NFL legend Tom Brady received a hero’s welcome in Birmingham as he entered two die-hard Blues pubs during his visit to St Andrew’s to watch his first game as the club’s new part owner.
The seven-time super bowl winner was serenaded to chants of “USA, USA!” by Birmingham City fans as his sizeable entourage ushered him through The Roost, in Small Heath.
The sporting icon cut a relaxed figure and appeared to be enjoying his rowdy reception at the packed boozer before his new club kicked off against Leeds United.
Brady posed for photos with supporters once inside and called on one young boy to: "Cheer loud today, okay!" He then told supporters: "Nice to meet you guys", before heading off to the ground for kick-off at 3pm yesterday (Saturday, August 12).
He also visited The Royal George Hotel nearby where he bought fans a drink and spent £550 at the bar. Antoin McGroarty, who has owned the pub and hotel for 14 years, said Tom got a £150 round in - before leaving a £400 tip. He said: “It was an Iconic day in Birmingham City football history. The past ten years have been doom and gloom but we have been taken over by new owners who have transformed the place and the fan base has been rejuvenated.”
The quarterback supremo was revealed as a minority shareholder in Birmingham City at the beginning of the month and will act as the chairman of the club’s new Advisory Board.
It follows a wave of box office US investment in British football clubs, most notable Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham FC and more recently NFL legend JJ Watt in Burnley.
The unassuming boozer is no stranger to having celebs pop in for a pint however. In April of last year, Ed Sheeran popped into the inner-city boozer and started pulling pints and having a sing-a-long with customers.
The pop megastar left revellers gobsmacked when he appeared without any security and even joined in a game of pool as he mingled with the crowds and enjoyed a pint with rapper pal Jaykae.
Here’s nine photos of NFL legendy Tom Brady’s visit to Birmingham City pub The Roost:
1. NFL superstar Tom Brady visited the Royal George Hotel in Small Heath, Birmingham, where he bought everyone a drink and spent £550 at the bar
2. NFL superstar Tom Brady visited the Royal George Hotel in Small Heath, Birmingham
3. NFL superstar Tom Brady the Royal George Hotel in Small Heath, Birmingham
4. NFL superstar Tom Brady visited the Royal George Hotel in Small Heath, Birmingham pub where he bought everyone a drink and spent £550 at the bar