Birmingham City Football Club was formed in 1875 by a group of Holy Trinity Cricket Club players who wanted to "keep together during the winter months." Over the years, the club have had four names, originally called Small Heath Alliance, then Small Heath, Birmingham and finally Birmingham City. Four different grounds have also been used: Arthur Street, Bordesley Green; Ladybrook Road, Sparkbrook; Muntz Street, Small Heath and finally St Andrew's. The siting of St Andrew's has legendary meaning to "Blues" supporters. The ground was built on a former gypsy site, and is said to have been given a curse.... and that is why the club has been fairly unsuccessful!!!!
The Blues do have their own special place in football. Although, they have never won the old First Division title (or indeed graced the Premiership) and still await that glorious moment when a Blues Captain lifts the FA Cup at Wembley (although they have practised winning the Leyland DAF Trophy and the Auto Windscreen Shield both at Wembley), Birmingham City are a much-loved club and despite all the disappointments of recent years, they will remain so.
The Blues have also made their mark on the history of football. In 1888 they became the first club to be formed into a limited company. In 1960 they were the first British club to reach a European Final, when they met Barcelona in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. There has been a host of great names, from Joe Bradford to Trevor Francis, Harry Hibbs to Gil Merrick and other great servants like Frank Womack and Malcolm Beard.
There have been good times, when Birmingham City fans have had special reasons to hold their heads up high, and that great battle hymn 'Keep Right on to the End of the Road' has reverberated around St Andrew's and elsewhere.
Now, the 'Prodigal Son' has returned Trevor Francis is managing the side and together with David Sullivan, David and Ralph Gold and Karen Brady the club has never been in better hands. Blues fans can now look into the not too distant future when OUR team finally reaches the Promised Land that is the Premiership.
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