Birmingham City Football Club — affectionately called “The Blues” — is one of the most historic football clubs in England. Founded in the 19th century, the club has experienced promotion triumphs, heartbreaking relegations, cup glory, and unforgettable derby battles. Its fanbase is fiercely loyal, its anthem is iconic, and its place in the heart of Birmingham is undeniable.
This is the ultimate guide to Birmingham City FC facts — from its earliest days as Small Heath Alliance to its modern-day ambitions. Whether you’re a lifelong Bluenose or just curious about one of England’s most resilient clubs, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Early Beginnings (1875–1905)
- Year Founded: 1875 as Small Heath Alliance by cricket club members looking for a winter sport.
- First Matches: Played at Muntz Street in Small Heath.
- In 1888, Small Heath Alliance became the first football club to turn professional in the Midlands.
- The club joined the Football Alliance in 1889 and later the Football League Second Division in 1892.
- Early Success: Won the Second Division in 1893–94, securing promotion to the First Division.
2. Becoming Birmingham City
- Renamed Birmingham Football Club in 1905, dropping “Small Heath.”
- Moved to St. Andrew’s Stadium in December 1906.
- Adopted the royal blue kit that would inspire the nickname “The Blues.”
- In 1943, the club officially became Birmingham City FC.
3. St. Andrew’s Stadium
- Opened: 1906
- Capacity: 29,409 (modern configuration)
- Known for its intense atmosphere, especially from the Tilton Road End.
- Hosted not only football but also rugby matches and even concerts.
- Survived bomb damage during World War II and underwent major renovations in the 1990s and 2000s.
4. Major Honours
- League Cup Winners: 1963, 2011
- 1963 Final: Beat Aston Villa 3–1 on aggregate — their first major trophy.
- 2011 Final: Defeated Arsenal 2–1 at Wembley with Obafemi Martins’ famous late winner.
- FA Cup Runners-Up: 1931, 1956.
- 1931: Lost to West Bromwich Albion 2–1.
- 1956: Lost 3–1 to Manchester City — the match famous for Bert Trautmann playing with a broken neck.
- Football League Second Division Champions: 1892–93, 1920–21, 1947–48, 1954–55, 1994–95.
5. European Nights
- In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Birmingham played in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a precursor to the UEFA Cup/Europa League.
- Reached the final twice (1960, 1961) — losing to Barcelona and Roma respectively.
- Notable for being one of the first English clubs to participate in European competition.
6. Famous Players
- Trevor Francis: England’s first £1 million player, signed by Nottingham Forest from Birmingham in 1979.
- Christophe Dugarry: World Cup-winning French striker who joined in 2003 and helped secure Premier League survival.
- Joe Hart: England goalkeeper who had an impressive loan spell early in his career.
- Jude Bellingham: Academy graduate who became a first-team star at 16; his No. 22 shirt was retired when he left for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
- Frank Worthington: Charismatic forward known for flair and style in the late 1970s.
7. Legendary Managers
- Arthur Turner: Guided Birmingham to the 1956 FA Cup Final and their highest-ever league finish (6th in First Division).
- Barry Fry: Colorful manager in the 1990s, remembered for his passion and personality.
- Steve Bruce: Led Birmingham to the Premier League in 2002 via playoff glory at the Millennium Stadium.
- Alex McLeish: Managed the 2011 League Cup-winning side.
8. The Second City Derby
- The fierce rivalry with Aston Villa is known as the Second City Derby.
- First played in 1879 when Small Heath Alliance met Aston Villa.
- Matches are high-energy, often tense affairs with electric atmospheres.
- Blues fans take immense pride in victories over Villa, especially the 1963 League Cup win.
9. Fan Culture and Anthem
- Birmingham fans proudly call themselves Bluenoses.
- The club anthem “Keep Right On” is sung before and during matches, creating an emotional bond between fans and players.
- Matchdays at St. Andrew’s are known for loud chanting, humor, and unwavering support — even in difficult seasons.
10. Women’s Football
- Birmingham City Women’s team is one of the most respected in England.
- FA Women’s Cup Winners: 2012 (beat Chelsea).
- Runners-up in the Women’s Super League in 2011 and 2012.
- Produced players for the England national team, including Karen Carney.
11. Promotions and Relegations
- Birmingham has moved between the top two divisions multiple times in the modern era.
- Achieved Premier League promotions in 2002, 2007, and 2009.
- Suffered relegations in 2006, 2008, and 2011 — the latter being especially bitter as it came just months after winning the League Cup.
12. Financial Ups and Downs
- The club has faced ownership disputes and financial instability, especially in the 1980s and 2010s.
- Despite challenges, the Blues have maintained strong attendance and loyal fan backing.
13. Youth Academy Success
- Produced stars like Trevor Francis, Nathan Redmond, Demarai Gray, and Jude Bellingham.
- Known for giving young players first-team opportunities earlier than many top clubs.
14. Iconic Matches
- 2011 League Cup Final: Arsenal 1–2 Birmingham — arguably the club’s greatest modern achievement.
- 2002 Playoff Final: Beat Norwich on penalties to reach the Premier League for the first time.
- 1963 League Cup Final: Beat Aston Villa to claim first major trophy.
15. Fun & Lesser-Known Facts
- Birmingham were the first English club side to compete in European competition (Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, 1956).
- The club once had a police dog mascot in the 1960s.
- Jude Bellingham’s shirt retirement at 17 was widely debated but became a point of pride as his career skyrocketed.
- St. Andrew’s pitch famously slopes slightly from one end to the other.
16. Birmingham City Today
- As of 2025, Birmingham City is in a rebuilding phase with fresh investment and renewed hope of a Premier League return.
- The squad blends experienced leaders with promising youth prospects.
- Fan optimism remains high, especially with plans for stadium improvements and community engagement.
Final Word
Birmingham City FC’s story is one of resilience, community, and passion. From its early days as Small Heath Alliance to its European adventures, derby victories, and Wembley glory, the club has weathered both triumphs and trials. The Blues’ anthem says it all — “Keep Right On” — and that’s exactly what Birmingham City and its supporters continue to do.
