July, 2024, the 17-year-old spoke about his England call-up and Blues journey. 

Donavan’s first exposure to the First Team at Birmingham City was in the 2023/24 season, having also played a starring role for the Under-21s in their run to the Professional Development League National Final.

Donovan made his senior debut against Hull City during last October’s Sky Bet Championship meeting at St. Andrew’s, before making nine further appearances in senior football.

He also signed his first professional contract in November 2023, just months after starting his scholarship, which will keep him at the Club until June 2026.

Watch the video here.

Midfielder Emil Hansson Announcement

Midfielder Emil Hansson Announcement
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Midfielder Emil Hansson Announcement. 

On the 5th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Emil Hansson becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s fourth signing.

The 26-year-old winger joins from Heracles Almelo for an undisclosed fee, subject to league, F.A. and international clearance and a visa, and has agreed terms on a three-year contract.

He has spent a large portion of his professional career, including the last four years, playing in the Netherlands and has made 90 Eredivisie appearances.

24 top-flight outings in 2023/24 yielded five goals and six assists, his second full season at Heracles.

He seems a decent player.

Welcome to Birmingham City Emil.

Read more about him here.

Emil Hannson’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 5th of July, 2024, Birmingham City winger Emil Hansson, sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his move from Heracles Almelo and explained why the prospect of playing English football excites him so much.

Watch the video here.

Mike Scott Joins Blues Academy Announcement

Mike Scott Joins Blues Academy Announcement
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Mike Scott joins Blues announcement. 

On the 9th of July, 2024 Birmingham City made an announcement about the appointment of Mike Scott as Birmingham City’s Head of Coaching.

The 46-year-old, who worked as a coach in the Academy at the turn of the Millennium, will be based at Knighthead Performance Centre and has direct lines of communication with Men’s First Team Assistant Manager, Ben Petty, and Under-21’s Head Coach, Steve Spooner, ensuring the continuation of a clear pathway from youth and development football into the senior game.

His holistic remit, coordinating with Academy Technical Director, Mike Rigg, Academy Manager (Football) Liam Daish, and Academy Manager (Operations), Louisa Collis, sees him responsible for supporting staff and players as the organisation works towards Category 1 status.

Scott most recently held the same position at West Midlands counterparts Wolverhampton Wanderers and previously Derby County where he was responsible for fulfilling all E.P.P.P. requirements.  He has also worked across the city as Lead Youth Development Coach.

Between 2008 and 2019, he fulfilled several roles at West Bromwich Albion, notably as Under-18;s Manager and Lead Professional Development Phase Coach when Baggies secured and maintained Category 1 status.

Welcome to Birmingham City Mike.

On the 9th of July, 2024, Birmingham City’s new Head of Coaching, Mike Scott, sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his appointment and give an insight into what his job will entail, talking through at length the continuation of a clear pathway from youth and development football into the senior game.

Watch the video here.

On the 11th of July, 2024, Birmingham City’s Men’s First Team Assistant Manager, Ben Petty, spoke to Blues T.V. for the first time since joining the Club in June. 

Watch the video here.

Midfielder Krystian Bielik Announcement

Midfielder Krystian Bielik Announcement.
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Midfielder Krystian Bielik announcement. 

On the 12th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Krystian Bielik agreeing to a new Blues contract.

The Poland international has agreed fresh terms, keeping him at the Club until at least June 2027.

To date, he has made 86 appearances for Birmingham City, proving well-equipped to perform in either midfield or defence and in a variety of tactical systems.

This is great news.

Thank you for staying Krystian.

Defender Alex Cochrane Announcement

Defender Alex Cochrane Announcement
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Defender Alex Cochrane Announcement. 

On the 16th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Alex Cochrane becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s fifth signing.

The 24-year-old defender joins from Heart of Midlothian for an undisclosed fee subject to league, F.A. and international clearance, and has agreed terms on a four-year contract.

Over the last three seasons north of the border, he has made 96 top-flight appearances and in 2022, was part of the team that reached the Scottish Cup Final.  Notably, 2023/24 saw him play in 30 consecutive league matches as Hearts finished third and qualified for the U.E.F.A. Europa League.

He seems a decent player.

Welcome to Birmingham City Alex.

Read more about him here.

Alex Cochrane’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 16th of July, 2024, Birmingham City left-back, Alex Cochrane, sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his move from Heart of Midlothian.

Watch the video here.

Midfielder Willum Thor Willumsson Announcement

Midfielder Willum Thor Willumsson Announcement
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Midfielder Willum Thor Willumsson  Announcement. 

On the 19th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Willum Thor Willumsson becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s sixth signing.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder joins from Go Ahead Eagles for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a four-year contract at Birmingham City, subject to league, F.A. and international clearance.

Last season, the Iceland international played a vital part in his club’s top-10 finish in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, defying all expectations to qualify for the U.E.F.A. Conference League.

Willumsson racked up 62 appearances for Go Ahead across two campaigns, contributing to 21 goals from midfield and scarcely missing a game.

He seems a decent player.

Welcome to Birmingham City Willum.

Read more about him here.

Willum Thor Willumsson’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 19th of July, 2024, Willum Willumsson, sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his move from Go Ahead Eagles and explain why he wanted to join Chris Davies’ Birmingham City.

Watch the video here.

Defender Christoph Klarer Announcement

Defender Christoph Klarer Announcement
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Defender Christoph Klarer Announcement.  

On the 20th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Christoph Klarer becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s seventh signing. 

The 24-year-old defender joins from Darmstadt 98 for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a three-year contract at Birmingham City, subject to league, F.A. and international clearance.

During his single season with Die Lilien, after joining from 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf, he missed just four top-flight matches and scored two goals, one of which came in a win away to Koln in April.

This was the third successive campaign the Austrian had made more than 30 or more appearances in German football.

He seems a decent player.

Welcome to Birmingham City Christoph.

Read more about him here.

Christoph Klarer’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 20th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City’s newest recruit, Christoph Klarer, revealed why St. Andrew’s was the perfect place for him at this stage of his career.

Watch the video here.

On the 24th of July, 2024, Blues T.V. spoke to Birmingham City’s Owner and Chairman, Tom Wagner and Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook to discuss a range of topics, including…   

The last 12 months.

Stadium upgrades and improvements.

Improvement to both the Men’s and Women’s playing squads.

Record season ticket sales.

Working towards Category One status in the Academy.

Watch the video here

Trevor Francis Statue Announcement

Trevor Francis Statue Announcement
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Trevor Francis statue anouncement.

On the 24th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about the commission of a Trevor Francis statue by  Douglas Jennings M.R.B.S., a globally acclaimed portrait sculptor.

The iconic statue will be situated in front of the Kop Stand, with the unveiling ceremony scheduled to take place prior to the start of the 2025/26 season.

The Trevor Francis Memorial Committee, consisting of his lifelong friends Jasper Carrott, John White and Tom Ross and Club representatives Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, Chief Fan Experience Officer, John Clarke, and Executive Vice Chairman Birmingham City Foundation, Jeremy Dale, undertook an extensive evaluation of potential sculptors to work with.

Jennings was the unanimous choice.  This was based on his impressive body of work, experience in producing art works for public figures in the world of sport and his passion for the Trevor Francis project.  His creations can be seen worldwide from The Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace to high-profile public commissions, including the recently revealed Walter Smith O.B.E. statue at Ibrox Stadium.

Francis’ death, at 69-years-old, came as a huge shock to the global footballing community.  Blues set aside space outside St. Andrew’s where supporters could pay their respects and leave tributes.  It was moving and poignant how many people flocked to the area to lay wreaths, cards, scarves, hand-written letters and pictures. A Book of Condolence was opened at the Library of Birmingham, as the outpouring of grief at Francis’ passing, and love for him, was clear to see.

In April 2024, the Club revealed that initiatives were being planned to ensure Francis’ memory and legacy would live on.  Under the guidance of the Trevor Francis Memorial Committee, the Club announced four initiatives:

To commission a statue that would be available for football supporters from around the world to visit and to enjoy.

An annual Trevor Francis Memorial Match, hosted at St. Andrew’s featuring Blues and clubs that Francis had played for and had connections with, starting with Glasgow Rangers on July 24, 2024.

A Memorial Concert in 2025, organised by Jasper Carrott.

A community inspired annual Birmingham City Foundation football competition.

Birmingham City Chief Executive, Garry Cook, said, “Birmingham City Football Club delivered one of the countries greats and his accolades went beyond our city.  Trevor Francis was and will always be an inspiration to young footballers, setting Club records, scoring the winning goal in a European Cup Final and representing his country with immense pride.  A commitment was made by the Club’s Board to ensure that Blues would never forget him.  Douglas Jennings is part of the process to ensure we deliver on this commitment.  Doug is an inspirational, creative genius.  From our first meeting, he demonstrated his understanding of what we are looking to achieve and why.  Douglas’s body of work, including the statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate our longest reigning monarch situated on the banks of the River Thames, is amazing.  It has been inspirational spending time in his company, learning about his creative process and his ideas for Trevor’s statue.  He is going to create memorable object of art befitting of ‘Super Boy’, one that Blues supporters, and football fans from across the globe are going to want to see in person.”

Douglas Jennings said, “I felt honoured when I received the call to work on this project. Trevor Francis is iconic, one of our greatest English footballers. I appreciate what he means to so many people and in particular Birmingham City Football Club.  This bronze statue will be a fitting tribute to a great man.”

Francis, a teenage sensation who scored all four goals in a victory over Bolton Wanderers as a 16-year-old, made 330 appearances for the Club, finding the net 113 times, before transferring to Nottingham Forest as Britain’s first £1 million footballer.  He later returned to Birmingham City as Manager between 1996 and 2001, leading the Club to the Worthington Cup Final as a Second Division side.

Read more about Francis here.

Read more about Jennings here.

Blues Beat Rangers In The Trevor Francis Memorial Match

Trevor Francis In His Birmingham City And Rangers Tops
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Trevor Francis in his Birmingham City and Rangers tops.

On the 24th of July, 2024, Birmingham City beat Rangers in the Trevor Francis Memorial Match.

Two first-half goals were enough to give Chris Davies’ side victory at St. Andrew’s.

Click here for more information. 

Midfielder Marc Leonard Announcement

Marc Leonard Announcement
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Midfielder Marc Leonard Announcement.  

On the 25th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Marc Leonard becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s eighth signing. 

The 22-year-old midfielder joins from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a four-year contract at Birmingham City, subject to league and F.A. clearance.

Origins of the Glaswegian’s football career can be traced back to Rangers, Wednesday night’s visitors in the inaugural Trevor Francis memorial match, and to date, he has represented Scotland up to Under-21’s level.

Most recently, he has spent the past couple of seasons on loan at Northampton town, missing just one league match, and in the first of these campaigns helped the Cobblers secure promotion from Sky Bet League Two.

He seems a decent player.

Welcome to Birmingham City Marc.

Read more about him here

Marc Leonard’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 25th of July, 2024,  Birmingham City’s brand new signing, Marc Leonard, sits down with Blues T.V. to discuss why this was the Club for him, given the demand for his signature. 

Watch the video here

Blues New Away Kit Revealed For The 2024/25 Season 

Birmingham City's 24/25 Season Away Top - Front
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Birmingham City’s 24/25 Season Away Top.

On the 25th of July, 2024 Blues revealed their 2024/25 Away Kit. 

Supporters can purchase the Club’s latest colours (which will be worn by the Men’s, Women’s, Development and Academy teams) online or by visiting the temporary Blues Store on the Kop Car Park. 

Following the release of Birmingham City’s new Home Kit, Nike, the world’s leading footwear and apparel company, and the Club’s official kit supplier, has produced another bespoke design featuring a premium white jersey, with a sequoia collar and sleeve trim, paired with sequoia shorts and white socks carrying the Nike Swoosh. 

These components and the socks each house a Nike Swoosh and feature Nike’s Dri-FIT technology.  

The shirt, featuring Nike Dri-FIT technology, also houses the iconic five-strike logo of the Club’s Principal Partner and sponsor UNDEFEATED.

Opening its first chapter store on the West Coast of the United States more than 20 years ago, UNDEFEATED has made its reputation as a worldwide name in sportswear through collaborations with a range of prestigious brands across various adjacent industries. 

Adults Away Kit Prices:

Top: £60.

Shorts: £27.

Socks: £15.

Junior Away Kit Prices:

Junior Top: £45.

Junior Shorts: £22.

Socks: £15.

Infant/Kids Full Away Kit Prices:

Infant Kit: £50.

Kids Full Kit: £55.

Watch the reveal video here.

Click here to see all Birmingham City Kits for the 2024/25 Season. 

Jutkiewicz in Blues New Away Top For The 2024/2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Jutkiewicz in Blues new Away top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Hall In Blues New Away Top For The 2024/2025 Season
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Hall in Blues new Away top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Bielik In Blues New Away Kit For The 2024/2025 Season
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Bielik in Blues new Away top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Blues New Away Top For The 2024/2025 Season
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Blues New Away Top For The 2024-2025 Season
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Blues New Away Top For The 2024/2025 Season
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Blues new Away top for the 2024/2025 Season.

All Other News For The 2024/5 Season

KEEP RIGHT ON. 

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Notes And Links

The Birmingham City club logo shown at the top of this page and other photos is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and comes from their social media pages and website as does the information given as shown. 

Any subsequent information is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change. 

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

Birmingham City: News For The 2024/25 Season – June 2024

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die. 

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here.

I was, like any Blue Nose, downhearted when  Blues were sadly relegated to League One but as soon as that heart ache was over I was looking forward to the new football season straight away, even more so now with the appointment of new manager Chris Davies

Giving everything that as happened to us over the recent years under the chinese ownership I think relegation wasn’t a bad thing.  We start the new season with a clean slate and it means we can get rid of the dead wood and rebuild stronger.  This is going to be an exciting season with exciting things happening on and off the pitch and they started as soon as last season ended. 

Together with Tom Wagner and co., our new manager and our players old and new, ALL Blues fans need to get 100% behind them and give it our all and all we ask is we get the same back in return.

Below you will mainly find news that relate to our owners, the staff and the first team squad going on off the pitch  For lots more news including the Women’s team and under 21’s team etc. click here. T

June 2024

Mark Venus’ Departure From Blues Announcement

Mark Venus Departs Blues Announcement
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Mark Venus’ departure announcement.

On the 4th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about the departure of the Men’s First Team Assistant Manager, Mark Venus.  

I thank him for his time here and wish him good luck for the future.

New Manager Chris Davies Announcement

New Manager Chris Davies Announcement
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New manager Chris Davies announcement.

On the 6th of June, 2024 Blues made an announcement regarding the appointment of new First Team Manager Chris Davies.

Davies signed a four-year contract and joined Blues from Tottenham Hotspur. He brings more than 15 years of coaching experience working at a number of leading Premier League teams, including Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea City, and Celtic in Scotland, operating alongside leading managers such as Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. 

Welcome to Birmingham City Chris.

You can read more about him here and what I had to say about him here.

Confirmation Of 2024/25 Season Tickets

2024-25 Season Tickets Conformation
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On the 7th of June, 2024 Blues confirmed the details for season tickets for the 2024/25 season.

The 2024/25 season promises to be the year when Blues begin the journey back to the highest levels of competitive football.

Competitive prices for League One.

The Club are offering Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to watch Blues in action from £12.80 per match.  Season Ticket Holders in the Gil Merrick, Tilton, Main Stand and Kop will all benefit from close to 50% of seats being offered at the same or reduced price compared to 2023/24 season.

This includes:

Tilton Lower Safe Standing for £395 (£17.17 per game).  This price is frozen compared to last season.

Tilton Upper Corner for £385 (£16.74 per game).  There is a 5.1% reduction in this price compared to last season.

Kop Lower for £425 (£18.47 per game).  Their is a 2.3% reduction in this price compared to last season.

Gil Merrick at £435 (£18.91 per game).  This price is frozen compared to last season.

Main Stand Centre at £455 (£19.78 per game).  There is a 1.1% reduction in this price compared to last season.

There is a price increase for the best seats. This includes:

Main Stand Lower (Close to the dugout) at £315 (£13.70 per game).  There is a 5% price increase compared to last season.

Upper Tilton at £405 (£17.60 per game).  There is a 2.5% price increase compared to last season.

Kop Upper at £475 (£20.65 per game).  There is a 4.75% increase compared to last season.

Season Ticket Key Dates.

The 2024/25 Renewal and Early Bird Window Opens on Thursday the 13th of June, 2024 at 10 a.m. 

The Fixture Release Day will be on Wednesday the 26th of June, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

The 2024/25 Renewal and Early Bird Window Ends end on Thursday the 11th of July at 5 p.m. 

The 2024/25 Season Ticket Standard Window Opens on Friday the 12th of July, 2024 at 10 a.m. 

A Memorial Match For Trevor Francis Announcement

Trevor Francis Memorial Match Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Trevor Francis Memorial Match announcement. 

On the 10th of June, 2024, there was a club announcement giving details for the inaugural Trevor Francis Memorial Match, the next step in preserving his legacy as the Club’s greatest-ever player.

Blues have invited one of his former sides to mark the first anniversary of his passing as 55-time Scottish champions Rangers will visit St. Andrew’s on Wednesday the 24th of July, kick-off at 7.30pm.

This surely will be an entertaining match and a well deserved memorial for the Blues/Rangers legend. 

See my tribute to Francis here and read more about him here.

Chris Davies’ First Day At Blues

Chris Davies
Image © of B.C.F.C.
New Blues manager Chris Davies arriving at the Birmingham City Elite Performance and Innovation Centre for the first time. 
Following his appointment on the 6th of June, 2024, Blues new manager reported to the Birmingham City Elite Performance and Innovation Centre on the 10th of June, 2024, meeting staff at the Club’s Henley-in-Arden base and exploring the site alongside Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, Men’s Technical Director, Craig Gardner, and Academy Technical Director, Mike Rigg.


Then, after
completing a series of media commitments, Davies travelled to St. Andrew’s where he was introduced to several of the departments, as well as dropping in on the Official Supporters’ Club catchup and hearing from Stadium Tour Guide, Malcolm McHenry.

Chris Davies, Garry Cook And Mike Rigg
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies with Garry Cook (right) and Mike Rigg (left).

Chris Davies And Craig Gardner
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies with Craig Gardner. 

Chris Davies And Garry Cook
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies with Garry Cook. 

Chris Davies And Malcolm McHenry
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies with Malcolm McHenry.

Chris Davies And Jasper Carrott
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies with Jasper Carrott.

You can see more photos from the day here

Chris Davies’ First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 10th of June, 2024, new Blues manager Chris Davies spoke to Blues T.V. for the first time.

This is a great interview.  He is great to listen to, clear, articulate and knows what he is talking about, like Tom Wagner, and he is going to fit in nicely with Wagner’s project.

Watch the video here.

On the 10th of June, 2024 Davies took a closer look at the Elite Performance and Innovation Centre, as well as St. Andrew’s.  

Watch the video here.

Birmingham City’s Official App 

Birmingham City Official App
Image © of B.C.F.C.

On Monday the 10th of June, 2024 the club unveiled their  brand-new Birmingham City Official App (Beta version).  This is the supporters’ ultimate companion for all things Blues.

The new Blues app transforms the way supporters can engage with the Club, bringing them closer to the action than ever before, offering an array of features to keep them connected with all the information around St. Andrew’s. The Beta version of the App is now available to download on iOS and Android.

New features include:

Single Sign On: One login for all Club accounts.

Interactive Club fixtures, results and calendar for all teams across the Club.

Personalised supporter content and push notification updates.

Revamped news and video section.

Interactive Official Supporters Club Map.

App exclusive content: Wallpapers, quizzes, never-before-seen video content.

Immersive in-game match centre with instant live score updates.

Improved player profile area now including Women’s and Academy.

All-new Blues Legends section.

Customisable favourite player area.

Brand new Blues’ Stories: Keep to date with all the latest action around the Club.

More features, perks, and content will be released within the app over the coming weeks and months.

Personalise app experience.

For the very best app experience, supporters are encouraged to sign-in and customise their experience by completing profiles, selecting their favourite player as well as enabling push notifications and location services.  Supporters can enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, including player interviews, training sessions, and press conferences. Stay ahead of the game with breaking news, transfer updates, and official announcements delivered straight to their device.

How to download.

The iOS download is available by clicking here.

The Android download is available by clicking here.

Please note: Supporters who already have the club app, the new app will automatically refresh on your device.

Birmingham City Official App Update 1.02

Birmingham City Official App Update 1.02
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Following the release of the new Official Birmingham City App the Club have provided an update on the 11th of June, 2024.

All supporters are required to create an account on the new Beta App using their existing email address.  In the next phase this will automatically link with supporters Ticketmaster account.

Follow the steps below to create an account:

Download the Official Birmingham City App.

The iOS download is available by clicking here.

The Android download is available by clicking here.

Click on “Join the Club.”

Supporters are encouraged to create an account in order to personalise user experience and enjoy all the new features within the App.

Enter your details.

Create an account using existing ticketing email address.

Supporters existing account will then be automatically linked to the profile.  Within the next phase single sign-on across all areas of the Club will be enabled.

Please note due to the App being in Beta testing this functionality isn’t currently live.  The Club will provide an update to supporters once live.  Creating an account with current email address will not impact supporters history.

There will be continual development on the App throughout the summer, with the Club providing regular updates to keep supporters informed.

More information regarding the new features available on App is available here.

Pete Shuttleworth Leaving Blues Announcement

Pete Shuttleworth Leaves Blues Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Pete Shuttlewoth leaving Blues announcement.

On the 12th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about the Men’s First Team Coach, Pete Shuttleworth leaving Blues.  

I thank him for his time here and wish him good luck for the future.

2024/25 Pre-Season Fixtures

2024-25 Pre-Season Fixtures
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Click here to see all the 2024/25 pre-season games.

Blues New Home Kit Revealed For The 2024/25 Season 

Birmingham City's 24/25 Season Home Top - Front
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Birmingham City’s 24/25 Season Home Top.

On the 13th of June, 2024 Blues revealed their 2024/25 Home Kit. It will be on sale exclusively from the temporary Blues Store from then at 10 a.m.

Supporters can only get hold of the latest collaboration between Nike and Birmingham City by visiting the retail store on the Kop Car Park, with this available online next week.

This bespoke design, the first of the Club’s newly extended partnership with Nike, the world’s leading footwear and apparel company uses Birmingham City’s royal blue pantone and features K.R.O. detailing inside the neckline.

The high-performance shirt, comprising of Nike Dri-FIT technology which is a nod to the Blues home top worn between 1986 and 1988, features a woven execution of Birmingham City’s iconic globe and ball crest, with an embroidered outline, and a Nike Swoosh across the chest’s upper panel.

Below is a white centre providing a strong and authentic look, with this colour repeated throughout the shorts, which are complemented by royal blue socks.  The Women’s team will wear royal blue shorts.

It also houses the iconic five-strike logo of UNDEFEATED (the Club’s Principal Partner and sponsor).  Opening their first chapter store on the West Coast of the United States more than 20 years ago, UNDEFEATED has made its reputation as a worldwide name in sportswear through collaborations with a range of prestigious brands across various adjacent industries.

The clubs new 2024/25 training range will also be stocked in the Blues Store.

Adults Home Kit Prices:

Top: £60.

Shorts: £27.

Socks: £15.

Junior Home Kit Prices:

Junior Top: £45.

Junior Shorts: £22.

Socks: £15.

Infant/Kids Full Home Kit Prices:

Infant Kit: £50.

Kids Full Kit: £55.

Watch the reveal video here.

Click here to see all Birmingham City Kits for the 2024/25 Season.

Bielik In Blues New Home Kit For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Bielik in Blues new Home top for the 2024-2025 Season. 

Bielik In Blues New Home Kit For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Bielik in Blues new Home kit for the 2024-2025 Season.

Buchanan In Blues New Home Top For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Buchanan in Blues new Home top for the 2024-2025 Season.

Hall In Blues New Home Top For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Hall in Blues new Home top for the 2024-2025 Season.

Seung-Ho In Blues New Home Kit For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Donovan in Blues new Home top for the 2024-2025 Season.

Donovan In Blues New Home Kit For The 2024-25 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Donovan in Blues new Home kit for the 2024-2025 Season.

Myoshi In Blues New Home Top For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Miyoshi in Blues new Home top for the 2024-2025 Season.

Blues New Home Top For The 2024-25 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.
Blues New Home Top For The 2024-2025 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Blues new Home top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Chris Davies Holding The Blues New Home Top For The 2024-25 Season
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies holding the new Blues Home top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Birmingham City's 24/25 Season Goalkeeper Top - Front
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Blues new Goalkeeper top for the 2024/2025 Season.

Getting To Know Chris Davies

On the 14th of June, 2024, new Blues manager Chris Davies spoke to Blues T.V. about the following:

His own playing career.

His coaching experiences to date.

Working under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. 

His planned approach to management.

The importance of the fans.

His matchday fit plans.

This is another great interview with Davies.  After listening to this it is plain to see that things are on the up at Birmingham City, and about time to. 

Watch the video here.

Record First-Day Season Ticket Sales Announcement

Record First-Day Season Ticket Sales Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Record first-day season ticket sales announcement.

On the 14th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about record sales of season tickets for the 2024/25 season.

Close to 4,000 were sold on the day before between 10 a.m. and midnight.  That is an amazing number.  But the stat that will make everyone associated with the Club truly excited is that 52% of Season Ticket purchases were made by supporters who bought for the first time or who are coming back to Blues after taking a few years away from the Club.  New Season Ticket holders who want to be part of the journey. 

A fair few fans wasn’t happy when these details when they were released regarding the increase in prices and the fact many long time season ticket holders had to relocate to parts of the ground that have been reduced or prices have stayed the same compared to last season (which is a good thing).  They had to move for corporate reasons and I can undertand their frustrations but they have to realise that if they want success their will be a price to pay.

I am not saying I agree with any of this and with the cost of living it is hard enough as it is without paying more to go and watch the Blues.  However, football is a business and Tom Wagner is in this to make money for Knighthead and the club.   Yes it is frustrating to pay more considering we are in League One but you have to take into account what  Knighthead have spent buying and improving Birmingham City in just over a year since they arrived.  They need to make back that money and more to improve things on the pitch as well as off it.

Do we really want to have stayed under the Chinese ownership and watch them ruin us completely whilst paying cheaper prices for a cheaply ran club? Of course not! Fans can’t want to play in the Premiership again one day and except to pay League One prices.  They can’t have it both ways.

More people buying season tickets means it will be harder to get tickets for games at St. Andrews but am I annoyed with that? NO! Of course I want to go to at least a few home games this season and watch the rebirth of this club in action because nothing can beat the experience of being there in person.  The atmosphere of seeing the Blues live is second to none to any football team. I love Blues with a passion but if I can’t go, I can’t.  I want them to get better and better and get back to the Premiership a.s.ap. (just like anyone else) and that to me is what matters the most.

R.I.P. Matija Sarkic: 1997 – 2024

R.I.P. Matija Sarkic: 1997-2024
Image © of B.C.F.C.

R.I.P. Matija Sarkic: 1997 – 2024

Birmingham City Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Matija Sarkic on the 15th of June, 2024, as are all Birmingham City fans.  He was only 26 years old.

The Montenegrin goalkeeper represented Blues during the 2021/22 season, joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He played 23 times for the Club, and despite the last of these appearances coming at the turn of the year, his performances and character earned him the Men’s Supporters’ Player of the Season Award.

You can read more about Sarkic’s career here.

He was great in his short time at Blues and it was always hoped he would come back to us.  This was a shock to find out about.  26 is no age to die, it is far too young.  Condolences go to all his family and friends.

R.I.P. Matija.

Men’s First Team Assistant Manager Ben Petty Announcement

Men’s First Team Assistant Manager Ben Petty Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Men’s First Team Assistant Manager Ben Petty announcement.

On the 17th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about the appointment of Ben Petty as Men’s First Team Assistant Manager.

The 47-year-old will join the staff of newly appointed Men’s First Team Manager, Chris Davies.

Most recently, Petty was Leicester City’s Under-21’s boss from 2022, having previously been the team’s Assistant Manager since 2016.

During this period, he worked closely with the now-Birmingham City Manager, enabling a smooth pathway from the Premier League 2 into the professional game for academy players.

He was cited as an influential figure in the development of several players who went on to make their First Team debut with the Foxes.

Davies thinks he is good enough for the job and that is good enough for me. 

Welcome to Birmingham City Ben.

Read more about him here.

Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop Announcement

Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop announcement.

On the 18th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Ryan Allsop becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s first signing.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper joins from Hull City for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a three-year contract at Birmingham City.

The experienced stopper makes the move to his boyhood side having made over 350 appearances during a career spanning more than a decade.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet, the six-foot-two-inch gloveman featured 38 times for the Tigers last term, averaging more touches and passes than any other ‘keeper in the Sky Bet Championship.

Allsop is a Blue Nose who has always wanted to play for Blues and now his wish is fulfilled. 

Welcome to Birmingham City Ryan.

Read more about him here.

Ryan Allsop’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 18th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City’s new goalkeeper,  Allsop sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his move to Birmingham City.

He joined Blues at the right time and I can see him having a bright future with us. 

Watch the video here.

Goalkeeper Brad Mayo Announcement

Goalkeeper Brad Mayo Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Goalkeeper Brad Mayo announcement.

On the 19th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Brad Mayo agreeing to a new Blues contract.

Mayo has agreed terms on a 2-year deal, keeping him at St. Andrew’s until June 2026.

This comes 12 months on from him signing his first professional deal, after the completion of his two-year scholarship, and follows an impressive campaign for the boyhood Blue Nose.

For the Under-21’s, he started 34 of their 40 matches in all competitions, recording nine clean sheets, as Steve Spooner’s side reached the Professional Development League National Final.

He was also named in five matchday squads for the Men’s First Team and trained regularly with the senior group during 2023/24.

I am glad you are stopping at Birmingham City Brad.

Brad Mayo’s Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 19th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City goalkeeper Brad Mayo sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his contract extension for Birmingham City.

Mayo is a quality young goalie.  It is great news he is staying with us. 

Watch the video here.

Birmingham City’s Fixtures For The 2024/25 Season 

Birmingham City's Fixtures For The 2024-25 Season Have Been Confirmed
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Birmingham City’s fixtures for the 2024/25 season have been confirmed.

The fixtures for Blues first season in English football’s third tier since 1994/95 have been confirmed.

Birmingham City will begin their  League One campaign on the weekend of Saturday the 10th of August, 2024, hosting Reading in a televised 5.30pm kick-off.

The regular league season, 46 rounds of matches, taking place across 36 weekends, six midweeks and four bank holidays, will conclude on the weekend of Saturday the 3rd of May, 2025, with Chris Davies’ team visiting Cambridge United.

Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup will begin in mid-August and the Group Stage of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, involving League One,  League Two and 16 invited Under-21’s Premier League teams, will start in early September.

You can see all of our league, cup and friendly fixtures, including results and goal scorers here.

Blues Will Play Charlton Athletic In Round One Of The League Cup

Blues Will Play Charlton Athletic In Round One Of The League Cup
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Blues will play Charlton Athletic in Round One of the League Cup.

Blues will visit Charlton Athletic in the first round of the League Cup at The Valley.

Chris Davies’ side were paired with their Sky Bet League One counterparts during the draw on Thursday the 27th of June, 2024, conducted by Frank Sinclair and Gary McAllister, which took place live on Sky Sports News.

You can see all of our league, cup and friendly fixtures, including results and goal scorers here.

Bristol Street Motors Trophy: Group Stage Draw Revealed 

Bristol Street Motors Trophy: Group Stage Draw Revealed
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Bristol Street Motors Trophy: Group Stage draw revealed. 

Blues have learnt their Bristol Street Motors Trophy Group Stage opponents.

Chris Davies’ side was confirmed in Group A of the Southern Section alongside fellow E.F.L. outfits Shrewsbury Town and Walsall before Fulham’s invited Under-21s team were added during the draw on Thursday the 27th of June, 2024.

Group Stage matches will commence in early September, with Blues to host the Saddlers and Fulham’s youngsters, and visit Shrewsbury.

You can see all of our league, cup and friendly fixtures, including results and goal scorers here

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell Announcement

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell Announcement
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell announcement.

On the 30th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City made an announcement about Bailey Peacock-Farrell becoming Blues Manager Chris Davies’s second signing.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper joins from Burnley, for an undisclosed fee and has agreed terms on a four-year contract at Birmingham City, subject to league and F.A. clearance.

He spent the most recent campaign on loan at Aarhus G.F., helping them to finish fifth in the Danish Superliga as he kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions.

During this period, he also earned seven international caps, taking his appearances up to 46 in Northern Ireland colours.

Peacock-Farrell’s credentials are good.

Welcome to Birmingham City Bailey.

Read more about him here.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s First Interview With Blues T.V.

On the 30th of June, 2024,  Birmingham City’s new goalkeeper,  Peacock-Farrell sat down with Blues T.V. to discuss his move to Birmingham City.

He joined Blues at the right time and I can see him having a bright future with us. 

Watch the video here.

All Other News For The 2024/5 Season

KEEP RIGHT ON. 

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City club logo shown at the top of this page and other photos is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and comes from their social media pages and website as does the information given as shown. 

Any subsequent information is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change. 

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

Birmingham City: Summer Transfers For The 2024/25 Season

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

The summer transfer market finished with Chris Davies adding  seventeen players to the Blues squad to strengthen us in all departments.  Thirteen of those are on a full contract and four are loan signings.  20 players left the club. 

Welcome to all of the lads joining  Birmingham City and good luck to all those that have left.

After last season Blues needed a good clear out and better players brought in.  We certainly got that.

This is going to be a very entertaining season ahead, which will HOPEFULLY end with us as champions or runners up, either way promotion is the number one priority and the class of the new players added to the first team mean we have a brilliant chance indeed.

Summer Transfers: 2024/25 Season 

Click on the links below to find out more about the players.

Click here to see our full first-team squad for the 2024/25 season.

Birmingham City's Summer Transfers
Image © Blues News KRO

Birmingham City’s Summer Transfers.

Players In

Goalkeepers

Ryan Allsop from Hull City.

Ryan Allsop
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ryan Allsop.

Read more about Allsop here.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Image © B.C.F.C.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Read more about Peacock-Farrell here.

Defenders 

Christoph Klarer from Darmstadt 1898.

Christoph Klarer
Image © B.C.F.C.

Christoph Klarer.

Read more about Klarer here.

Alex Cochrane from Hearts of Midlothian.

Alex Cochrane
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alex Cochrane.

Read more about Cochrane here.

Alfons Sampsted from F.C. Twente (On Loan).   

Image © B.C.F.C.

Alfons Sampsted.

Read more about Sampsted here.

Ben Davies from Rangers (On Loan)  

Ben Davies
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ben Davies.

Read more about Davies here

Midfielders 

Marc Leonard from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Marc Leonard
Image © B.C.F.C.

Marc Leonard.

Read more about Leonard here.

Willum Willumsson from Go Ahead Eagles.

Willum Thor Willumsson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Willum Willumsson.

Read more about Willumsson here.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman from Bristol City (On Loan)

Taylor Gardner-Hickman
Image © B.C.F.C.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman.

Read more about Gardner-Hickman here.

Tomoki Iwata from Celtic.

Tomoki Iwata
Image © B.C.F.C.

Tomoki Iwata.

Read more about Iwata here

Luke Harris from Fulham (On Loan)

Luke Harris
Image © B.C.F.C.

Read more about Harris here

Scott Wright from Rangers.

Scott Wright
Image © B.C.F.C.

Scott Wright.

Read more about Wright here.  

Forwards

Emil Hansson from Heracles Almelo.

Emil Hansson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Emil Hansson.

Read more about Hansson here

Alfie May from Charlton.

Alfie May
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alfie May. 

Read more about May here

Jay Stansfield from Fulham.

Jay Stansfield
Image © B.C.F.C.

Jay Stansfield.

Read more about Stansfield here

Ayumu Yokoyama from Sagan Tosu.

Ayumu Yokoyama
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ayumu Yokoyama.

Read more about Yokoyama here

Lyndon Dykes from Queens Park Rangers.

Lyndon Dykes
Image © B.C.F.C.

Lyndon Dykes.

Read more about Dykes here

Players Out

Here is a list of all the players out:

John Ruddy released and went to Newcastle United.

Neil Etheridge released and went to Buriram United.

Marc Roberts released and went to Barnsley.

Ivan Sunjic released and went to Pafos F.C.

Marcel Oakley released.

Gary Gardner released and went to Cambridge.

Tate Campbell released and went to Hereford.

Scott Hogan released.

Alex Pritchard went to Sivasspor.

Junior Dixon loaned out to Boreham Wood.

Ben Beresford loaned out to Kidderminster Harriers.

Jordan James went to Stade Rennais F.C.

Emmanuel Longelo loaned out to Cambridge United.

Tommy Fogarty loaned out to Dunfermline.

Juninho Bacuna  went to Al-Wehda.

Siriki Dembele went to Oxford United.

George Hall loaned out to Walsall Town.

Koji Miyoshi went to VfL Bochum.
 

Romelle Donovan loaned out to Burton Albion.

Tyler Roberts loaned out to Northampton Town.

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City Club logo shown at the top of this page and photos of our players is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and has come from Blues social media pages and website, as has some of the subsequent information via links. The new summer signings for the 2024/25 season image came from Blues News KRO via Facebook.  Anything else is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – This is their official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – This is their official YouTube page.

Blues Store Online – Birmingham City’s official club store online.

Blues News KRO on Facebook – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City: Our 2023/24 Season In Review

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.  I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

You can see all of my posts relating to our 2023/24 Season here.

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Birmingham City’s 2023/24 Season In Review

Birmingham City's 2023-24 Season In Review
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Birmingham City’s 2023/24 Season in Review.

Key Moments From The 2023/24 Season

The 2023/24 Review of the Year document was created to capture many of the key moments from the last 12 months and what a difference those 12 months have made. 

Upgrading Of St. Andrew's
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Upgrading of St. Andrew’s.

Club's First Ever Open House Events
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Club’s first-ever Open House events.

Relaunch Of The Club's Official Charity
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Relaunch of the club’s official charity. 

Biggest Men's Home Attendance In More Than Seven Years
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Biggest Men’s home attendance in more than seven years. 

Launch Of The Official Supporter's Clubs
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Launch of the official supporter’s clubs. 

Announcement For Plans Of A Sports Quarter In East Birmingham
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Announcement for plans of a sports quarter in East Birmingham. 

Under 18's Win The P.D.L. National Final
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Under 18’s win the P.D.L. National Final. 

New Bespoke Deal Agreed With Nike
Image © of B.C.F.C.

New bespoke deal agreed with Nike.

On Thursday the 13th of July 2023, Knighthead Capital Management L.L.C, through Shelby Companies Limited, took responsibility for all operations of the Club and it is important not to lose sight of the progress that has been made and the lessons learned.  It has been quite a year, on and off the pitch. 

Tom Wagner, Garry Cook et al. have done wonders for Blues since their arrival and have developed a bond between the club and fans that has sadly been missing since the takeover of Carson Yeung and Grandtop International Holdings Limited back in July, 2007.

Despite us being relegated to League One at the end of the 2023/24 season, there is a true sense of belief, hope and positiveness for the 2024/25 season that Blues fans have not felt for a LONG TIME. 

Now, AT LAST, we can look forward to the glory days of Premiership football with owners who care about Birmingham City and its supporters for once.  

You can check out the full 2023/24 review and download the document here.  It comes in P.D.F. format.  If you don’t have a P.D.F. reader you can download one from here

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City Club logo shown at the top of this page and photos of our players is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and has come from Blues social media pages and website.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – This is their official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – This is their official YouTube page.

Birmingham City: News For The 2024/25 Season

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die. 

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here.

I was, like any Blue Nose, downhearted when  Blues were sadly relegated to League One but as soon as that heart ache was over I was looking forward to the new football season straight away, even more so now with the appointment of new manager Chris Davies

Giving everything that as happened to us over the recent years under the chinese ownership I think relegation wasn’t a bad thing.  We start the new season with a clean slate and it means we can get rid of the dead wood and rebuild stronger.  This is going to be an exciting season with exciting things happening on and off the pitch and they started as soon as last season ended. 

Together with Tom Wagner and co., our new manager and our players old and new, ALL Blues fans need to get 100% behind them and give it our all and all we ask is we get the same back in return.

Below you will mainly find news that relate to our owners, the staff and the first team squad going on off the pitch  For lots more news including the Women’s team and under 21’s team etc. click here

I have put all of Birmingham City’s news in monthly categories to avoid overloading this page with too much content which will only make things slow for us all.  Just click on the month you wish to see.

June 2024

Click here to see news for June 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season.

July 2024

Click here to see news for July 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season.

August 2024

Click here to see news for August 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season and season.

September 2024

Click here to see news for September 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season and season.

October 2024

Click here to see news for October 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season and season.

November 2024

Click here to see news for November 2024 regarding Birmingham City’s pre-season and season.

KEEP RIGHT ON. 

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City club logo shown at the top of this page and other photos is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and comes from their social media pages and website as does the information given as shown. 

Any subsequent information is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change. 

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

Birmingham City: Welcome To New Manager Chris Davies

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

The following article is all about Birmingham City’s new manager Chris Davies who was announced by the club on the 6th of June, 2024.  My initial reaction like a lot of Blues fans was WHO? However, after reading his profile on Birmingham City’s website there is no doubt his C.V. is impressive as you will see.

Chris Davies
Image © of B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies.

Who Is Chris Davies?

Chris Davies was born on Wednesday the 27th of March, 1985 in Watford but qualified to play for Wales through his father who, alongside his duties as Reading’s youth team captain, he represented at Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s.  However, 20 years ago, he was stopped in his tracks by an arthritic condition in his foot and his professional playing career was aborted. 

Non-league outings with Farnborough and part-time work briefly tided him over before conversations of encouragement from his former manager in Berkshire, Brendan Rodgers, and an erstwhile Royals teammate gave him a fresh focus i.e. coaching and studying.  Aided by P.F.A. funding, he studied at Loughborough University achieving first-class honours in Sports Science, having concurrently undertaken his U.E.F.A. B Licence at Arsenal’s Hale End whilst growing experience out on the grass as a Development Coach for Leicester’s Under-8’s to Under-12’s age groups.

To broaden his experiences, Davies jetted across the pond and also down under, notably working with academy players at Napier-based Hawke’s Bay United and further south in New Zealand’s North Island with Team Wellington FC.

Hungry for an opportunity in First Team football, he returned to the United Kingdom in 2010 and to his family’s roots in South Wales.

Davies’ Managerial C.V.

2010 – 2012: Assistant Manager at Swansea City to Brendan Rodgers. 

Rodgers wanted a trusted aid to lead on performance analysis, casting a critical eye over the tactics and organisation of opponents.  In season one, they clinched promotion via the play-offs at Wembley Stadium before narrowly missing out on a top-half Premier League finish by goals scored.  A student of the game in every sense, during this period, he penned a newspaper column and attended press conferences to gauge the demands placed upon 21st-century managers, sharing his boss’ meticulous attention to detail. 

2012 – 2015: Head of opposition analysis at Liverpool to Brendan Rodgers.

Matching his ambition Davies accompanied Rodgers to Liverpool in the summer of 2012.  On Merseyside, posted as Head of Opposition Analysis, he continued to dedicate 70 hours in preparation for each match, being a key component as the Reds mounted a season-long title tilt in 2013/14.  In 2015, he obtained his U.E.F.A. Pro Licence.  

2016: First Team Coach at Reading to Brian McDermott.

A popular number two to McDermott, Davies was credited for his understanding of players and their tendencies on and off the training pitch.

2016 – 2019: Assistant Manager at Celtic to Brendan Rodgers.

Davies reunited with Rodgers in July 2016 and became a serial winner.  Across two full seasons at Parkhead, Celtic achieved back-to-back trebles, completing the first as Invincibles whose unbeaten run stretched to 69 matches. Under the pressure of suffocating expectations in Glasgow, domestic dominance met chastening Champions League tests head-on, but before departing for Leicester, a third treble was cued up.

2019 – 2023: Assistant Manager at Leicester City to Brendan Rodgers.

The juxtaposing tactical approaches made at Celtic between controlling league fixtures and suffering in European football facilitated a move to Leicester City, again as number two to Rodgers in 2019. 

A team totalised by transition became focused on possession and territory, yet still created an environment where Jamie Vardy won the Golden Boot and the team recorded consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League.

The second of these ran parallel to the club winning the FA Cup for the very first time, and a few months later they beat a Manchester City side orchestrated by Pep Guardiola to lift the Community Shield, somebody that Davies admires for his pragmatism.  When Leicester reached their maiden European semi-final, as had been the structure at Celtic, he led training on a daily basis, operating in tandem with the sports science department and video analysts.

Between April and June 2023, he visited five clubs in five different countries (Atalanta, Benfica, Monaco, Villarreal and Wolfsburg) where ideas chimed with a football ideology that can be traced back to counting the passing sequences from the stands at Vicarage Road.

2023 – 2024: Senior Assistant Coach at Tottenham Hotspur with Ange Postecoglou.

During his tenure as Senior Assistant Coach to Postecoglou, Davies was courted by a number of clubs, but the Australian had him hooked by a desire to make Spurs the top-flight’s most intense team, and a promise to support his burgeoning personal ambitions when the time to take the right opportunity to step into management presented itself.

2024 onwards : First Team Manager at Birmingham City.

On Thursday the 6th of June, Davies was named the new Men’s First Team Manager at Birmingham City, signing a four-year contract with the Club ahead of the 2024/25 League One season.

What Tom Wagner Said About The Appointment

Birmingham City Owner and Chairman of the Board, Tom Wagner, said, “I am delighted to welcome Chris to Blues. He is widely respected in the game and fulfils our goal to appoint an ambitious, progressive coach.  He is motivated to help redefine the Club, the culture, and the playing identity.  From our first meeting, it was clear we were aligned on values and shared the ambition for Blues.  Chris will thrive in the high-performance environment that is being created at the Club.  He wants to be at Birmingham City and is committed to winning.  I would like to thank both Tom Brady for his support and involvement, and the Football Leadership Team for their diligent approach in identifying our next Manager. They have conducted a robust process and we have appointed a top operator to take us forward.”

What Garry Cook Said About The Appointment

Birmingham City Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, said, “Chris is an outstanding coach and person, that the playing staff and our supporters will instantly warm to.  The goal was to identify a progressive coach, one who has demonstrated the ability to build teams and improve players in the squad.  Chris has done this at leading clubs, being part of championship, cup and promotion winning teams, working with world class players and managers.  He is a perfect fit for Blues.  He is a meticulous planner, with an insatiable appetite for work.  Known for his excellent man management skills, he will now focus on building a Championship ready squad in League One.  He is the coach we wanted.  Blues is the club he wanted.  We are very pleased he is here.”

What Ange Postecoglou Said About The Appointment

Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Ange Postecoglou, said, “Chris is an outstanding individual.  It is no surprise to me that a club of Birmingham City’s stature have shown an interest in him.”

What Chris Davies Said About The Appointment

Birmingham City Manager, Chris Davies, said, “I am proud and honoured to be the Manager of Birmingham City.  As soon as I spoke with Tom, Garry, Tom Brady, and other board members it was clear to me how passionate and committed the board and all of the Football Leadership Team are to bringing success to this club.  It is a club with an ambition that reflects my own, and a plan to make it a reality. It is such an exciting time to be at Blues.  I can’t wait to get started, meeting everyone at the Club and speaking to our supporters.  I will give everything to build an attacking team that reflects this great city, and most importantly to produce a team that our supporters can be proud of.  Let’s go.”

You can see his first interview with Blues T.V. here and behind-the-scenes on his first day as Blues manager here.

And Finally…

I was, like any Blue Nose, downhearted when Blues were sadly relegated to League One but as soon as that heart ache was over I was looking forward to the new football season straight away, even more so now with the appointment of Davies. As mentioned above it was a case of thinking “WHO?” when Davies was appointed but the more I read about him and see him talk I feel more confident for the months ahead. I believe he is the right man for the job and I wish him good luck for his entire time at the club which hopefully (for a change) will be a long time. 

Giving everything that as happened to us over the recent years under the chinese ownership I think relegation wasn’t a bad thing.  We start the new season with a clean slate and it means we can get rid of the dead wood and rebuild stronger.  This is going to be an exciting season with exciting things happening on and off the pitch and they started as soon as last season ended. 

Together with Tom Wagner and co., our new manager and our players old and new, ALL Blues fans need to get 100% behind them and give it our all and all we ask is we get the same back in return.

We now have a  young new manager who is hungry to do well and I truly believe he will but everyone has to be patient which is hard for a lot of “fans”.  Time will tell but I’m always the optimistic and I really believe the days of shit football days are over for us.

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City Club logo shown at the top of this page  is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and has come from Blues social media pages and website, as has the subsequent information seen here and here.

 

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

BCFC The Project on Facebook – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City: Staff For The 2024/25 Season

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here.

Staff: 2024/25 Season 

Here is the Blues first team staff to date.

Click on the staff member’s links to read more about them via Birmingham City’s official website and Wikipedia (where available).

Manager 

Chris Davies
Image © B.C.F.C.

Chris Davies.

Read more about Davies here.

Assistant Manager 

Ben Petty
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ben Petty.

Read more about Petty here.

Coaching Staff

Tom Huddlestone
Image © B.C.F.C.

Tom Huddlestone.

Read more about Huddlestone here.

Nathan Gardiner
Image © B.C.F.C.

Nathan Gardiner.

Goalkeeper Coach

Maik Taylor. 

Image © B.C.F.C.

Maik Taylor.

Read more about Taylor here.

Technical Director

Craig Gardner.

Craig Gardner
Image © B.C.F.C.

Craig Gardner.

Read more about Gardner here.

Head Of Physical Performance

Sean Rush. 

Image © B.C.F.C.

Sean Rush.

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The image shown at the top of this page and the images below are copyright of Birmingham City F.C.  The subsequent information is from there too and anything else is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia and Wikitia content is subject to change.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

Birmingham City: First Team Squad For The 2024/25 Season

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a Blue Nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

Following on from relegation last season Blues were left with a very thin squad indeed after the retained and released list was released on the 18th of May, 2024 but I have 100% faith in Tom Wagner, Chris Davies et al that  everything will be alright by the time the new season starts.  It won’t be a hitting the ground running start to the season but things will work out.  I still think it will take two seasons to get out but I hope they prove me wrong.  Nothing would make me more happier.  We have a  young new manager who is hungry to do well and I truly believe he will but everyone has to be patient which is hard for a lot of “fans”.  Time will tell but I’m always the optimistic and I really believe the days of shit football are over for us.

Here are Blues first team players to date. 

Click on the player’s links to read more about them via Birmingham City’s official website and Wikipedia (where available).

First Team Squad: 2024/25 Season 

Goalkeepers

Number 21: Ryan Allsop

Ryan Allsop
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ryan Allsop.

Read more about Allsop here.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Image © B.C.F.C.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Read more about Peacock-Farrell here

Number 48: Brad Mayo.

Brad Mayo
Image © B.C.F.C.

Brad Mayo. 

Defenders 

Number 2: Ethan Laird.

Ethan Laird
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ethan Laird.

Read more about Laird here.

Number 3: Lee Buchanan.  

Lee Buchanan
Image © B.C.F.C.

Lee Buchanan. 

Read more about Buchanan here.

Number 4: Christoph Klarer

Christoph Klarer
Image © B.C.F.C.

Christoph Klarer. 

Read more about Klarer here.

Number 5: Dion Sanderson (Loaned Out)

Dion Sanderson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Dion Sanderson.

Read more about Sanderson here.

Number 6: Krystian Bielik.

Krystian Bielik
Image © B.C.F.C.

Krystian Bielik.

Read more about Bielik here.

Number 16: Myung-Jae Lee.

Myung-Jae Lee
Image © B.C.F.C.

Myung-Jae Lee.

Read more about Lee here.

Number 20: Alex Cochrane.

Alex Cochrane
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alex Cochrane.

Read more about Cochrane here.

Number 23: Alfons Sampsted (On Loan)

Alfons Sampsted
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alfons Sampsted.

Read more about Sampsted here.

Number 25: Ben Davies (On Loan).  

Ben Davies
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ben Davies.

Read more about Davies here.  

Number 31:Grant Hanley

Grant Hanley
Image © B.C.F.C.

Grant Hanley.

Read more about Grant here.

Midfielders 

Number 12: Marc Leonard.

Marc Leonard
Image © B.C.F.C.

Marc Leonard.

Read more about Leonard here

Number 13: Paik Seung-Ho

Paik Seung-Ho
Image © B.C.F.C.

Paik Seung-Ho. 

Read more about Seung-ho here.

Number 14: Keshi Anderson.

Keshi Anderson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Keshi Anderson.

Read more about Anderson here.

Number 15: Alfie Chang (Loaned Out)

Alfie Chang
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alfie Chang.

Read more about Chang here.

Number 18: Willum Willumsson.

Willum Willumson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Willum Willumsson.

Read more about Willumsson here.

Number 19: Taylor Gardner-Hickman (On Loan.  He Becomes A Permanent Signing At The End Of The Season)

Taylor Gardiner-Hickman
Image © B.C.F.C.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman.

Read more about Gardner-Hickman here

Number 24: Tomoki Iwata.

Tomoki Iwata
Image © B.C.F.C.

Tomoki Iwata.

Read more about Iwata here.

Number 26: Luke Harris (On Loan).

Luke Harris
Image © B.C.F.C.

Luke Harris.

Read more about Harris here.

Number 27: Brandon Khela (Loaned Out). 

Brandon Khela
Image © B.C.F.C.

Brandon Khela.

Read more about Khela here.

Number 30: Kieran Dowell (On Loan).  

Kieran Dowell
Image © B.C.F.C.

Read more about Dowell here.

Forwards

Number 7: Emil Hansson.

Emil Hansson
Image © B.C.F.C.

Emil Hansson.

Read more about Hansson here.

Number 9: Alfie May.

Alfie May
Image © B.C.F.C.

Alfie May.

Read more about May here.

Number 10: Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Lukas Jutkiewicz
Image © B.C.F.C.

Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Read more about Jutkiewicz here.

Number 11: Scott Wright

Scott Wright
Image © B.C.F.C.

Scott Wright.

Read more about Wright here.  

Number 17: Lyndon Dykes

Lyndon Dykes
Image © B.C.F.C.

Lyndon Dykes.

Read more about Dykes here.  

Number 28: Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield
Image © B.C.F.C.

Jay Stansfield.

Read more about Stansfield here.

Number 33: Ayumu Yokoyama

Ayumu Yokoyama
Image © B.C.F.C.

Ayumu Yokoyama.

Read more about Yokoyama here.  

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City club logo shown at the top of this page is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and came from their social media pages.  The images below are also copyright of them and are from their official website.  The subsequent information is from there too and anything else is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – Official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – Official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on Instagram – Official Instagram page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – Official YouTube page.

Blues Store  – Official club store website.

Birmingham City Foundation – Official website.

Nike – Official website.

Undefeated – Official website. 

Birmingham City: Blues Are Sadly Relegated To League One

B.C.F.C. Badge
Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

The following article is all about Blues getting relegated out of the  Championship on May the 4th, 2024.  

Blues Last Game Of The 2023/24 Season

On the 4th of May, 2024, Blues (sitting in the bottom three at the 22th spot) played Norwich City at St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park with one task at hand, win and hope the teams around us didn’t to survive the drop.  Even if some of them drew we still had a very slim hope of surviving but, alas, it wasn’t to be.  The lads did their part for Interim Manager Gary Rowett and the fans by getting the all-important win we so badly needed but unfortunately, the teams around us won as well.  I said before the game that whatever happened after the full-time whistle all we Blues fans asked was for the lads to give it 100% and they did.  Their teamwork was excellent and we deserved to win but sadly it wasn’t enough to stay safe.

After 13 years in the Championship, we get relegated to League 1 and third-tier football.  The last time we were there was in 1995. 

This was a sad day for Birmingham City and its fans but I think us going down isn’t as bad as it seems.  It’s time to get rid of the dead wood, rebuild and return to the second tier a lot stronger than what we were in when we left it.

I won’t talk about Salary Cost Management Protocols (S.C.M.P.), a quick Google will let you know all about that, and anything else financially like wages, revenue etc. or anything else behind the scenes, I will leave all that in the capable hands of Wagner and co.  

All I know is as dark as it is in Blues fan’s hearts right now the future outside of it for B.C.F.C. is bright.  We now have owners who are 100% committed to us.  How can anyone not be excited about that?

Who’s To Blame?

It is easy to blame anyone and everyone but the truth is that the rot started to set in this club when David Sullivan sold the club to Carson Yeung and Grandtop International Holdings Limited in July 2007.

Sullivan wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and certain “fans” wanted him, David Gold and his brother Ralph Gold out of the picture and got what they wanted.  How easily they forgot it was them that saved us from administration!

Yeung turned out to be corrupt and the rest of the Chinese owners seemed no better.  They all were without a clue or care about how to run a football club. Yeung was sent to prison and Grandtop International Holdings Limited took full ownership of the club and renamed themselves Birmingham International Holdings Limited.

In April 2023  Birmingham Sports Holdings (name changed in May 2017) confirmed letters of intent had been signed to sell 24% of their shares in Birmingham City and the 21.64% owned by Oriental Rainbow, as well as the whole of St. Andrews which they 100% owned to a then-unnamed potential purchaser. 

On the 8th of May, 2023, Shelby Companies Limited, a subsidiary of asset management company Knighthead Capital Management fronted by Tom Wagner, Knighthead’s co-founder and co-C.E.O confirmed that it had exchanged contracts with the majority owners of Birmingham City Football Club including Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited subject to approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and customary regulatory authority approvals in the U.K. 

On the 14th of July 2023, there was a club announcement and it was official, Knighthead and Shelby Companies would acquire full ownership and control of St. Andrew’s and 45.64% ownership of Birmingham City Limited.  It was confirmed that Tom Wagner will be the Chairman Of The Board and Garry Cook will be the C.E.O.

So, with that little reminder of past events, in theory, you could blame Sullivan for selling the club, Yeung and co. for their part in ruining our beloved club, Wagner for the sacking of John Eustace in October 2023 or Cook for Wayne Rooney being appointed the next manager in the same month that thankfully only lasted until January 2024.  

I will say this regarding Wagner and Cook and that is Wagner knows that he, and the board, have made mistakes that have contributed to our final league position and will learn from them.  It is pointless for people to put all the blame on Cook for where we finished and make him the scapegoat either.  That’s just silly.  He will know very well the part he played in our relegation by pushing for the sacking of Eustace and the appointment of Rooney but, as I have noted above, all the club’s problems before and after that were put into motion when the Chinese took over and that is a fact.  

Also, we have had 6 managers, (including caretaker managers Steve Sooner and Mark Venus and interim manager Rowett) and current manager Tony Mowbray since Wagner and Co. took over in July 2023.  Do you blame one of those managers or all of them for Blues getting relegated? Then there is all the backroom staff that served under them including the current staff.  Do you blame some of them or all of them? And finally, what about all the players that have played under them including the current players?  Do you blame some of them or all of them? They rightfully need to be held accountable for their activity on the pitch, some more than others, that is without question.  The fact of the matter is we haven’t been good enough to stay in the Championship for more than half the time we dropped down into it from the Premier League in 2011.  We have relied on good luck for too long now hovering close to the bottom three since then.  That luck almost ran out in that memorable match against Bolton Wanderers in 2014 and we always feared it would run out.  It had to sooner or later and finally it did on May the 4th, 2024.  

The point I am trying to make here is it is irrelevant who is to blame, it doesn’t change a thing, we are playing in League One next season.  It is what it is.  I am not saying people shouldn’t feel anger because they have a right to feel that emotion, along with rage, frustration, fear,  happiness, and sadness (it is all part and parcel of being a Blues supporter) but don’t dwell on them, it doesn’t change what has happened.  We have to look forward, not backwards, and we have to do this UNITED NOT DIVIDED.

Who Should Stay And Who Should Go?

Out of the current Blues first-team squad we have eight players at the end of their contract deals. They are Neil Etheridge, John Ruddy, Marc Roberts, Keshi Anderson, Gary Gardner, Ivan Sunjic, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Scott Hogan.

Still under contract are Ethan Laird, Lee Buchanan, Dion Sanderson, Emmanuel Longelo, Emanuel Aiwu, Josh Williams, Krystian Bielik, Juninho Bacuna, Koji Miyoshi, Paik Seung-Ho, Alfie Chang, Siriki Dembele, Jordan James, Alex Pritchard, George Hall, Tate Campbell and Tyler Roberts.

On loan are Cody Drameh, Emanuel Aiwu, Andre Dozzell, Jay Stansfield and Oliver Burke.

I would like to see Ruddy, Roberts, Sunjic and Jutkiewicz offered a new contract for a year at least. That is of course if they want to stay. Regarding the players still in contract they may want to put in a transfer request. The players I would keep, should they want to stay, are Laird, Buchanan, Bielik, Miyoshi, Seung-Ho and Chang.

Out of those on loan, I would dearly love to have our top scorer Stansfield stay on another loan deal or even better be purchased but I can’t see that happening. 

And Finally…

I will ALWAYS love Birmingham City regardless of what division we are in.  I am a LOYAL Blue Nose and have been since 1978 and I will be until the day I die.

It clearly says in the words of our club anthem “there’ll be joys and sorrows too” (and oh boy, have we witnessed many sorrows) but “tired and weary” we will “still journey on” and get to “the end of the road” together because that is what makes our fan base so brilliant.  Ignore the minority of constant moaners who spoil it for everyone else.  

Despite going down we can look forward to going back up again with hope and optimism in our hearts instead of fear in them if we were still under Chinese ownership.  Under them, we would always be worried that we would slip down the leagues even further.  

You only have to watch the second Blues Open House to truly realise that the future looks very bright for Birmingham City indeed.

Relegation just means it is a slight setback in Wagner’s plan to get us back to playing first-tier football once again but he has said he is going nowhere and is in this for the long run and I do believe he will make this happen in the next 6 years at least.  Not one supporter should say a bad word about this man.  He has achieved more in one year for Blues than the 16 years the Chinese were “in charge”.

My heart tells me we will go straight back up at the end of next season but my head says it will take two seasons to achieve promotion.  All that is down to if Mowbray returns after illness,  who is brought in to strengthen the squad regardless of who will be in charge and how well we play on the pitch.  I would so much love to be proven wrong.

In the meantime, there will always be those who mock us and hate us and want us to fail miserably but to those, I echo what our chairman said at the last Open House, and that is F.E.A.

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City Club logo shown at the top of this page and photos of our players is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and has come from Blues social media pages and website, as has the subsequent information. The new summer signings for the 2023/24 season image came from The BCFC Project via Facebook.  Anything else is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – This is their official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – This is their official YouTube page.

Blues Store Online – Birmingham City’s official club store online.

BCFC The Project on Facebook – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City: Gary Rowett, Paul Robinson And Dave Carolan Return To Steady The Ship For Blues

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Image © of B.C.F.C.

There is only one team in Birmingham worth supporting with true passion and Birmingham City is it.  I have been supporting them since 1978 when Jim Smith was the manager.  He is my favourite manager to date.   I am a blue nose ’til I die.

You can read lots more about Blues by clicking here

The following article is all about the return of Gary Rowett, Paul Robinson and Dave Carolan to Birmingham City following Tony Mowbray’s medical leave and Mark Venus’ leave of absence.

Mowbray And Venus Temporarily Leave And Rowett Steps In As Interim Manager 

On the 19th of March, 2024, the club made an announcement to Blues fans regarding Tony Mowbray’s medical leave and Gary Rowett’s return as Interim Manager. 

Mowbray will take a formal medical leave of absence until the start of pre-season 2024/25.

The Club appointed Rowett, with immediate effect for the remaining eight games of the season.

Assistant Manager, Mark Venus, will also take a leave of absence with immediate effect and rejoin the Club at the same time as Mowbray.  First Team Coaches, Ashley Cole and Peter Shuttleworth, and Goalkeeper Coach, Maik Taylor, will remain at the Club as part of Rowett’s coaching staff.

Once again I say to Tony get well soon and here’s to a speedy recovery for him and thank you to Mark for his efforts in trying his best to get results for Blues to push them further up the table, unfortunately, that wasn’t too be with only one point out of six matches in charge.   

Here is what I wrote regarding our recent form in the Championship.  I said then it was a bad idea to get a manager in to replace Mowbray if he didn’t return for the Q.P.R. game.  We now know that isn’t going to happen and, no disrespect to Venus, he wasn’t up to the task of managing the team.  That wasn’t all his fault though and the players need to have a good hard stare at themselves in the mirror and see that most of them are not good enough for this club unless they give 100% every match.  They only need to look at Lukas Jutkiewicz for inspiration.  With all this in mind, hiring Rowett is a wise decision by Tom Wagner. 

As a former Blues player and manager, Rowett knows the club well.  He took over in October 2014 when we were struggling following an embarrassing defeat to Bournemouth at home when we lost 8-0.  In just five games in charge under Rowett Blues looked like a completely different team gaining eleven points from fifteen.  It would be amazing to have a similar outcome in the remaining eight games he is in charge.  Will it happen? Time will tell. 

Birmingham City fans are used to relegation scraps and always hope for a bit of luck that we will be safe when we are struggling at the bottom of the table.  We certainly have ridden our luck a lot over the previous seasons but one day our luck will run out.  There were certainly signs lately that it was already starting to happen but loyal Blues fans will never give up hope because that is part of our D.N.A. in supporting this great team.  

I still believe we won’t go down, especially now with Rowett in charge. If we do finish on a high there will be a minority of “fans” who will inevitably shout to the rooftops for him to stay and Mowbray to go but they need to remember Rowett’s job is only temporary and Mowbray is our boss and he should not be disrespected.  They need to have complete faith in what his plans are for the club in the 2024/25 season and get behind his decisions as the majority of true fans will.  

In Tony Mowbray we trust.

Paul Robinson And Dave Carolan Join The Backroom Staff 

On the 20th of March, 2024, the club made an announcement to Blues fans regarding Interim Manager Garry Rowett’s backroom staff.

Birmingham City confirmed two additions to Rowett’s staff which include First Team Coaches, Ashley Cole and Peter Shuttleworth, and Goalkeeper Coach, Maik Taylor.

Rowett will be joined by Paul Robinson and Dave Carolan for the eight remaining games of the 2023/24 season.  Both assisted Rowett at Millwall and previously worked at Blues.

It is good to have them back, especially former Club Captain Robinson who gave everything in his time at Blues, much like Lukas Jutkiewicz does now.  These are proper players who play with pride for the badge on their football tops, their club and its fans.  

And Finally…

It has been almost seven and a half years since Rowett was sacked by Birmingham City and regardless of the reasons why he wanted to leave, or not (depending on who you believe and what you read in the “media”), that was then and this is now.   

Thank you Gary for agreeing to help us in our time of need and welcome back.  Also, welcome back to Paul and Dave.  Thank you all for stepping in to steer our slowly sinking ship to hopefully steadier water come the 4th of May.   

Blog Posts

Notes And Links

The Birmingham City Club logo shown at the top of this page and photos of our players is the copyright of Birmingham City F.C. and has come from Blues social media pages and website, as has the subsequent information. The new summer signings for the 2023/24 season image came from The BCFC Project via Facebook.  Anything else is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia content is subject to change.

Birmingham City F.C. – Official website.  

Birmingham City on Facebook  – This is their official Facebook page.

Birmingham City on Twitter – This is their official Twitter page.

Birmingham City on YouTube – This is their official YouTube page.

Blues Store Online – Birmingham City’s official club store online.

BCFC The Project on Facebook – This is their official Facebook page.