Birmingham City boss Chris Davies sends powerful 'sleeping giant' message as 50,000 Bluenoses await at Wembley

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has penned an emotional letter to Blues fans ahead of today’s highly-anticipated Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough United at Wembley Stadium.

An astounding total of 43,356 tickets have been sold in the Birmingham end of the home of football, while a further several thousand are expected to be in attendance, whether that be in hospitality or just in the surrounding areas to drink in the atmosphere.

It’s been billed as the most important fixture in the club’s recent history and for good reason as it’s an opportunity to clinch double silverware in a memorable week for the club. Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away at Peterborough was enough to secure promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking and results elsewhere on Saturday mathematically confirmed the League One title. Now Blues can add another trophy in front of tens of thousands at the world’s most famous stadium.

Davies, who has played a pivotal role in completely turning around Birmingham’s fortunes, couldn’t be more excited to take to the Wembley dugout. He’s been here before as an assistant at Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but being the head coach for a match like this is a different kettle of fish.

Chris Davies pens powerful letter to Birmingham fans

Addressing the supporters in the official matchday programme, Davies wrote: “Good afternoon. When putting these notes together, I found it difficult to escape the sense of occasion, particularly for our supporters. While we as a group of coaching staff and players are fully focused on what we must do to win the game ahead of us, a cup final at Wembley is an event unlike any other for our fans.

“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge how for a generation of Blues fans, this will be their first visit to Wembley and those who were fortunate enough to watch their team play here before can attest to the lifelong memories today will create.

“Club officials estimate nearly 50,000 Blues fans will be in attendance today. Before I joined, I knew Birmingham City was a big club, but when you live and breathe it on the inside, you really grasp the enormity. This really is a sleeping giant, and it is up to us all to wake it up!

“While our ticket allocation is a little larger than most we have been allowed this season, it came as no surprise to me just how quickly we filled our end at what is an iconic stadium. Since I walked through the door, your support has been nothing short of incredible.

“From the 2,000 who followed us to The Valley for our very first away trip of the campaign, to the 5,000 who travelled up to Barnsley in treacherous conditions and every one in between. We have sold out almost every away allocation this season and it so often looks, sounds and feels like we have outnumbered the home end, At St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, our record speaks for itself and whilst it is the players who are tasked with performing on the pitch, your contribution off it has been immeasurable,

“For you to travel the miles you have and parted with your hard-earned money to support us up and down the country is a testament to your commitment and loyalty to the club. So, again, a huge thank you and never for a second think we take it for granted.

“You have endured some tough, times in recent years and whilst might be biased, there is no fanbase more deserving of days like today and for success to return to the club. This afternoon, we have the opportunity to take another step towards achieving that.

“Since our first game in this competition back in September, I have been unapologetic in our approach. It is a competition we entered by way of being in League One, and therefore it is one we wanted to win.

“We have prepared for each of the eight fixtures to date with the same diligence and professionalism we would for any other. When you are representing Birmingham City, there can be no drop off in standards and we have paid the competition the utmost respect.

“We also have history here. 30 years ago, Barry Fry's side lifted the Trophy thanks to Paul Tait's golden goal in front of another 50,000 Blues fans. Some of you will have been in attendance that day. I've seen the footage, and I have shared it with the players ahead of a few games this season.

“The vast sea of blue flags and shirts and a deafening rendition of Keep Right On - something I have now become accustomed to! It was a special day and we, as the privileged group of current players and staff to represent the Club, For you, for ourselves and for Birmingham City Football Club. Keep Right On.”