Birmingham City owner makes bold Aston Villa and Premier League statement

Birmingham City owner and Knighthead figurehead Tom Wagner remains optimistic about promotion to the Premier League sooner rather than later despite Blues’ precarious position in England’s second tier.

Currently in 23rd spot in the Sky Bet Championship, Birmingham are at the epicentre of a fierce relegation battle with five matches to go. Just one point is the gap to safety but other teams in and around the bottom three are starting to pick up vital results.

Wagner’s long-term objectives haven’t changed despite the ongoing struggles, with ambitions to place Birmingham among the nation’s elite. When asked whether Blues could soon be competing at a similar level to local and bitter rivals Aston Villa, Wagner offered no hesitation.

“If we do everything correctly on our end then we can be competitive in the Premier League from the moment we get promoted,” Wagner said via Birmingham Live.

“Birmingham City is a big club and if and when we’re promoted, the revenue we’ll generate as a club will be comparable to mid-table revenue in the Prem from day one. Two years from now, our revenue base will be competitive right up against the parachute teams in the Championship.

“That’s unheard of for a team in the Championship to be generating those kinds of revenues. When you run the analytics and look at where we will fall when we get to the Prem, then you have a chance to compete,” Wagner continued with assurance.

The Blues owner isn’t only confident with words but also with finances as the purchase of the 48-acre land at the old Wheels site at Bordesley Park has been completed. Wagner has pledged around two-to-three billion pounds to build a new stadium, training ground and academy – committing to a lengthy future in England’s second city.

Whether or not on-field results can match the ambitions awaits to be seen. But if Wagner is right, Birmingham and Villa will take on one another regularly to revive one of the nation’s greatest rivalries.