21 reasons Birmingham City fans support Blues, including Surrey-born fan & Aston Villa family links

It’s not always easy being a Birmingham City fan.

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.

And despite some positive moments, 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 finishing in 17th place. The club avoided 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.

But things are looking up for Blues with a takeover imminent. An agreement has been reached for the sale of 45.64% of Birmingham City Football Club to Shelby Holdings, with American financier, Tom Wagner heading the bid.

Blues fans are certainly some of the most loyal around, so we decided to ask fans on Facebook why they started supporting the club. Birthplace, family, friends - Blues fans have a range of reason for supporting the club. Here’s what they said.

Alan Hipkiss said: “It’s where I was born - one of our own! KRO.”

Bev Male, said: “Family tradition! Used to go to St Andrews with my dad and meet up with my grandad, two uncles and two cousins. Lovely memories.”

Richard Clarke wrote: “Dad grew up supporting Blues, so did I wouldn’t change it for anything else.” Trevor David wrote: “All of the family did so no other option.”

John Peplow said: “Me dad supports Blues so I followed in his footsteps and now my kids support Blues because of their dad.” Lesley Grace, wrote: “Through my dad , but it’s in the blood.”

Jonathon Richards wrote: “Because i’m a Brummie.” Andrew Butler jokingly added: “I ask myself that question all the time.” Trevor Darby said: “My gran and grandad took me to my first game against Blackpool 54 years ago - Blues have always been in our family blood.”

Melvin Thompson wrote: “Born in Birmingham and also my dad supports them, and my brother in Australia gets up to watch every game and my two sons support them, blue through and through KRO.” Brian Darley wrote: “Born in Surrey and went with my mates who supported Chelsea in 1968, fell in love with Blues. Used to travel up from Surrey but now have an even longer journey from Suffolk. Wouldn’t change a thing.”

Joan Morris said: “Cos my dad was a Villa fan and I didn’t wanna go there with him but went to the Blues with my mates.” Nick Freeman wrote: “Both sides of family support Blues. I was brought up in Hurst Green, Halesowen. Dad brought up 500 yards from St Andrew’s - only ever going to be Blues for me!”

David Hughes said: “My dad, brothers and sisters all Blues. Taken down as a three-year-old in 1955 and sat on my brother’s shoulders on the Kop. Supported ever since.” Tony Doyle told us: “Born in malt shovel Brighton Road, Ballsal Heath. Youngest of six - all my brothers where Blues fans. Been going down the Blues 55 years.”

Reece Bowen said: “My grandad ran The Clements Arms for years and I used to go up there and it’s the vibe for me, my dad and grandad are Blue noses.” Paul Smith wrote: “I as born in Green Lane (Small Heath) and my dad played for Birmingham boys and came from St Andrew’s road and always taken to the games by family.”

Martin Ellis wrote: “My dad said I had no choice.” Paul Rollason wrote: “Born and bred in Druids Heath - supported Birmingham all my life! Now living in Weston- Super-Mare. KRO.”

Billy Olivier wrote: “No choice. William Olivier took me to my first game. Never looked back....plus, we weren’t allowed to mention the V word in our house. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Gerard Mcdonnell wrote: “Started going down the Blues in 1967 and 1968. The Stan Cullis era - from then on always a Blue nose.”