What Tom Wagner said after Birmingham City were relegated to League One - he has delivered | OneFootball

Birmingham City are set for a return to the Championship just 12 months after suffering relegation to League One

Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner released a statement to supporters when the club were relegated to League One last year.

The Blues won on the final day of the Championship season, but it wasn’t enough to climb out of the bottom three with the club coming 22nd in the table.

But now Chris Davies’ side are heading back to the second tier next year after a strong season in League One, comfortably securing promotion on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over Peterborough United, with six games still to play.

The American owner will be pleased with the progress that’s been made on and off the pitch, with his ambitions set on a Premier League place in the near future.

With the club now officially promoted, we take a look at those comments ahead of the Blues' return to the Championship...

Tom Wagner’s relegation comments

Following relegation, Wagner spoke to Birmingham supporters to ensure he was still dedicated to the cause despite the massive setback of dropping into League One.

He promised spending over the summer to build a team capable of immediate promotion, which he lived up to in the months that followed, along with the appointment of Davies as manager.

"Despite the disappointment of relegation, our steadfast commitment to the Blues and our loyal fans and community stands unwavering,” said Wagner, via Birmingham Live.

"This season has illuminated numerous challenges and opportunities for improvement.

“Embracing these realities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of positive change, both on and off the pitch.

"Our dedication to the betterment of this wonderful club transcends this unfortunate outcome, anchoring us firmly in our continued ambition for what is to come.

“This off-season we will have an opportunity to provide the necessary resources in order to achieve what this club and passionate community deserve.

"As we chart a course forward, fuelled by your passion and support, rest assured that our plans for the uplifting transformation of the Blues remain steadfastly in place.

“Be well and Keep Right On. Tom Wagner."

Tom Wagner’s investment into Birmingham City

Birmingham were big spenders in the transfer market following their relegation, which included the signing of Jay Stansfield from Fulham for a League One record fee.

It was reported by Sky Sports that the deal amounted to £15 million to bring the forward back to the club on a permanent basis after his initial loan spell in the Championship.

Other big name signings from their summer business include Christoph Klarer, Emil Hansson and Willum Thor Willumsson.

And the club’s owner has also brought forward plans to invest in the infrastructure of the Midlands outfit, as well as ensuring there’s money to be spent on the squad.

Land has been bought that will be used to create a new stadium and training facility, with an estimated capacity of 62,000, with their sights firmly set on the top flight.

Birmingham have been out of the top flight ever since their 2011 relegation, but this level of investment from the owner will have fans excited that a return could be possible in the years to come.

While the step backwards into League One was a disappointment in 2024, there is no doubting the direction the club’s heading in just 12 months later with their place in Championship now officially confirmed.