Steven Knight backs Birmingham City as rivalry endures
The Second City derby has not been contested for more than seven years, yet the split between Birmingham and Aston remains as fierce as ever, with both clubs boasting a parade of high‑profile supporters from music, film and sport who turn St Andrew’s and Villa Park into celebrity‑strewn arenas.
Rivalry and recent history
Birmingham City currently compete in the Championship under Chris Davies, while Knighthead Capital Management’s ambitious Sports Quarter complex signals a long‑term push for promotion. Aston Villa have re‑established themselves in the Premier League after three seasons in the EFL and now feature regularly in European competition under Unai Emery. The club ended a thirty‑year trophy drought in May by defeating SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul.
Jude Bellingham – the global icon
The playmaker burst onto the scene in 2019, becoming Birmingham’s youngest‑ever player and scorer within weeks of Pep Clotet’s appointment. After 44 appearances and five goals he moved to Borussia Dortmund for £25m, and three years later Real Madrid paid an initial £88.5m for his services. Bellingham remains involved with the club, attending the Powerhouse Stadium unveiling and watching the 2‑2 pre‑season draw with Barcelona.
Hollywood, music and local legends
Steven Knight, creator of *Peaky Blinders*, has become a prominent behind‑the‑scenes figure since Knighthead’s takeover and even produced an Amazon Prime docuseries that highlighted Tom Brady’s brief board involvement. Jeff Lynne, born in Erdington in 1947 and raised in Shard End, is a lifelong Bluenose whose hit “Mr Blue Sky” plays before every Birmingham City match. Mike Skinner of the Streets, a West Heath native, and comedian Jasper Carrott, a long‑time attendee, also regularly sport the blue shirts.
Benedict graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2024, before achieving a Merit in an MA Sports Journalism at Coventry University in 2025. He previously covered Rugby League and non‑league football for various sites and worked as an intern with Wolves’ Academy between 2023 and 2025.
Supporters often share their devotion online, tagging posts with words such as Like, Thread, Log, Here, Show, I’m and Give to celebrate their favourite clubs. The vibrant fan culture, reinforced by the Academy’s community programmes, keeps the rivalry alive on matchdays and beyond.
Even after a long hiatus, the Second City derby remains a cornerstone of the region’s identity, with high‑profile fans adding sparkle to each encounter. As the clubs look ahead, their passionate followings ensure the rivalry will return with the same intensity it always has.