What Happened to Birmingham City Football Club?
Birmingham City Football Club has experienced a dramatic period of change and resurgence since 2023. Following relegation to League One in the 2023-2024 season, the club, under new ownership by Knighthead Capital Management, achieved a record-breaking promotion back to the Championship in 2024-2025 as champions. As of August 2026, they are preparing for the 2026-2027 Championship season, having finished 10th in the previous campaign, and are actively involved in transfer activities and significant infrastructure projects.
Quick Answer
Birmingham City Football Club, after a turbulent period culminating in relegation to League One in 2023-2024, made a swift and historic return to the Championship in 2024-2025, winning the League One title with a record 111 points. Under the ownership of Knighthead Capital Management since July 2023, the club finished 10th in the Championship in the 2025-2026 season. As of August 2026, they are managed by Chris Davies and are actively engaged in the summer transfer window, preparing for the upcoming Championship campaign, while also progressing with ambitious plans for a 'Sports Quarter' around their St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Club Founded as Small Heath Alliance
The club was founded by members of the Holy Trinity Church in Birmingham, initially as Small Heath Alliance.
Renamed Birmingham City
The club officially adopted the name Birmingham City Football Club, having previously been known as Small Heath and then Birmingham.
First Major Trophy: League Cup Win
Birmingham City won their first major trophy, defeating their local rivals in the League Cup final over two legs.
Second League Cup Victory
Birmingham City secured their second League Cup title, famously beating Arsenal 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Knighthead Capital Management Takes Over
Shelby Companies Limited, a subsidiary of Knighthead Capital Management LLC, led by Tom Wagner, took full operational control of Birmingham City FC, marking a new era for the club.
Relegation to League One
Despite a final day victory, Birmingham City were relegated from the EFL Championship to League One, finishing 22nd after a turbulent season with six managers.
Chris Davies Appointed Manager
Chris Davies was appointed as the new manager, tasked with leading the club's immediate return to the Championship.
Promotion Back to Championship Secured
Birmingham City secured automatic promotion back to the Championship with a 2-1 victory at Peterborough United, with six games remaining in the season.
League One Champions with Record Points
Birmingham City finished the 2024-2025 season as League One champions, setting a new EFL points record with 111 points.
Shelby Companies Ltd Increases Ownership
Shelby Companies Ltd increased its ownership stake in Birmingham City FC to 96.64%.
Finish 10th in Championship
Birmingham City concluded their 2025-2026 Championship season in 10th position, consolidating their place in the second tier.
Pre-Season for 2026-27 Season Begins
Manager Chris Davies discusses preparations for the upcoming 2026-2027 Championship season, including new signings and transfer policy.
Pursuit of New Signings Continues
Manager Chris Davies confirms the club is actively pursuing new signings, including Brighton winger Ibrahim Osman, as the transfer window progresses.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Birmingham City Football Club, founded in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, has a long and storied history in English football, though often overshadowed by its local rivals. The club has spent numerous seasons in the top flight but has more frequently competed in the lower divisions, with its most significant successes being two League Cup triumphs in 1963 and 2011.
The modern era for Birmingham City has been marked by significant ownership changes and fluctuating fortunes on the pitch. A pivotal moment arrived on July 13, 2023, when Knighthead Capital Management LLC, through its subsidiary Shelby Companies Limited, took over all operations of the club, with Tom Wagner becoming Chairman. This acquisition was heralded as a 'new beginning' for the club, promising stability and ambition after years of uncertainty.
Despite the new ownership, the 2023-2024 season proved to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. The club endured a tumultuous campaign in the Championship, cycling through six different managers and ultimately suffering relegation to League One, the third tier of English football, for the first time in 29 years. They finished 22nd with 50 points. This setback, however, became a catalyst for a remarkable turnaround.
The 2024-2025 season saw an extraordinary resurgence. Under the guidance of manager Chris Davies, Birmingham City dominated League One, securing promotion back to the Championship with six games to spare and ultimately winning the league title. They broke multiple records, including the EFL points record with a massive haul of 111 points and 34 league wins, becoming the fastest side in EFL history to reach 100 points. Off the pitch, the club also achieved Category One Academy status and saw its Women's team narrowly miss out on promotion to the Women's Super League.
Building on this success, the 2025-2026 season marked Birmingham City's return to the Championship. The club consolidated its position in the second tier, finishing a respectable 10th in the league table. Chris Davies continued as manager, overseeing a season that saw the club compete in the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
As of August 11, 2026, Birmingham City is actively preparing for the 2026-2027 Championship season. Chris Davies remains at the helm, discussing pre-season learnings, new signings like Dael Fry and Jhon Solis, and the club's transfer policy. The club is looking to strengthen its squad further, particularly in wide and forward positions, with Brighton winger Ibrahim Osman identified as a target. Ownership by Shelby Companies Ltd is now at 96.64%. Beyond on-field matters, Knighthead continues to drive ambitious infrastructure projects, including the development of a 'Sports Quarter' around St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, aiming to transform the club and its surrounding area.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Birmingham City Football Club made different choices?