Tom's speech was awe-inspiring

AS a journalist you do become a little cynical when listening to players, managers, CEOs or owners speak because they usually just say what they believe the supporters want to hear.

- TOM ROSS

No, they never directly lie, although one or two have, but the hyperbole can, and often does, run riot.

However, there comes a time when you meet an owner who is so inspiring that when they speak, they leave you believing every single word. Blues owner and boss of Knighthead, Tom Wagner, epitomised that at the club's annual awards night at the ICC on Sunday.

He spoke passionately about his blossoming love affair with Blues and confirmed his ambitions and amazing plans for the future.

His speech to the 1,200 Blues fans rammed into the arena had every single one of them cheering and giving him a standing ovation, the like of which I haven't witnessed in over 30 years of attending these awards nights. He left every single supporter confident the future is brighter than it has ever been.

Following a record-breaking season in League One he had a message for the doubters who poured scorn on his plans for a £3billion Sports Quarter, which would include a 62,000-capacity state-of-the-art stadium: "They are afraid of what will happen when they see 62,000 in our home stadium."

He was delighted the club's academy had been granted Cat 1 status, which is huge in terms of recruitment and development of the most talented youngsters around.

Knighthead have transformed St Andrew's but last week I had the opportunity to have a close look at how the Knighthead Academy and Training Grounds has been updated. It is now as good as any and will be able to attract some of the best youngsters from around the country.