'Jolly Jack' was Birmingham City's greatest ambassador
Aug 18 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail
TERRY Cooper summed it up best: we will never see the like of Jack Wiseman again.
Football is no longer the glory game but an industry and the Premier League’s tentacles stretch the world over.
The days of the local supporter-businessman minding the shop have long since gone.
In Jack Wiseman’s death, Blues have not only lost a man of integrity, wisdom and warmth, but possibly the last link to a famous club dynasty.
Jack, who passed away peacefully on Friday aged 92, was “Mr Blues”.
Before him his father, David, joined the board in 1928 and served the club diligently.
David emerged as a respected football figure, and so did Jack after becoming a director in 1956.
He not only devoted his time to all matters Blues, but he served the FA, the Football League and the Birmingham County FA with distinction.
Jack – often affectionately referred to as “Jolly Jack” because of his demeanour – rose to chairman and his part in keeping Blues intact when the Kumar empire crashed in 1992 should not be underestimated.
Along with manager Cooper and secretary Alan Jones, Jack battled hard to keep Blues from oblivion.
I remember well his passion and determination over those eight months Blues, through the Kumars’ business, were in receivership.
