Birmingham City's roots can be traced back to cricket when, in 1875, a group of cricketers formed the Small Heath Alliance to further their interest in alternative sports, namely football. The club turned professional in 1885 bit it wasn't until 1905 - and after it's rapid expansion - that it became known by the name we know today: Birmingham City Football Club.

The Blues moved their current St Andrews ground the following year in 1906, and by 1931 they were making their first appearance at Wembley - losing 2-1 to local rivals West Brom in the FA Cup final. 1946 was one of the club's most successful years as they picked up the Football League Championships and got to the semi-finals of the FA Cup; their first Second Division title followed in 1948. Promotion was gained to the top flight in 1955 as a result of winning the title again under Arthur Turner, and their best ever season followed in 1955/56 when the Blues finished 6th in Division One and ended up with FA Cup runners up medals.

The following year Birmingham became the first ever club to play in Europe when they met Barcelona in the Fairs Cup final, losing 4-1. Cup success finally arrived in 1963 when they faced local rivals Aston Villa in the League Cup final; the Blues winning 3-1 on aggregate and picking up the trophy at Villa Park was particularly sweet for supporters. Fans had a long wait until 2002 for their next success in a major final, but after coming so close in the Worthington Cup final against Liverpool in February 2001 they finally achieved trophy success in the First Division play-offs.

Birmingham City won qualification to the Barclaycard Premiership at the fourth time of asking through that route, and despite dropping down with relegation in 2006, bounced straight back up again to take their place back in the top flight for 2007/08.