A BLUES ROLLER COASTER RIDE

LIFELONG BIRMINGHAM CITY FAN KEITH DIXON LOOKS BACK AT THEIR HIGHS AND LOWS...

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THIS year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of Birmingham City Football Club. Originally known as Small Heath Alliance in 1875, it became Birmingham Football Club before adopting 'City' in 1943.

So what is it about the Blues, who have never been English champions or won the FA Cup, that generates such loyalty in their supporters? It must be more than the two League Cup victories in 1963 and 2011!

Firstly, Birmingham City are not a club defined by their trophy cabinet, unlike some who attract fans with their silverware.

Blues supporters are bound by something deeper - our working class background, the fact we rebound from our disappointments and continue to be optimistic, and the identity we share regardless of whether we win, lose or draw.

Having said that, what happens on the pitch and in the boardroom means a lot to Blues fans. Here are some key highs and lows in our 150-year history...

FA CUP FINAL FRUSTRATION

Birmingham reached their first FA Cup final in 1931, losing 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion.

Despite the defeat, this moment put the club on the national stage and created a sense of unfinished business that still lingers. In 1956, we got to the final again, even though we played every round away from St Andrew's.

The Blues were red-hot favourites to beat Manchester City. Indeed, the local papers, somewhat unwisely, mocked up photographs of our skipper Len Boyd holding the Cup whilst being hoisted in the air by the players. We lost 3-1.

Fans have been waiting for that day of FA Cup glory ever since, passing the dream down through generations.