Birmingham City insight: Inside the boardroom on Sullivan and Brady's last game
SOMETIMES through the eyes of a child you get to see things with more clarity.
David Sullivan’s 11-year-old son, David jnr, was in the boardroom after coming off the St Andrew’s pitch with his brother, Jack, and their mates after their usual post-match kickabout.
In full kit and with his boots still on, it began to sink in: dad’s leaving Blues and that was the last time on the hallowed turf for David jnr. He broke down in tears.
David Sullivan, the Gold brothers and Karren Brady may carry a reputation in some quarters as rather hard-hearted individuals, hard-nosed business people.
But David jnr’s reaction, and that to it of the others gathered in the boardroom, told its own tale.
Deep down, the looks on their faces as David jnr was consoled showed that the outgoing board felt like that too; they just did the adult thing and kept a stiff upper lip.
Ralph Gold admitted: “It’s been an emotional and sad day, there’s no denying that.”
Sullivan said he experienced a strange feeling at the farewell in front of the home crowd, and scouting England coach Fabio Capello.
It was business as usual in many respects, but in so many more it wasn’t.
“I’ve felt a bit down, to be honest,” he admitted. “In 16-and-a-half years, I’ve spent 40 per cent of my working life here.
“It’s sad to go but I still think it’s the right decision. Supporters want a change. Very few owners stay this long.”
Privately, he feared some booing by the masses. Instead the only hint of rebellion was the ‘4-4-2’ chants from the Tilton Road and Kop imploring Alex McLeish to change the system.
Sullivan emerged to take his seat earlier than usual with Ralph Gold to watch a memory-jerking package of ‘16 years of joys and sorrow’ on the big screen. It struck just the right note and as it ended, spontaneous applause broke out around St Andrew’s.
For all the aggravation, moans and mithering that has marked the fans’ relationship with the board in recent times (on both sides, in fairness) it was laid to rest. It was a genuine moment of appreciation from the 28,671, Blues’ biggest attendance since April 2008.
Dozens of people came up to the board where they sat, or in the Kop corridors, to shake hands and say ‘thanks’ as well. Sullivan seemed touched by the show of gratitude he didn’t really expect.
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