New owner outlines plans after completing takeover of Birmingham City in historic day for club

New owner Tom Wagner outlines his plans after completing the takeover of Birmingham City in what is a historic day for the club.

This is a huge day for the Championship outfit after an Emergency General Meeting in Hong Kong on Thursday morning, sees current owners Birmingham Sports Holdings voting to confirm the sale of 45.6% of the club to Shelby Companies Ltd.

The company, who is ran by American financier Tom Wagner, has also purchased St Andrew’s Stadium, with the hop that good times are back. A new sense of optimism.

The Club is delighted to announce that Knighthead Capital Management LLC (Knighthead), through its affiliate Shelby Companies Limited (SCL), has completed the transaction with the majority owners of Birmingham City Football Club, including Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited.

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 13, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to provide the following information to supporters.

Knighthead Capital Management LLC (Knighthead), through its affiliate Shelby Companies Limited (SCL), has completed the transactions with the majority owners of Birmingham City Football Club, including Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited (BSHL), following approval by the shareholders of BSHL.

SCL, with immediate effect, has acquired full ownership of St. Andrew’s and 45.98% ownership of Birmingham City Limited.

SCL has assumed responsibility for all operations of the Club and will provide the necessary funding to rebuild and set a new trajectory for the Club.

SCL is committed to providing the resources, in line with English Football League (EFL) guidelines, needed to deliver transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city whose name it proudly carries.

The Board said: “We are pleased to have completed the transactions with Knighthead, through Shelby Companies Limited, and look forward to the next chapter of Birmingham City’s history.”

New additions to the Club’s leadership team, infrastructure improvements and a new commercial partner will be announced in the coming days.

Thomas Wagner, Knighthead Co-Founder and Co-CEO, talks about a new direction for the Club under the ownership of Knighthead Capital Management LLC.

BCFC.com publishes the following statement from Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
Knighthead Capital Management LLC (“Knighthead”) is pleased to announce that through its affiliate Shelby Companies Limited (“SCL”), it has completed the transaction with the majority owners of Birmingham City Football Club (“Birmingham City”), including Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited. Shareholder approval has been received which means that SCL, with immediate effect, has acquired full ownership and control of St. Andrew’s and 45.64% ownership of Birmingham City Plc.

A new Board for Birmingham City Plc has been appointed. The new Board members are:

Thomas Wagner, Matthew Alvarez, Andrew Shannahan, Kyle Kneisly, Laura Torrado, Wenqing Zhao and Gannan Zheng.

SCL is now responsible for all the operations of the Club and will provide the necessary funding to rebuild and set a new trajectory. SCL is committed to making available the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, needed over time to deliver transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city of Birmingham.

Tom Wagner, Knighthead Co-Founder and Co-CEO, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone associated with Birmingham City Football Club, especially the fans. It marks the beginning of a new chapter. From this moment on everything we do will be focused on improving the experience for our fans and making a positive contribution to growth of the city of Birmingham and how it is viewed around the world.”

He added: “We are committed to giving the fans a greater voice. We will add talented professionals to the existing leadership team, experienced in driving transformational change in football and other sports organisations. Continually improve the physical infrastructure of the Club. Create new and exciting commercial relationships, leveraging global businesses that Knighthead is connected to. Invest in both the men’s and women’s teams, with young local talent given the opportunity to shine. And always be a positive force in the local community. The transition and implementation plans will take time, but we believe that we will earn Birmingham City fans trust and support.”

He concluded: “Our goal is to put in place the building blocks for success so that Birmingham has a club, bearing its name, which is globally respected. The future of Birmingham City is in good and safe hands. The potential of this Club is unlimited.”

SCL will be announcing new additions to the Birmingham City Football Club leadership team, infrastructure improvements and a new commercial partner in the coming days.

SEASON TICKET AND STADIUM REPAIR UPDATE

Birmingham City is able to provide the following update relating to Season Tickets and the Stadium repair works.

With the Club’s potential investors recently receiving English Football League [EFL] approval for their acquisition, and remedial work at St. Andrew’s progressing, excitement is growing as the Club enters the next chapter. From September, safe standing will be launched in the Tilton Lower and the Stadium will be at full capacity by November, giving the Men’s First Team the added energy to eclipse last season’s points tally.

The Club wishes to thank all supporters for their backing during 2022/23, especially Blues’ loyal Season Ticket holders who undoubtedly contributed to the team’s performance and were greatly appreciated by Head Coach, John Eustace, and his team.

2023/24 Season Tickets go on sale Wednesday 14 June 2023, 9am

The players and staff need the supporters with them once again as the Club looks to build on the foundations laid – and a full St. Andrew’s can make B9 a fortress once again. Bluenoses can help pack out the stands by renewing or purchasing their 2023/24 Season Ticket from Wednesday 14 June, 9am, with early bird discounts available until Saturday 22 July, 5pm. The renewal window will remain open until Saturday 15 July, 5pm.

When setting Season Ticket prices for the 2023/24 season, the Club has been guided by three principles:

1. Affordability – the Club recognises that supporters are facing cost of living challenges, so a range of Season Ticket prices are available, including some of the lowest-priced tickets in the Championship for families with young children and young adults aged 16-22.  Only one team in the second tier will be offering a cheaper under-16s ticket than a seat in Arthur’s Area this season will cost.

2. Value for money – the Club is providing the most committed Bluenoses with even more opportunities to engage with and support the Club, all at no extra cost, meaning supporters will get more for their money. For the first time, Men’s Season Ticket holders will have free access to all 11 Blues matches in the Barclays Women’s Championship, as well as free entry to all Under-21s fixtures hosted at St. Andrew’s.

3. Benchmarking – last year, Season Ticket prices were reduced to reflect the partial closure of St. Andrew’s. This meant that prices ranked in the bottom five of the division for the average revenue per Season Ticket. For the coming season, the Stadium will be returning to full capacity and Season Ticket prices will return to approximately the same level they were in 2021/22. The new pricing structure will place Blues in mid-table for average ticket prices, with Main Stand prices remaining one of the cheapest across the whole league.

Birmingham City’s Managing Director, Ian Dutton, said: “Last season, we were not able to give supporters the product they deserved, and, therefore, reduced prices accordingly. But as we enter a new era at Blues, these prices are not sustainable. However, we recognise the struggles everyone is experiencing across the country and the Club has realigned its pricing towards the 2021/22 campaign.

“It is vital that we strengthen both on and off the pitch, and our new pricing strategy, coupled with a packed house at St. Andrew’s, will go a long to achieving our goals.”

A full pricing grid for all areas of the stadium can be viewed by clicking here.

Please note: Certain areas of St. Andrew’s have been renamed ahead of the 2023/24 season. The Paddocks will be the Main Stand Lower and Arthur’s Area Lower; blocks A, B and D will be the Main Stand Upper and Arthur’s Area Upper.

Frequently asked questions can be viewed by clicking here, which includes information regarding the choice of a digital or physical season card.

Stadium Update

Work is continuing on the Stadium repairs and the Club can confirm that the Tilton Lower will reopen this September, with the Kop Lower following in November.

Supporters who have a seat reserved in the lower tiers should renew their current Season Ticket and they will be contacted directly prior to their reserved seat becoming available when the lower tiers reopen. At that point in time, they can choose to remain in their current seat or revert back to their reserved seat in the lower tiers.

Priority for relocation into the lower tiers will be given to 2023/24 Season Ticket holders and details regarding the process for applying is available by clicking here.

The Club looks forward to welcoming all supporters back for the next chapter in August.

Back in May 2023, Wagner wrote a letter to fans about the club’s future in which he said: “You may be asking why we are making this commitment. Knighthead’s expertise is in turning around and transforming organisations that are experiencing difficulties. We have a passion for sport.

“We have been involved in, and have seen first-hand, its ability to drive positive economic and social change.

“We plan to commit the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, the skills and the determination needed to deliver transformational improvements for the good of the Club and the good of the city.

“The potential for Birmingham City is unlimited.”

Wagner adds that the team has been working on the transaction “for some time” and made a list of commitments to fans.

What were the commitments?

Wagner said he wanted fans “to be involved in the journey with us. Using the recommendations outlined in the 2021 Fan Led Review, we will create forums so your views and opinions are heard and such decisions made shall take into account the interests of all our stakeholders.

“Personnel leading the Club will draw on the talented and passionate professionals already in place, with the addition of exceptional leaders who are experienced in managing the successful transformations of football clubs and world leading sporting businesses.

“We will also strive to deliver a fan experience that is unmatched, tapping into Birmingham’s unique history and creative dynamism.” Wagner added the first step in the transition is to ensure St. Andrew’s is fit for purpose and will work in partnership with the City Council to explore all options available to us to transform the physical infrastructure.

The club will also focus on increasing revenue to be able to invest in line with the Championship Profitability and Sustainability rules for our teams, and plan to put in place the high performance facilities and culture needed for success.

Wagner added he plans to “stay true to, and enhance, the legacy of Birmingham City by helping young local talent flourish and realise their ambitions.”

“We understand the Club’s pivotal role for the city, economically, socially and culturally. We plan to be a cornerstone; a positive force in the local community where we operate,” he finished.

This s what fans had to say as the new owner outlines plans after completing a takeover of Birmingham City in a historic day for the club…

@Adamsbcfc: I can’t believe we have a man at the club who understands business and management. I thought it would never happen

@R_1875: What a bloke, I could cry 🥲

@ben_flavelle: I honestly never thought I’d see this day so soon, special thanks to @almajir for keeping fans up to date with what was actually happening to our club over the years, monday morning reads will sadly be missed. Kro 💙

@CalBatchBlue: This guy knows his stuff can see that, like that he’s seen the growth happening in Birmingham too sounds like he’ll align with other investment projects, Blues have got big financial spuds now no doubt

@Walshyyup: gimme gimme gimme a baldy from Knighthead, he came from the US now there’s cream on my sheets

@SJ_1875: 12 and half minutes of professionalism, pride, class, hope and excitement. You’ll do for us, Tom! KRO

@_LukeStokes_: Everything we’ve needed and more. Genuinely can’t believe we’ve got it this good.

@Bigbaz1875: Thank you Tom and team and the best of luck. I for one believe in this project and I know the majority of blues fans will give you there full unconditional support. It’s a great day for our great city and club. Keep right on. That’s what I keep doing 👍👍❤️❤️

@MarkPeacock_83: Enjoyed that, very positive. Think people need to give gardner some credit as he has certainly taken stick on here. Up the blues. Onwards and upwards Kro

@LeeW1875: The Blues pin badge….💙

@oftenpartizan: amazing Interview, this is it for me… suddenly the club looks like it could finally become the giant we all know it could and can be. thrilled about what he said about the womens team as well, because that part just proves about their desire to improve everything for us.

@MarkONe64583088: Incredible interview! We are in very safe hands. I’ve been a season ticket holder for over 40 years and have never felt this level of excitement for the future. KRO

@gary_morg84: I’ve got something in my eye 😢. Brilliantly, refreshingly, realistically ambitious

@BcfcPrinceton: Now that is a businessman who knows what he is doing. What an interview and what a guy. We are back💙

@NickMorrisBCFC: Someone pinch me