Birmingham City v Bristol City

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
GARRY COOK
Welcome Blues fans to our final home
game of the festive period. I trust that
you are having an enjoyable time with
family and friends this holiday season. Thank you
in advance for your vociferous support for our
team tonight. I would also like to extend a warm
welcome to the officials, team, and supporters
of Bristol City.
As we move closer to the end of 2023, I want
to share some personal thoughts on what has
happened since Knighthead completed its
investment in July.
Let’s start with our stadium and training
facilities. Sadly, they were not fit for purpose. That
is why, since July, more than £20 million has been
spent on St. Andrew’s, Wast Hills Training Ground
and the Birmingham City Elite Performance and
Innovation Centre. Improvements will continue to
be made so all our players have the best possible
environments to plan, prepare and compete.
And our supporters will have an ever-improving
experience when coming to the Stadium.
We are already seeing positive signs on the
pitch with our Under-18s, Under-21s and Women’s
team leading their respective competitions.
While our Men’s team, under the leadership of
Wayne Rooney and his coaching team, are making
progress every day. I have no doubt that we will
continue to see the benefits of their collective
hard work this evening and in the coming weeks
and months.
There are three further initiatives launched
since July that I want to highlight.
The first is the commitment we have made to
regain Category 1 status for the boys Academy and
to ensure it becomes recognised as ‘best in class’.
At the same time, we have committed to continue
to invest in the Category 1 status that our girls
already enjoy. This is a cornerstone of the Club.
The second is the Blues Open House, with the
first one held on Monday 27 November. Our goal
is to involve our supporters, so you are better
informed about what is happening at your club.
100 of you went behind the scenes, met the
people making great things happen, and took part
in conversations on a range of subjects, including
the Club’s playing identity and the importance of
revenue growth. Open Houses will take place each
quarter.
And third, was this month’s launch of the
Birmingham City Foundation. It embodies
everything that we believe our club should be—
helping those who need it most in and around
Birmingham. We are more than football. An
alliance is being built between the Club, our
supporters and former players, our Commercial
Partners, and a host of local charities. More than
£200,000 has been raised, with your support,
in a matter of weeks. Blue Nose Day will be
remembered for some time. This is just the start.
And my biggest disappointment since July?
Without doubt, the sad passing of one of our
greats, Trevor Francis. He represented everything
that is great about our club. I wanted Trevor to
be part of the journey we are now embarking
upon. Unfortunately, that was not to be possible.
Instead, in 2024, we will honour Trevor’s memory
so that we can all celebrate his life when we visit
St. Andrew’s. More to come on this.
Birmingham City is now a global story. The
spotlight is on us. And it is not going away.
Everyone at the Club, with the full support of our
owner Tom Wagner and the Board, is working hard
to create something truly special for all Bluenoses.
Enjoy the ride.
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Keep Right On!
Garry Cook
8 | BLUES NEWS BIRMINGHAM CITY V BRISTOL CITY