As the credits rolled on Built in Birmingham: Brady and the Blues, a Amazon Prime documentary, launching today (Friday), screened privately earlier this week at Millennium Point, those gathered knew they’d witnessed more than just a compelling piece of content designed to entice a new audience to a quintessentially English obsession.
The national headlines are focusing on Blues shareholder and NFL legend Tom Brady’s remarks – “I’m a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic” – on Wayne Rooney, who was BCFC manager from October 2023 until his sacking in January 2024, before the club’s relegation from the Championship.
Rooney panned by Brady
That’s all fair tabloid fodder, but this is so much more than a ‘rinse and repeat’ tale of relegation woes or the heartbreak of managerial musical chairs. It’s a story of redemption and, more importantly, of leadership. Of a Birmingham City Football Club reborn with clarity, purpose, and the kind of courage only this city can breed.
Jeremy Dale, newly appointed CEO of Birmingham City FC and a lifelong Bluenose, stood before the crowd. The gravity in his voice matched the occasion, articulating a vision built not on PR gloss, but on roots, resilience and the regeneration of East Birmingham.
“It is an honour to lead this football club as its CEO, a club that means so much to me,” Dale said.
“The opportunity under Knighthead Capital’s ownership is huge. We’re not just building a team. We’re building a future for Birmingham.”
As someone who has dedicated his career to driving civic renewal, I found Dale’s words profound. They weren’t marketing platitudes. They were a call to arms. Dale’s leadership signals not only a cultural reset for the club, but the ushering in of what will be one of the UK’s largest and most visionary infrastructure projects: the Birmingham Sports Quarter.
From football to future
Central to this transformation is the new stadium – a proposed 60,000-seat sporting coliseum on the former Wheels site. A catalyst for regeneration, job creation and technological innovation, notbably:
• Economic revival: With over 8,000 jobs and £4 billion in economic stimulus projected, East Birmingham is preparing for a revival reminiscent of London’s Olympic Park legacy.
• Community living: Alongside the stadium, plans include 1,500 new homes, educational outreach, and training centres that will serve youth and elite players alike.
• Global ambitions: Backed by NFL legend Tom Brady and Knighthead Capital, and driven by creative voices like Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders, Birmingham City is now making headlines far beyond the pitch.
Built in Birmingham: A mirror to our city
The documentary, executive produced by Knight, gives voice to fans, players and staff who’ve endured the full spectrum of emotion. It chronicles moments of despair and resilience. Disappointment followed by defiance. Now, optimism.
From packed stadiums to global partnerships, from frontline community engagement to infrastructure capable of rivalling top Premier League clubs, Birmingham City has entered its next phase.
Birmingham on the rise – a city second to none
The transformation of Birmingham City FC mirrors the momentum of the city itself. Birmingham is no longer the overlooked neighbour of London or Manchester. It is a city on the rise – a city second to none.
With foreign investment soaring by over 70% in the West Midlands last year, and major developments like HS2, Smithfield, the Life Sciences Quarter and the Innovation Quarter reshaping the skyline, Birmingham is asserting its place on the global stage.
Brum is home to five universities, a thriving tech and life sciences sector and a population of young talent ready to lead the future.
The club’s regeneration is not happening in isolation. It is part of a wider civic awakening – one that embraces ambition, inclusion, and legacy. Knighthead’s investment, Brady’s involvement, Dale’s vision and the city’s collective will have created a convergence of energy rare in modern football. It is happening right here in the beating heart of the West Midlands.
I had the privilege of attending the premiere alongside Charlie Blakemore and Chris Sharp, CEO and CFO of Intercity Technology, Birmingham City’s technology partner of choice. Their presence reflected the strategic role technology now plays in the club’s transformation, from cyber resilience to digital infrastructure.
‘We’re on an amazing journey’ – Charlie Blakemore, Intercity Technology
Charlie said: “What a fantastic evening. This brilliant documentary captures the rollercoaster of being a football fan. It also captures the heart and soul of Birmingham. Hard-working and down-to-earth people who make the city so special.
“The transformation of the football club has been truly amazing and this will go to another level in the coming years. Not just the football club but the whole community will benefit from this for many generations to come. It is so exciting to be playing our small part in supporting this amazing journey.”
When the lights dimmed and the final verse of Keep Right On echoed through Millennium Point, I felt a quiet certainty. Birmingham City is no longer hoping for change. It is driving it.
For those of us lucky enough to witness this moment, it’s not just about being proud Bluenoses. It’s about being proud Brummies.
KRO. Our city. Our club. Our future.
