Birmingham City have made history in the 2024/25 League One season, clinching promotion to the Championship with an EFL record of 111 points. This achievement, capped by a 2-1 victory over Cambridge United on the final day, surpassed Reading’s 2005/06 Championship tally of 106 points. The Blues’ journey back to the second tier is a story of resilience, rebuilding, and determination after years of struggle.
The club’s journey over the past decade has been a rollercoaster. After enjoying a spell in the Premier League, Birmingham suffered relegation and spent several years in the Championship. Their struggles culminated in a further drop to League One, a low point that raised questions about the club’s direction and stability. However, the 2024-25 season saw a remarkable turnaround.
A Decade of Decline
Once a Premier League side, Birmingham City enjoyed top-flight football until 2011, when relegation followed their League Cup triumph over Arsenal. The Championship became their home for over a decade, but stability was hard to find. Financial issues, frequent managerial changes, not to mention the gypsy curse, and inconsistent performances plagued the club.
By the 2023/24 season, the situation worsened. Despite a late push under interim boss Gary Rowett, Birmingham finished 22nd, dropping to League One for the first time in 29 years. Fans felt disconnected, and the club’s identity seemed lost.
The Rebuild Process
The turnaround began with new ownership. In July 2023, American investment firm Knighthead, with NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority shareholder, took over. Their ambition was clear: rebuild the club and restore pride. They appointed Chris Davies, a 40-year-old coach with no prior managerial experience but a strong background under Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou. Davies brought a clear playing style, focusing on discipline and teamwork.
The summer transfer window was pivotal. Birmingham invested £25 million in 17 new players, including a League One record £15 million for striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham. Stansfield’s 19 goals, alongside contributions from Alfie May and Ethan Laird, powered the team.
Davies fostered a squad with strong character, addressing past issues of poor player mentality. The result was a dominant campaign: 34 wins, 9 draws, and just 3 losses, and the league’s best 84 goals scored. They scored the most goals and conceded the least in the division, losing only to Bolton, Reading, and Northampton.
Manager Chris Davies praised the team’s spirit and determination, highlighting that their record-breaking points tally was a result of being a “proper team” with both skill and heart. He emphasised the importance of fighting for every point, especially in tough, scrappy matches, which was key to their success.
Key Moments
There were a few key moments that defined their record-breaking run. A 4-0 win over Mansfield Town broke Wolves’ 2013/14 League One record of 103 points, while a 2-0 victory at Blackpool pushed them past Reading’s EFL mark. The final game against Cambridge saw veteran Lukas Jutkiewicz, in his last match, contribute to an own goal that sealed the 111-point tally. Manager Davies praised the squad’s effort, noting the challenge of sustaining such consistency.
Birmingham’s return to the Championship is a testament to strategic planning and unity. With plans for a new 60,000-seat stadium and continued investment, the Blues are looking up. For fans, this season has reignited hope, proving that even after dark days, success is possible with the right vision.
Birmingham City’s 2024-25 season will be remembered as a landmark campaign that not only restored their place in the Championship but also set a new standard for points accumulation in English football. They are definitely not stopping here as they have a new goal set in their sites, and that is getting back to the Premier League.
