Sport Writer Ollie Sasson highlights a new energy at St. Andrew’s
The Blues had a novel start to what has been a prolonged period in the English Football League after relegation from the Premier League in the 2010/11 season. Back when League Cup victory earned you European qualification, Birmingham City juggled their first season in the Championship with UEFA Europa League football.
Out of their depths, the surreal excursion for a team deemed unfit for top-flight English football was short-lived. Despite surviving the qualification stages, the Blues could only muster four points in the group stage (all at home), before crashing out of the tournament.
Since then, in 2016, Trillion Trophy Asia, part of a Chinese-based Birmingham Sport Holdings Limited, bought Birmingham City FC. The consequence of which saw The Blues drop from 10th in the EFL Championship in the 2015/16 season to 19th in 2016/17.
Results never improved under the new owners, with it being fair to say that the writing had been on the wall for their entire tenure, as Birmingham City floated between 17th and 20th across the past seven seasons. A tumultuous 23/24 campaign saw them plummet to the third tier.
A tumultuous 23/24 campaign saw them plummet to the third tier
Starting last season almost as well as they have this, John Eustace’s City side had picked up 21 points in their opening 12 matches. However, on the back of two convincing wins, Eustace was bizarrely sacked on October 9. With reason being unknown the narrative of a ‘coup’ took control, suggesting Eustace was ousted to hire recently available manager, Wayne Rooney.
A publicity stunt? A means to generate higher revenue from more broadcasting and media? Or a genuine attempt to build on a wonderful beginning to the 2023/24 season that awakened the owner’s hungry eyes; which saw early potential for promotion with, who they perceived to be, the perfect fit?
Perhaps trust was not in Eustace to maintain this start. He was a manager with an inconsistent record and an uninspiring win percentage of 33. This would not suffice to return to the promised land of the Premier League. As such, answers to the managerial riddle are anybody’s guess.
The release of fan favourite, Troy Deeney, did nothing to help solve this enigma. A player with a questionable reputation that was, once again, sure to catch the media’s attention as well as galvanise shirt sales.
Yet, he is also a man who achieved promotion to the Premier League on two separate occasions, thus having expertise in the area City lacked, and plenty of experience at both Premier League and Championship level. Add to this Deeney’s outstanding leadership qualities and the notion that the owner’s actions, in particular the replacement of manager, was in pursuit of promotion is exalted. While this only thickens the fog of confusion, the outcome is conspicuous.
Nine defeats and just nine points later, the Blues faithful revelled at the sight of Wayne Rooney’s back on January 2. The England legend had taken Birmingham City from promotion contenders to relegation favourites in three months and his failures catalysed a period of managerial mania.
The club rattled through another four managers trying to find a quick solution to their spiralling season but each appointment was to no avail. It appeared as if the owners were looking for a miracle that was not to be. Ultimately, their impatience and bad decisions cost them a place in the Championship.
Impatience and bad decisions cost them a place in the Championship
During a busy and important summer for the Blues, the owners stepped up to the plate, smashing the record for the biggest transfer fee in EFL League One history by signing last season’s club top goal scorer, Jay Stansfield (12) for £20 million after his loan spell from Premier League side, Fulham.
Investment in other signings and a new coaching team under Chris Davies, brought a new look to an aged Birmingham City. Their fresh appearance going into the 2024/25 season alongside their indomitable fanbase gave the blue side of Birmingham hope and excitement for the first time in nearly a decade.
In accordance with the immense anticipation, the side has not disappointed. Birmingham City hold top spot in the League, sitting two points above second and third place with a game-in-hand against second too.
Despite suffering their first defeat which came away to Charlton nine games in, the Midlands side look firmly in control and much more assured with this confident and energetic squad supported by a competent coaching team at the helm.
The Midlands side look firmly in control
The Chinese owner’s struggles at running a football club have been there for all to see. But perhaps this drop to League One has given them a chance to reset and rebuild against lower-level opposition.
This season may just be the make-or-break of one of Birmingham’s most treasured establishments. Fail to gain promotion, and their financial situation will be severely jeopardised, key players may leave, and fans (the foundation of the club), will have reason to become despondent and hopeless.
Fail to gain promotion and their financial situation will be severely jeopardised
But winning League One could give the club the momentum they need to push on and compete again higher up the football league pyramid in a stable condition with financial stability and a prospering playing staff.
Perhaps the only obstacle standing in City’s way is their own hierarchy. Have they learnt from past mistakes, and will they maintain their hands-off approach to footballing affairs?
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