Birmingham City’s remarkable rise under manager Chris Davies has captured the attention of football fans everywhere. After suffering relegation to League One just a year ago, the club has experienced a stunning turnaround, securing promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt. This season, they have dominated the division, racking up an impressive 30 league wins, more than any other team in the country.
The club’s revival is not just a product of on-field success but also a reflection of significant investment and ambition from their American owners, Knighthead Capital Management, led by Tom Wagner. Their vision extends beyond just climbing the divisions—Knighthead plans to develop a £3 billion sports quarter in the Bordesley area, including a new 60,000-seat stadium, with the long-term goal of competing in the Premier League. This forward-thinking approach has ignited optimism among fans and players alike.
Wagner’s commitment to the club has been evident since his arrival in July 2023. He has not only injected money into the team but also revitalized the facilities, spending £1 million on the pitch and addressing long-neglected areas such as broken dressing room showers. The arrival of Tom Brady as a minority shareholder has added another layer of star power to the club’s ambitions. Brady, known for his elite mindset, has been in regular contact with Davies, offering advice on high performance and sports science. This connection has been invaluable for the manager, who likens it to having a world-class consultant on speed dial.
Birmingham’s transformation has been characterized by a blend of financial investment, strategic signings, and strong leadership. One of the key figures in this resurgence is Davies, who took over the managerial reins with a clear vision for the club’s playing style. Known for his work with top clubs such as Swansea, Liverpool, Celtic, Leicester, and Tottenham, Davies has instilled a possession-based approach at Birmingham, with an emphasis on forward runners and final-third entries. His team boasts the highest possession percentage in the top four divisions, averaging 67% possession.
This philosophy has been supported by smart recruitment, with Birmingham targeting players who can handle the pressures of promotion-chasing football. Signings like Tomoki Iwata, who arrived from Celtic, have been crucial to the club’s success. Iwata has been one of the standout players of the season, even earning a nomination for League One Player of the Year.
Despite the club’s dominance in League One, Birmingham is setting its sights on even greater achievements. With promotion secured, the next goal is to make an impact in the Championship and push for a return to the Premier League. While some may consider the Premier League a distant dream, Birmingham’s leadership is determined to reach the top tier. As Chris Davies puts it, the Premier League is the “golden ticket” for many clubs, and under the current ownership, he is confident Birmingham will eventually get there.
The journey has not been without its challenges. The appointment of Wayne Rooney, which followed the departure of John Eustace, ended in disappointment, but it was a rare misstep in what has otherwise been a successful period for the club. With the right structure in place, the club has quickly reset and redefined its identity. The fans, who have remained loyal through thick and thin, can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
As the team prepares for its final games of the season, Birmingham is on the hunt for more records, with a chance to break the Football League record for points in a season and challenge for the most league wins ever recorded in a single campaign. The club is determined to finish strong and cement its place as one of the most ambitious clubs in the country. The future is bright for Birmingham City, and with the backing of its owners, the club’s aspirations of reaching the Premier League are well within their grasp.
