Tom Wagner breaks silence on emotional Birmingham City return

Blues' American owner returned to St. Andrew's for the first time since January earlier this month

Birmingham City owner, Tom Wagner, has broken his silence on what was an emotional return to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park for the American earlier this month.

The Blues chief had suffered an unfortunate stroke back in February, but after a seven-month period without being in the public eye, was present in B9 for the recent West Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wagner has been viewed as a saviour by Birmingham supporters for the plethora of changes he has made both on the pitch and behind-the-scenes since completing an initial takeover in July 2023, having constantly made it clear that his dream is to eventually return the club to the Premier League.

Last season saw Blues finish 10th in the Championship under Chris Davies, which still represented the club's highest finish since the 2015/16 campaign.

So far this season, Davies' side have been rather draw-heavy but have still only lost one of their first seven league outings, which has provided a solid platform from which to build on as the campaign continues towards the crucial winter months.

Tom Wagner breaks silence after returning to Birmingham City for Wolves draw

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Before the aforementioned derby, Wagner was present for the 1-1 draw against Stoke City on January 24th, whilst after it was confirmed that the American was beginning his recovery, Blues fans produced a moving tribute towards their chairman in February's FA Cup fourth round clash with Leeds United.

However, he returned for the pulsating 2-2 draw against Cesar Peixoto's side, after which club-record signing Jay Stansfield was seen holding back tears when asked about his relationship with Wagner.

Birmingham hosted their latest 'open house' event on Thursday, which Wagner would usually have been present at to outline his current views and future vision for all developments surrounding the club.

Whilst updating fans that he could not attend, the owner's overall message on Instagram was still full of emotion.

"It was incredibly special to be back at St. Andrew’s and with the Blues," said Wagner.

"I want to thank every single fan for the reception you gave me, and for the messages, support and encouragement you have shown me over recent months. I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me.

"Being back at St. Andrew’s, hearing you sing and feeling the energy around the stadium was a powerful reminder of what makes this club so special. BCFC means an enormous amount to me, and my commitment, and Knighthead’s commitment, to this club and this city has never been stronger," he added.

"Unfortunately, I won’t be able to be there in person for Open House, but the Knighthead and Club teams will be there. I’ll be with you all in spirit and following closely.

"There is so much to be excited about, both for the Club and for the future we are building together. I’m looking forward to being back with you again soon."

Birmingham City fans reaffirm love for Tom Wagner after social media message

Wagner's message was also relayed by the club across various social media platforms, and Birmingham fans certainly made their feelings clear towards the chairman yet again.

"Tom, thank you for everything you and your team have done and continue to do for our great club, we are eternally grateful. You truly are now “one of us”. Looking forward to welcoming you back to St Andrews again soon. KRO," read one response.

said another Bluenose.

With there being plenty of talk over the upcoming Powerhouse stadium, another fan replied: "Looking forward to seeing TW taking his rightful place putting the first spade into the ground."

Reflecting on the atmosphere against Wolves, another supporter stated: The energy was because of you Tom. Our king and saviour. Keep getting stronger we’ll be waiting for you."

One Aston Villa supporter was also able to set aside rivalries for a brief moment, adding: "Good to see Tom recovering well and still showing passion for his club, he's a good owner."

Birmingham City will hope to reward Tom Wagner's backing in the near future

As previously mentioned, Wagner's close connection to Birmingham's fanbase, squad and Davies cannot be understated, and they will hope to reward his backing in the near future.

Blues are hoping to move into the 62,000-seater Powerhouse arena by 2031 after initial images were unveiled last November, whilst on the pitch, it is obvious that the initial target is a first Premier League stint in a generation, before aiming to push further up the top-flight table.

There is an even greater incentive for the club to achieve such aims through the expansion of the Championship play-offs, and if Davies' men are able to continue their encouraging start against Middlesbrough