Fans OUTRAGED! Why Birmingham City v Wrexham in the USA Would be a HUGE Mistake & Makes NO SENSE #89
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- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 16 āļ.āļ. 2024
- Is a Birmingham City v Wrexham match in the USA the most outrageous football idea ever? Fans are certainly fired up about it! In this podcast, we discuss the authenticity of the origin of the story and explain why we think that this will NEVER happen!
We also discuss why this would be a huge mistake and a big own goal for Birmingham city in relation to its impact on supporters if the idea was ever under consideration.
If you are a Blues Supporter or indeed a fan of Wrexham let us know your thoughts by commenting below this video. Also, if you are a Supporter of any other team it would be great to have your thoughts as well, so please add a comment.
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If I got a 1 match refund on my season ticket I would support a game in the USA. Imagine the publicity, and good will, it could generate,. Please remember we will need to attract major events NFL, concerts etc to the new stadium in the future.
Thank you for your comment Dave. Iâm sure that some Blues fans may be in favour of this but I would suggest that the vast majorityâs would not. The club need to ensure that they make decisions that do not alienate the vast majority of the fan base. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
The owners are all about revenue. If they think playing the Wrexham game in the States would generate long term added revenue (eg, expanding the fan base, crating sponsorship deals, etc) then I wouldnât be surprised if this rumour had some validity. Even if it was an idea discussed in brainstorming meetings which got leaked.
Thank you for your comment. I think itâs fair to say that the owners have bought the club to make as much money as they can and we know itâs not just about the club but the wider infrastructure, with the purchase of the Wheels site. I personally do not have a problem with them making money as long as they are sensitive to the fans. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
As a former season ticket holder now living in the States I would love to see a preseason Blues tour here. Let's not be naive, the draw isn't the EFL its Tom Brady owning the team in the Boston area especially. This is a hotbed of European immigrants and lots of us still play football and would love to see English teams on preseason here. As a long time Bluenose I wouldn't want to take a real league game away from the true fans. I do however think its an untapped resource here to get the revenue from here. You would have more fans here flying and spending money in Brum to see them also as they climb. I have already had 4 friends fly over to watch with me. Their kids now wear Birmingham city shirts to their junior game. Do not disregard who Tom Brady is as an icon here, we have the Pele, Michael Jordan owning our club now. Preseason yes, but I'm a true Brummie and I would want a real game here. I went too many seasons to know the passion of our great fans. Expanding the fanbase is revenue though. KRO
Sorry meant to say wouldn't want a real game here...autocorrect got me ð
Thank you for your comment and you make some excellent points. We have no objection to a pre-season friendly or even tour which would definitely help to raise the profile of the club and give fans who live in the USA the chance to see the Blues where they live.
We are all for spreading the Blues brand and generating revenue and publicity as this is the way the club is really going to grow and we fully support these fantastic owners, we just think that a league game played in the USA would limit accessibility for the core Blues fan base who support the club week in week out where only a small percentage of fans would be able to afford the trip. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Thank you Gary, I'm going to ask a hypothetical question here. I'm by no means suggesting this would happen. What if Blues said hey were going to set up a Blues v Wrexham game at the Patriots stadium. We are going to set up Tom Brady pushing the game and the Blue's merchandise for the game. We know we could put 60,000 fans minimum in the stadium. Of that profit we make we will take 7-10 million strictly for player purchases. We are also going to open St. Andrew's to screen the game live for the home fan's ( which I believe will happen in the future for sold out away games). The season ticket holders get free entry at either location and 2 free beers.This will be a two location live game albeit screened at one. My question and again its hypothetical would you be in support of a one off game only ( in season) to make Blues potentially on the east coast at least the "team" to follow over here? I know its far fetched but in that scenario I personally think a lot of Blue's fan's for the long-term health of the club would say yes. I really do think those large screen investments are for potentially opening st Andrew's to screen sold out away games. KRO
@@bostonbrum5288 thank you for your comment. In that scenario I think Blues fans would have no problem. As also stated as long as it is not a league game I think Blues fans would not object to most initiatives that the club propose. Kind regards and KRO
Like you both discussed there was no validity to that story and Ryan Reynolds confirmed that no talks had taken place.
If it was true it would alienate us as Blues fans and also the Wrexham fans.
Really enjoy your TH-cam channel gents, keep up the good work and keep right on!
Thank you for your comment and we are pleased you enjoy our podcasts. Itâs fair to say that it would make a lot of fans unhappy which is why I donât think that this would ever happen. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Sorry chaps, I have to disagree.
If it was true, I have no problem with it. Donât get why every one canât see the big picture. One game, lots of exposure, sell some shirts and extra cash pumped into the club.
Not many away tickets available this upcoming season, so most of us will be watching from a far any way.
One more game isnât a problem for me.
Why are the Americans happy to play an NFL game over here?
They want to spread the game and exposure and possibly pull in more fans, also the teams that do come over sell a lot more merchandise.
KRO
Thank you for your comment Lee. No problem at all itâs all about opinion!
A game in the USA would definitely increase the profile of the club and generate some revenue however the club need to be sensitive of the wider fan base who in the main would object to this.
I would be in favour of a pre-season exhibition match in the States which would achieve the same objectives but not a league game, however I think we are a few years away from that. KRO and kind regards. Gary
It wouldn't surprise me that the match in America was deliberately rumoured so the club could guage the fans reaction to it.
Thank you for your comment Tony. If that was the case then the club will certainly know how the fans feel about it! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Agree with Tony Cardallâs comment - feels like an idea floated to gauge reaction. In terms of playing a Blues v Wrexham game in the US - be it a league game, or an exhibition type friendly, the potential marketing gain for both clubs, would be huge. Not sure how many people realise how huge a name Tom Brady is in the US - just his name being associated with Blues would ensure any such game would be a massive success. KRO
TBH The nagging doubt I still have with Wagner is the association with hedge funding.
When I saw a notification for this story, thought it was a pre-season friendly.
Okay that would be okay, maybe as part of a tournament.
As a regular league fixture, NEVAH!!! lol
ððKRO Forever True ðð
Thank you for your comment Paul. A pre-season friendly in the USA in the future would be ok but not a league game, so we both agree on that and Iâm sure that will be the feeling of most Blues fans. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I lived in America for 7 years and still have lots of friends there and I asked them if theyâd go to blues v wrexham and the general feeling was only if Tom Brady and Ryan Reynolds weâre actually playing in the game
Thank you for your comment Dave. Iâm sure at some point that Blues will visit USA but as part of a pre-season tour rather than a league match.
As Blues start to grow and especially when they start to climb the leagues they will become more well known in the USA and beyond so it makes more sense that this would happen in a few years time. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I wouldnât want to see a game that Iâve paid to see via my season ticket played outside this country BUT Sky has messed up the fixtures for decades and if Blues can get so many ÂĢmillions having a game or two played outside this country then so be it! Look at cup games, only so many tickets given to fans and the rest watch the game on the TV. We will be with the big boys soon anyway! ðððŧ KROTTEOTR
Thank you for your comment. There is no doubt that a fixture abroad would bring in revenue however my worry would be the damage that it would do to the fan base. Many fans are outraged by the thought of this happening and the vast majority would not have the finances to afford to be able to go.
I get that the club need to find ways of promote club and the brand but they also need to be careful in the way they do it. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I agree with your comments. However, when did a third divisiÃģn club get talked about so much. Yes the owners need to squash the rumour but l LOVE the club getting so much publicity. KRO
Thank you for your comment Graham. That is very true, it is giving the club lots of publicity which Iâm sure the owners wont object too! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I agree with your comments regarding the actual EFL games, if they wanted to do something like this then do it as a pre-season friendly - they could do it in Philadelphia in homage to the TV show that McElhenny co-created & starred in - It's Always Sunny in Philedelphia
Thank you for your comment Paul. Yes, a pre-season exhibition match or tour in the USA would be fine and achieve the same objectives, which is something I believe we will see over the next few years. Kind regards (Gary)
Wrexham FC Fanzone quotes ryan reynolds regarding a fan post disagreeing with such a plan by saying their was no such talks
Thank you for your comment John. We mentioned this is the podcast. The fact that neither Birmingham nor Wrexham have made contact shows that the whole thing is a non story created by the media. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
From the start I honestly thought it was just a clickbait non story and thatâs exactly how I still think
Just gives other clubs another reason to dislike us ð
Smear campaign
Thank you for your comment Charley. Thatâs exactly what this is. Blues nor Wrexham have said they had ever been in discussions about this so it is just the usual gutter press to try and get reactions. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I think it was kept under wraps a little, but the club were recording for a similar doc that Wrexham had. Not sure if it will materialise based off our relegation. Perhaps this coming season will make for better tv anyways. KRO!
Thanks for commenting! Always appreciated :)
I think last season would have made epic TV watching whilst also being a complete car crash all in one swoop! ð
Would have been entertaining that's for sure as it was one hell of a season. I have no doubt something like this will also be on the cards in the coming years. I must admit I do love those sports documentaries. The Wrexham one, Man City, Beckham etc. All keep me entertained.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
If this is indeed the case, I find myself in a state of indecision. I completely concur that this contradicts the desires of the blue fans, as it might be financially inaccessible for many. However, to increase the clubâs revenue and meet its business goals over the next decade, playing in the USA could generate funds for player investments. This could also serve as a mechanism to keep season tickets and match day fees affordable for all fans in the long run. Itâs worth noting that any business would struggle to survive if it doesnât explore ALL possible revenue streams. Thereâs also the possibility that USA broadcasters may be interested in acquiring TV rights for home games, which would be a groundbreaking move and could generate substantial revenue.. Outstanding work gents always very informative and I respect everyone views and opnions . KRO
Thank you for your comment Mark. You make some great points and it really is a dilemma isnât it. A number of others have made similar comments in relation to exploring all avenues for increased revenue and Iâm sure those at the club will be looking to diversify our revenue streams.
Iâve mentioned in some other responses that I have no objection to a pre-season friendly or even tour in the Stated, itâs just issue of it being a league game that is the issue for me.
There is a variety of opinions in the comments which is great and we love getting and reading everyoneâs views. It really helps us to debate issues/topics and to understand wider view points. This is one thing I love about the podcast. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Simples - NO! EFL should not allow it.
Thank you for your comment. The EFL would never sanction this as there would be absolutely no benefit for them. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Like it or not, our owners see BCFC as a brand that needs to be marketed in the USA and probably the rest of the world. I don't have a problem with that if it means further investment in the club. Don't be suprised if in 2025 our pre season is in the USA, possibly with a game against Wrexham ð
Farewell to John Ruddy who did well for us for the time he was here - his stats show that. However, unless he was going to become a coach he was hardly the future of the club. I wish him well.
What would be good is if you both did some podcasts dedicated to England. Like you guys there are some football savvy people who post here. So much to talk about! KRO
Thank you for your comment Chris. Totally agree about spreading the brand and a pre-season friendly or even tour of the USA would be fine, but not a league game.
John Ruddy has served the club well and we wish him all the best. As you point out he was not going to be the future of this club especially since signing Ryan Allsop but hopefully he will get a few final seasons as first choice elsewhere.
A number of people have asked us to do England podcasts but the honest truth is that it is just lack of time. We both have full time jobs and there is so much going on at Blues it would be difficult at the moment for us to fit anything else in. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I'm sure the club are looking at all avenues for generating revenue. If we are to complete we need to raise the clubs profile with sponsors and potential new supporters and while I wouldn't be surprised if this was mentioned in passing at Blues, the sources for this rumour are dubious at best (daily mail).
Personally I wouldn't mind a one off league 1 game played in the US but understand people's reservations.
Thank you for your comment Neil. We have no objection to a pre-season tour or exhibition match but not a league game.
Iâm sure the club will be looking at numerous ways of raising the profile of the club and generating additional revenue but they also need to be sensitive to the core fan base who support the club. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Itâs curious that there were never rumours of us having a game in China when we had the old owners. I think some people might just be picking on the new American owners. Please remember Ryan Reynolds is Canadian too, so makes even less sense that heâd care about a game in America. (For the record, as a brummie living in the states now Iâm fine with a game over here for purely selfish reasons hah)
Thanks, Michael :)
Yeah, Wagner is an easy target for something like an American oversee's game. These rumours are always going to pop up from time to time. Friendlies etc, can do what they want but a competitive game could be getting into murky water. However, as a businessman and a company with eyes on revenue, I expect things like this to start ramping up in the coming years. It's the way football seems to be going.
Imagine the old owners choosing to have a game abroad. Here is a game of football from a club we don't care about at all ð
All the best from the UK to the States! KRO
(Matt)
If it was true, Blues would lose home advantage and Chris Davies would never have agreed to it. I think someone should chase up the story to the nth degree and find out exactly how it started. Hopefully, it wasn't a discreet attempt by the owners to guage fans' opinions before an announcement. Hopefully, the owners have more nous and more respect for the fans than that. The club should issue a statement to clarify things, just this once.
Thank you for your comment. A few others have suggested that the story started via âa controlled leakâ in order to gauge fans opinion however, itâs really hard to tell.
There seems to be no credible origin for the story and no talks have taken place between Blues or Wrexham so it appears to be speculative gutter press once again being stirred up by the media. Kind regards (Gary)
I would support playing a games abroad. With ffp it is essential that we try to increase revenue so it seems natural to me that this will happen with not just us over the coming years. So why not be ahead of the game.
If it were to happen, I'd like to see the club try and help supporters go to see it. Maybe that would help us come to terms with it?
Also, the club wouldn't be doing us justice if they wasn't asking these questions as it's up to them to make this work. So fake or not it's a valid question. It ain't gonna happen in League 1 though, even with the pull of Wrexham so I wouldn't worry about it bluenoses.
Thanks for commenting as always mate :)
Yeah, we do feel these things will be inevitable to some extent with Wagner and the new owners. They are very financially savvy and will want to exploit all areas of revenue. Especially with the shackles of FFP. They will need to get creative the more we grow.
You raise a really good point of âhelpingâ fans to see it. I think the worry comes from your average fan missing out, being out priced or just generally not having these sorts of events be accessible.
Very best, KRO
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue Yeah, I for one couldn't afford it. But for the few it would be a real treat. Pre season would of been a good idea. It's their first real season though so it will all evolve. Can't wait to see where it's going. KRO.
âĪ friendly yes up the blues ð okay ð ð win the league yes ð ð up the blues ð ð ð league ð ðfootball â―ïļ football â―ïļ league ð football league
Thank you for your comment Paul. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Tom Brady vs Ryan Reynolds is the draw. Iâd be happy to let the Americanâs have their fun and enjoy the game so long as Wagner and co continue to invest in the club.
Thanks for commenting! :)
Fair enough and valid point. This is why we love football to get everyones different perspective and opinions but still love the same club!
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I donât think it is fake yes it might not be happening now but in the future something like this will happen in the future weather we like it all not .
Thank you for your comment Stephen. A fixture as a pre-season friendly would be ok in the future but not as a league game. For all the reasons we stated in the podcast, this would never work and it does appear to be fake story with a absolutely no substance that has been wiped up my the media because they think it is news worthy. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
If Fans are that fickle over a single game being played in the states then I suggest they give their heads a wobble
Acting as if they're missing out on a Cup final
I honestly hope they do even if its not this season try get some games over in America (obviously pre-season stuff) Broaden the brand and get more Foreign fans interested in our club
I'd find it hilarious seeing Americans Chanting SOTV can you imagine the meltdowns
Thanks for commenting and everyone is entitled to their opinion. This is why we love football and have this channel :)
I don't necessarily think it's a case of being fickle or even the fear of missing out it's what precedent this sets and what might lead next for the bigger picture. The average working fan who goes to most, if not all games doesn't want to get priced out or almost become collateral damage for revenue. It sounds like an extreme comparison from where we are now but some premier league teams charge ÂĢ1K for season tickets etc. Even Wolves fans are giving up tickets due to price rises this year. Ticket prices aren't linked to this one-off game but it's a concern that these sorts of conversations is where it all ends up.
We all know we need revenue to grow as a club and get as much exposure as possible. I guess it's a challenging balance to strike. They can do what they like pre-season and for friendlies, this was more about a competitive league game ð
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue apologises edited for family friendly audience
Haha! No worries mate :)
This is such a poor reaction talking about morals and DNA . St Andrews was a crumbling wreck of a Stadium before Knighthead came in and They have poured millions into the existing Ground even though the intention is to build a new Stadium. How do you think Investment partners are brought on board to back the Billions needed for the new Stadium and surrounding redevelopment. The Fans can't have a say in every decision or idea going forward. After the terrible ownership suffered over the past 20 years we have to Trust in Wagners vision and the methods and innovation needed to bring it to fruition.
Thank you for your comment Andy. There is no doubt that Knighthead and Tom Wagner have done amazing things already since they have been here especially to the stadium as you rightly point out. We fully support the owners and we are really optimistic for the future.
I appreciate that the fans canât be consulted on everything and the original of this idea is highly questionable. I have no objection to a pre-season friendly or tour but not a league game as very few of the Blues supporters who go to home matches week in week out would be able to afford a trip overseas including ourselves so it limits accessibility for the loyal fans.
As stated, in all for progressing the club but there also needs to be consideration across the fan base. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Total speculation social media has a lot to answer for your channel is great donât give air time
Thanks for commenting!
I appreciate that and your kind words :)
I think our theory of using this a discussion point we have accidentally given it more air time and exposure! The irony.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Guys i normally agree with you guys but not on this point. First of all yes i think it was not real and just a rumor. However it is possible that the club did put out this rumour to see fan reaction and hence why they wont say it was not real or dont want to rule this out in future. The bigger point is you guys need to look at the larger picture. I understand local fans reaction to lose 1 home game but there are fans all over the world and they buy merchandise, tv packages to watch games, some will fly into town for a week to catch 1 or 2 fixtures. Wrexham are going to California and British Columbia end of july to play 3 friendlies, even their women have a tour out there. they will be playing Bournemouth, Chelsea and Vancouver Whitecaps. They are playing in 70000 and 60000 capacity stadiums and i am telling you they will be full. More important and shockingly more than half will be wearing Wrexham shits or supporters. I am in North America and follow how big Wrexham has become and no one new Efl or Wrexham was 3 years ago. what i am saying is yes this can happen, there is a large market for it and while you may not want to lose 1 home game it will bring so many more positives to the club and to the city as a whole. Watch the wrexham documentary to see how wrexham the town itself has changed for the better in the 3 seasons...
Thank you for your comment. You make some very good and valid points and you may be right the idea could have been leaked to gauge fans opinion.
I have no objection to a pre-season friendly or tour, which is what Wrexham are doing but not a league game. Iâm also aware that the owners will want to raise the profile of Birmingham City in the states and globally so I wonder how long it will be before we have our own Netflix documentary!
I love these owners and will support them to the hilt however they also need to be mindful of the core fan base and ensure that they donât inadvertently alienate them. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
No smoke without fire? I really hope that this isn't true and it's just lazy journalism or click bait like you say. However, in reading some of the other comments, with regards to the idea that this has been put out there to gauge the fans' reaction has the potential to be real given that the owners, whether we like it or not, ultimately are investing in Blues to make money and a game in the US would generate a significant amount of money regardless of the fact that we're relatively unknown.
Either way, despite all the benefits, commercial and financial, playing a game in the US would come at a cost for the clubs core and real fan base, and this has been my worry from the start since the owners took over. I understand and appreciate that success comes at a cost, but there are some things that should never change, and playing a home game away is a definite no!
When the fixtures were announced, one of the first games that I and I'm sure many others would've looked for was the Wrexham game. So that tells you that this is one of, if not our biggest, or certainly the most interesting or exciting league game of the season given the respective ownerships. With Blues, it's more the Tom Brady factor than it is Tom Wagner i would say that sparks this type of hype.
Unfortunately, football has lost and is losing more and more of its traditions and this type of story reflects that regardless if it's true or not, similar things with other clubs have been true.
Last season Blues made some awful decisions that cost us more than we gained. This idea whilst generating a lot of money would come at a cost to the existing fans who have been there throughout the good times and the bad (there's been a lot more bad).
In short I hate the idea.
ð
ð
KRO ð
Thank you for your comment Richard. As you have read, we have had some very interesting responses to this podcast with some fans hating the idea and some in favour of spreading the profile and brand of the club to generate further revenue. In truth you can see both sides of the argument.
As you would have also seen in the comments we think that a pre-season friendly or tour of the USA would be a good way of achieving the same objectives without the need to compromise on our league fixtures and disrupt the season.
I think itâs inevitable that Blues will visit the USA in pre-season over the coming years as the club start to improve and climb the leagues and I donât think Blues fans would object to that at all. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I don't see think it is true.but what is true they have a plan.selling season ticket s is this year next year more moving up the leagues as we go so when we get to premier league we can fill 60.000 stadium..we can only dream .KRO.
Thanks, Martin, appreciate the comment!
Wagner and Knighthead are very financially savvy people who have big plans for this club. Whether it's true or not I guess we better get used to these sorts of things popping up as they will want to give the club exposure, higher streams of revenue and eventually get us back to top-flight football.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
It's fake news imo, some PR / Marketing release that I can't believe is associated with the owners, they're not that stupid
And as they say in the Matrix -
Morpheus: Remember... all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
Thanks for commenting!
Yeah, I was happy and glad to find out it was fake. These owners are very financially minded and will want to look at all avenues of revenue so I think we will hear more things like this over the years.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Stop click baiting! Even Wrexham said that it it didnât happen. Youâre better than that!
Thank you for your comment. It appears that no one at Birmingham City instigated the story either. The origin of the story in not clear and it appears that it has been blown out of all proportion by social media. If you look at our podcast it was to show that the story was rubbish and not something that most Blues fans would want. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Good podcast again guys good work just a load of old trash. think this must be vile fans jealousy spreading this sad lot k.r.o.
Thank you for your comment Kevin. Yes, just misleading click bait, speculative nonsense whipped up by the media. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
This is just a gimmick , rumours on top of rumours , i feel sorry for you guys that is all we have to discuss at the moment with absolutely nothing happening on the playing front
Im pretty sure if we would have got one decent signing though the door by now ,it would have put a positive message out there , especially to our league one rivals and maybe would have put a few more bums on seats with season ticket sales
With the players reporting back next week for pre season im sure we will get a better insight into who is staying who is going but the club cant afford to hang around too long with bringing players in because this tem will need to gel and hit the ground running
I hope to god were not going to leave this till the last minute and bring in a load of loans KRO
Thank you for your comment. Very true, we would prefer to be discussing signings but things are fairly quiet at the moment. Iâm sure the club are working hard behind the scenes to bring in players and we should expect so new players arriving soon. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
This is Crap! ARGUMENT Nothing else!ðĻðĪŽðĪ
Thank you for your comment. As we said in the podcast the origin of this story is not known and it has not come from the club. Hopefully, people will realise that there is a lot of gutter press and it difficult to discern what is real and what is not. KRO and kind regards (Gary)