Birmingham City have been relegated to League One and one of the big challenges that they face is the difference in finances.
Blues will be considered one of the biggest clubs in the third tier next season with a big stadium and a passionate fanbase. Knighthead have big pockets and have revealed their grand plans for the club including a new training ground, improvements to St Andrew's and a new stadium.
More than 10 players find themselves out of contract though, and there will be decisions to be had on whether they stay or not. Birmingham will arguably have one of the biggest budgets in the division next season but the club still needs to run at a sustainable level, so lower teams may have to be offered. Relegation does offer an opportunity for a squad reset too and that could mean more players coming through its well respected academy which has produced Jude Bellingham.
Here, we look at how Birmingham City’s wage bill compares to their rivals in the Championship. These exact figures were collated by Chris Weatherspoon from the Wise Men Say Podcast and Fair Game. You can read more of his findings, relating to both matters on and off of the pitch here. *These figures are from the 2022/23 season, and so Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town feature whilst Rotherham United, Reading and Blackpool are also included. This is because, all clubs from last season had to publish their accounts, and so this season’s accounts won’t be revealed until this time next year. They exclude Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle who were in the third tier last season.

1. Rotherham United
Rotherham United had a wage bill of £10.3million during the 2022-23 Championship season, according to the latest financial information available. | Getty Images

2. Blackpool
Blackpool had a wage bill of £13.5million during the 2022-23 Championship season, according to the latest financial information available. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker

3. Coventry City
Coventry City had a wage bill of £18.5million during the 2022-23 Championship season, according to the latest financial information available. | Getty Images

4. Huddersfield Towm
Huddersfield Town had a wage bill of £21.5million during the 2022-23 Championship season, according to the latest financial information available. Photo: Ed Sykes