It has been a difficult period in the history of Birmingham City with off-field issues dominating the headlines at St Andrews in recent years.
The Blues faithful has remained steadfast in their support for the club despite their relegation from the Premier League in 2011 and a play-off defeat against Blackpool 12 months later, leading to a decade of underwhelming performances in the Championship.
It’s been another tough season for City fans, with the club once again struggling towards the bottom half of the division with John Eustace’s men languishing in 17th place. The club will avoid the drop once more, and Eustace has managed to steady the ship under difficult circumstances, but it’s been a frustrating campaign on and off the pitch for the Blues once again.
In February, the club were charged by the EFL for allegedly breaching a number of the League’s regulations following an investigation. The charges relate to the ongoing ownership situation, specifically to the proposed acquisition of Blues. The club itself and individuals have been charged, meaning the club could face a points deduction for the second time under the club’s current owners BSHL.
Blues fans have been calling for a change of ownership for more than a year now, holding numerous protests before and during home matches over the last 12 months. The fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated in the country, so we’ve decided to take a look at some things you’ll definitely know if you support the club - incluidng some fan traditions.
Let’s take a look at 10 things you must have done if you really are a Bluenose:
1. Had a few pre-match drinks in Digbeth and Small Heath
Blues fans have been holding marches from the Bullring Tavern in Digbeth to St Andrew’s in the last year as they protest against the club’s owners BSHL. Fans also drink at the Roost pub on Cattell Road and the Cricketers Arms as a pre-match tradition
2. Chanted Keep Right On
Keep Right On is a famous chant in English football, which is now tied to Birmingham City. The song was initially recorded by Sir Henry Lauder in Scotland, inspired by his son who died in the First World War. The song arrived on the Birmingham terraces in the 1950s after Blues legend Alex Govan showed it to the players when the club reached the 1956 FA Cup final, and since then it’s become the club’s anthem. The fans passionately sing the song to support the team and urge them on when the side are struggling and use it on social media #KRO
3. Admired the Jude Bellingham mural
Blues got a lot of stick when the club retired Jude Bellingham’s number 22 shirt after he left the club when he was just 17-years-old. The Stourbridge-born star joined the club as a child and was sold for a vital record fee of £25 million to Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Bellingham helped to keep City in the Championship that season, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in the process, and the fee for Bellingham also helped to alleviate Birmingham’s financial difficulties at the time. At the time, the club said Jude had become an iconic figure at the club. A mural of the midfielder is also on one of the walls outside St Andrew’s
4. Felt ecstatic after Obafemi Martins’ cup final winner
The 2011 League Cup final was a monumental day in Birmingham City’s history. Obafemi Martins’ late winner sent the Blues end into raptures at Wembley as Alex Mcleish got the better of Arsene Wenger to win the cup