Birmingham City launch Ex-Players Association

Apr 25 2008 By Colin Tattum

BLUES have taken a giant, and long overdue, step to include former players as part of the club ‘family’ again.

Birmingham City Ex-Players Association has been set up and was due to be formally launched at today’s game against Liverpool with a parade of legends.

The great Gil Merrick was set to lead the roll call of former stars from several eras.

The driving force behind the Association has been Tom Ross, the BRMB head of sport.

Along with former Blues captain, assistant manager and now community coach Kevan Broadhurst, he has been in talks with the club for several months about the venture.

And Blues MD Karren Brady has been a particularly enthusiastic supporter.

“It has developed from the Ex-Blues charity football team that I started 18 years ago,” said Ross, the Association chairman.

“Lots of other football clubs have similar kinds of associations, but we haven’t had one at Blues - until now.

“And I’m hoping that this can help be a bridge between the club and fans.

“There’s a great history and tradition at Blues that needs to be recognised and celebrated. And the players are what it’s all about, they are the constant.”

An annual gala legends night is planned and apart from providing Blues with great names of the past for corporate functions, the Association will also raise money for charity.

Albion, Villa and Everton are among those with thriving former players associations, which help promote their clubs and generate a sense of pride. But over the years Blues have tended to neglect their ex-stars.

It is hoped that in the next few months, membership of the Association will rise to more than 100.

Ross said that  fans or relatives who have contact details for any former Blues players should send an email to tom.ross@brmb.co.uk

Anyone having made at least one appearance at professional first team level, even as a substitute, qualifies for membership.