Christophe Dugarry makes Premier League claim involving Birmingham City | OneFootball

Former Birmingham City favourite Christophe Dugarry has backed the club to eventually return to the Premier League under their new owners despite a difficult first year.

After years of frustration at how the club was run under the former regime, there was real optimism at St. Andrew’s when Tom Wagner and his American group completed a takeover of the club.

However, this season has been a forgettable one for Blues, as the controversial decision to sack John Eustace and bring in Wayne Rooney backfired spectacularly, with Tony Mowbray replacing the ex-Derby chief, but illness meant they had to turn to Gary Rowett for the run-in.

Ultimately, it didn’t work out, as Blues were relegated even after a final day victory over Norwich City, and they are now preparing for life in League One.

Christophe Dugarry has positive Birmingham City outlook

Whilst the owner has to take responsibility for the managerial decisions, there is still an understanding among the fans that Blues can have a bright future.

They have already revealed grand plans for a fantastic new stadium, and they have reiterated their big ambitions for the club in the long-term.

And, speaking to the club media, Dugarry stated that he will continue to keep an eye on how his former club progresses, as he backed them to return to the top-flight in the future.

“I do care about this club, even though I only played here for roughly a year. I have Birmingham City in my heart, so I will keep on following you guys with great attention. I hope the club will be back in the Premier League, and I know they will thanks to very competent people.

“The fans here do deserve to have a club in the Premier League, and I have been very happy to be able to exchange with the new management.

“I will watch you with great care. Keep right on.”

Birmingham City’s summer plans

It’s nice for Blues fans to hear from Dugarry, as he was loved at St. Andrew’s after the role he played in keeping the side in the Premier League over 20 years ago.

He was a class act as a footballer, and the fact the World Cup winner still has a love for Blues is great for the fans when you consider the career he had.

It’s also a positive that he is optimistic about what the future holds, as he has spoken to the owners, and he is obviously impressed with their plans.

So, Blues are in a strange situation, where they aren’t devastated after relegation, and there is confidence that they can bounce back.

But, that goodwill won’t last forever, and this is a massive summer for Birmingham, and they simply have to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt.

You would expect a high turnover of players over the coming weeks and months, and they will need to strike the right balance in terms of getting those who can make an instant impact in the third tier, as well as having one eye on the future.