Birmingham City could lose out on financial jackpot
Birmingham City will lose out on a financial jackpot if they fail to make it into the Premier League – and the knock-on effect on the city’s economy would be worth millions, experts have said.
If promoted, the club can expect its turnover to soar next year and business leaders say there would be a knock-on effect to spending and a boost to the city’s profile for having two top-flight clubs.
The club’s annual revenues rocketed from £25 million to £49.8 million last time the team reached the top-flight, in 2007, and a similar rise is expected again.
But the team missed out on a chance to go up this weekend after they lost 2-1 to Preston, and the city will be on tenterhooks to see if Blues make it up on the last day of the season next Sunday.
Roger Allonby, head of tourism and culture at regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, said as well as bringing millions of pounds more spending on tourism and retail, the promotion would also improve the city’s international standing.
Mr Allonby said: “The Premier League is recognised as the best and most competitive league in the world. Not only does the promotion bring pounds and pence here, the international profile it brings is massive.
“Places like Manchester have seen their international perception grow through Manchester United, so having Aston Villa doing well and Birmingham City back in the Premier League is a great way of improving perception of the West Midlands.
