The former boss has urged for Bluenoses to stick with each other after relegation to League One
HIGHLIGHTS
- Birmingham City face tough season in League One after relegation confirmed, sparking calls for club rebuild.
- Barry Fry & Gary Rowett offer support & optimistic outlook for club’s future, urging fans to ‘Keep Right On’.
- Tony Mowbray’s potential return as manager raises hope for Birmingham City’s rebuild and promotion chances.
Birmingham City will play in the third division of English football for the first time since 1995 after being relegated just over a week ago.
After a turbulent season at St Andrew’s, the club was unable to avoid the dreaded trap door into League One this year. Their destiny was confirmed on the penultimate day.
| Championship standings 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18 | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 53 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -24 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | -11 | 51 |
| 22 | Birmingham City (R) | 46 | -15 | 50 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town (R) | 46 | -29 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 46 | -52 | 27 |
Although relegation is ultimately a huge blow for the supporters who, just ten months ago, were full of optimism that their years of stagnation would come to an end under the new regime, headed by Tom Wagner and Tom Brady, many would argue it gives the club a chance to fully rebuild as they look to come back in a stronger position.
Barry Fry issues passionate Birmingham City rallying cry after relegation
The charismatic Barry Fry, who led the club from December 1993 to May 1996, understands what it takes to rally the fans in B9.
The 79-year-old’s tenure in the ‘Second City’ may mirror the Blues’ upcoming fortunes, as Fry was relegated just months after joining from Southend United, before moulding a team that would become Division 2 – now League One – champions on the final day of the 1994/95 season, as well as defeating Carlisle United at Wembley in the Auto Windscreens Shield Final.
Fry attended ‘BluesFest 2024’ at St Andrew’s to support the Birmingham City Foundation, just one week after the current squad was demoted. Afterwards, he sent a heartfelt message to Blues fans via DavoBirmingham’s X account.
“Us Bluenoses have got to stick together. Keep Right On, god bless you,” he began.
“We’ll have a great season next year! Keep the Faith.”
Fry was then filmed on stage, delivering further messages to those in attendance at Saturday’s event.
“Its great to be back at St Andrew’s where I spent my best two-and-a-half years in football,” he added.
The current Peterborough United Director of Football concluded, “You Bluenoses are as crazy as what I am!”
Gary Rowett delivers ‘No regrets’ verdict on Birmingham City situation
Gary Rowett, like Fry, recently discussed his disappointing second term as interim head coach at the club.
When asked on Sky Sports if he had any regrets about his brief term, the 50-year-old responded, “None at all.” I knew going in that it was an odd position. things would have been quite simple for me as a manager to leave things alone and wait for the next job.”
“It just felt like perhaps I could go in and try and keep the team and the club in the division because they have flirted with the relegation zone for a number of years,” he said.
Many supporters think that returning to League One will provide the team with a stronger foundation from which to rebuild and eventually return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011, a notion that Rowett shared.
“There should be a feeling among the players that they want to be part of what should be a really exciting rebuild,” he said.
“The club and owners have really big plans, but they need a team that can match that on the pitch.”
Where do Birmingham City go from here?
Given its reputation and well-publicized goals, the team will undoubtedly face a lot of pressure next season in the third tier.
Alan Nixon’s Patreon report on Sunday indicated Tony Mowbray is in the “final phase of his recovery” and is awaiting a date to return to managing the team, boosting many supporters.
Given Mowbray’s League One record, which includes a promotion with Blackburn Rovers in 2018, this will improve the spirits of the players who will remain at the club after relegation, as well as fans, despite the mayhem that has transpired over the last eight months.
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