Barry Fry issues passionate Birmingham City message after relegation | OneFootball

Birmingham City are preparing for life in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1995, after their relegation was confirmed just over a week ago.

Despite often managing to escape the dreaded trap door into League One in previous years, this year was ultimately one step too far after a chaotic season at St Andrew's ended with confirmation of their fate on the final day of the season.

Although relegation is ultimately a huge blow for the supporters who, just ten months ago, were full of optimism that their years of stagnation would come to an end under the new regime, headed by Tom Wagner and Tom Brady, many would argue it gives the club a chance to fully rebuild as they look to come back in a stronger position.

Barry Fry issues passionate Birmingham City rallying cry after relegation

One man who knows what it takes to galvanise the supporters in B9 is the charismatic Barry Fry, who was in charge of the club between December 1993 and May 1996.

The 79-year-old's tenure in the 'Second City' could somewhat mirror the Blues' pending fortunes, as Fry suffered relegation just months after joining from Southend United, before moulding a team that would become Division 2 - now League One - champions on the final day of the 1994/95 campaign, as well as defeating Carlisle United at Wembley in the Auto Windscreens Shield Final.

Just a week after the current squad were relegated themselves, Fry was present at St Andrew's as part of 'BluesFest 2024', helping to raise funds for the Birmingham City Foundation. Afterwards, he issued a passionate message to Blues fans via DavoBirmingham's X account.

"Us Bluenoses have got to stick together. Keep Right On, god bless you," he began.

Fry was then filmed on stage, delivering further messages to those in attendance at Saturday's event.

"Its great to be back at St Andrew's where I spent my best two-and-a-half years in football," he added.

The current Peterborough United Director of Football concluded, "You Bluenoses are as crazy as what I am!"

Gary Rowett delivers 'No regrets' verdict on Birmingham City situation

Similarly to the aforementioned Fry, Gary Rowett spoke over the weekend regarding his second stint at the club, where his spell as interim head coach ended in disappointment.

When quizzed on Sky Sports regarding whether he had any regrets after the events which unfolded during his brief tenure, the 50-year-old stated: "None at all. I knew when I was going into it that it was a slightly unusual position. It would have been very easy for me as a manager to have left it alone and waited for the next job."

"It just felt like perhaps I could go in and try and keep the team and the club in the division because they have flirted with the relegation zone for a number of years," he added.

As many supporters believe, the step back into League One could give the club a stronger platform to build from and eventually return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011, which is a sentiment Rowett echoed.

"There should be a feeling among the players that they want to be part of what should be a really exciting rebuild," he continued.

"The club and owners have really big plans, but they need a team that can match that on the pitch."

Where do Birmingham City go from here?

There's no secret that the club will have a lot of pressure to deal with next season in the third tier, given its reputation and well-publicised ambition.

However, many supporters will have been boosted by Alan Nixon's report on Sunday via Patreon, which claimed that Tony Mowbray is in the "final phase of his recovery" and is awaiting a date as to when he can return to managing the side.

Given Mowbray's record at League One level, which includes a promotion with Blackburn Rovers back in 2018, this will give the players who will remain at the club post-relegation and fans an uplift in mood, despite the chaos that has ensued over the last eight months.