From its early beginnings as Small Heath Alliance in the mid-1870s to the darkest days of the 1980s when the club was struggling in the old Third Division, Birmingham City football club has provided more than just a passing interest for generations of supporters, male and female. In fact, for many, attending St Andrew's and watching their favourites in action was, and still is, a way of life.
Right from the outset many international footballers have been associated with the club – among them Gordon Astall, Charlie Athersmith, Joe Bradford, Kenny Burns, Johnny Crosbie, Don Dearson, Trevor Francis, Archie Gemmill, Jeff Hall, Terry Hennessey, Harry Hibbs, Caesar Jenkyns, Bob Latchford, Gil Merrick,Malcolm Page, Trevor Smith, Dan Tremelling and Frank Worthington – and these are all featured in this book of legends. 
There are others who never gained honours of any sort but still served the club wonderfully well.
Even when relegation was suffered, several players simply rolled up their sleeves and helped the Blues bounce straight back, or, if promotion never materialised, their efforts were greatly appreciated.
Blues have yet to win any of the two top prizes in English football – the League Championship or the FA Cup. They have tried and have come mighty close to glory in the latter competition. They have, nevertheless, won intermediate trophies and have also competed in Europe but with excellent support and a decent ground, the club wants to get back into the Premiership once again… and hopefully they will, in the not too distant future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Matthews was born and bred in the Black Country and wrote his first football book in 1974. Well over 70 more have followed since, including a handful on the Blues, among them: Birmingham City: The Complete Record 1875–1989 and updated in 1995; The Encyclopaedia of Birmingham City: 1875–2000; The Blues Who's Who (published in 1991, updated in 2003) and Images of Sport: Birmingham City Football Club (published in 2000).
ISBN 1 85983 519 8.