Friday 29th December 2023

St. Andrews, Birmingham B9 4RL

Birmingham City v. Bristol City

Another personal one , successful planning sees me reach match number 100 of season 2023/24. To celebrate the occasion, it is a betwixtmas night away in the second city and a new stadium tick.

As a golfer its been a dream to visit the R&A HQ but since my chances of playing the home of golf seem small, I am at the best footballing St. Andrews instead.

Birmingham have played here since 1906, a classic old ground set in the back streets that reflects all that's great about the beautiful game. It has experienced crowds of 75,000 in it's heyday and you can feel the history.

I decided to sit in the Main Stand which is the oldest remaining part that hasn't yet been developed into the more modern style.

Special mention here for the superstore, lovely little separate building and everybody so friendly and happy that you've chosen to visit their club.

Atmosphere wise I can see this would be a brilliant place when the team are on better form then the current squad.

A chance encounter with a couple of home hardcore lifers proved very entertaining. So a great big thank you to Phil and Malcolm for your stories, anecdotes, banter and friendliness to make it a night to remember, although the action on the pitch was not the greatest.

A truly enlightening evening where I've learnt about  Zulus, Cuddles, Neil Etheridge's third storey and a bloke that can get me a machine gun if I need one.

I fully intend to come back and meet you in block D3 to continue my education. KRO!

Final shout-out to The Dolphin 🐬 Costa Teguise, Lanzarote and Blue-Nose Ian , been five years since we visited but your enthusiasm for Blues has stayed with me.

[Final Score: Blues 0 Robins 0]