Steven Carr joins BCFC Fanzine TV
Steven Carr joins BCFC Fanzine TV for an in-depth conversation covering his remarkable football career, his time at Birmingham City, the League Cup triumph at Wembley, relegation from the Premier League, international football with Ireland and the leadership qualities that made him such a popular figure with Blues supporters.
From Ireland to Tottenham
Carr explains how his professional career began after travelling from Ireland to England for trials with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Having started going on trials from around the age of 12 or 13, he eventually chose Tottenham after feeling more at home there.
He joined Tottenham at 15 and reflects on his early years, working under Ossie Ardiles and making his first-team debut. Carr speaks warmly about Ardiles’ football philosophy and the freedom he gave young players to express themselves without being afraid of making mistakes.
Tottenham, Newcastle and Sir Bobby Robson
The conversation then moves through Carr’s time at Tottenham and his eventual move to Newcastle United in 2004. Carr explains that Sir Bobby Robson was a major reason behind his decision to join Newcastle, describing him as an unbelievable character with an exceptional work ethic and hunger for the game.
Carr also discusses working around Kevin Keegan during his second spell at Newcastle and reflects on Keegan’s importance to the club and football more broadly.
The mystery of the Newcastle incident
One of the more unusual moments discussed is the infamous incident involving teammates Laurent Robert and Kieron Dyer. Carr says there had been no major problems between the pair in training and describes the incident as one of the most bizarre situations he experienced in football.
How Birmingham City changed everything
Carr explains that his arrival at Birmingham City came at a time when he could not find another club. After a trial period, a month’s contract eventually developed into a longer stay and a remarkable sequence of events.
He helped Birmingham City achieve promotion, finish ninth in the Premier League, reach the League Cup final and ultimately lift the trophy at Wembley. Carr describes the journey as something he could never have imagined when he was struggling to find a club.
The League Cup final against Arsenal
Carr looks back on the League Cup run and the atmosphere surrounding the semi-final and final. He recalls a Birmingham side that believed it could beat Arsenal despite being regarded as the underdog.
He also discusses the importance of the squad’s work ethic, experience and determination, highlighting the contributions of players including Roger Johnson, Scott Dann, Lee Bowyer, Kevin Phillips, Stephen Carr, Barry Ferguson, Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson.
Relegation and the difficult aftermath
The interview also examines Birmingham City’s relegation following the League Cup triumph. Carr says he never expected relegation to happen and remembers the disappointment of looking around the dressing room and realising that the squad was likely to be broken up.
Carr is particularly critical of how the club was being run at the time, saying that he felt the club had lost its soul. He contrasts that period with his view of Birmingham City’s current direction, expressing his belief that the club now has ambition, stability and owners who care about the club and its supporters.
For more information about Birmingham City, supporters can also visit the club’s official website at Birmingham City Football Club.
Leadership, captaincy and the Blues fans
A major theme of the interview is leadership. Carr explains that being captain is about much more than wearing an armband. For him, leadership means setting an example in training, working hard, showing commitment and encouraging teammates to follow that example.
He also discusses the responsibility footballers have towards supporters, emphasising the importance of giving everything on the pitch because fans invest their hard-earned money and emotions into following their club.
Why Carr chose not to become a coach
Carr explains why coaching never appealed to him after retirement. He says that coaching requires a huge level of commitment and a genuine desire to spend long days involved in football. For Carr, that lifestyle did not fit the quality of life he wanted after his playing career.
Advice for Birmingham City supporters
The interview finishes with a message for Blues fans. Carr urges supporters to stay behind the squad, believe in the direction of the club and understand that rebuilding takes time.
He describes the Championship as an extremely difficult league and stresses the importance of patience while Birmingham City continues its development.
From his extraordinary journey from Ireland to Tottenham, Newcastle and international football, to his unexpected Birmingham City comeback and Wembley success, Steven Carr’s career has been anything but predictable. His message to Birmingham City supporters is clear: remain behind the team, trust the process and keep believing in where the club is heading.
Keep Right On.