Birmingham City announced this week that chairman Tom Wagner is recovering from a stroke
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner and manager Chris Davies
Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Leeds United will be tinged with emotion as Birmingham City supporters prepare to rally behind chairman Tom Wagner.
It was revealed earlier this week that Knighthead frontman Wagner, 56, is currently recovering from a stroke.
The Leeds match, which will be screened live on TNT Sports, is the first game at St Andrew’s since Wagner’s illness became public knowledge and tributes are planned.
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The official supporters club, which works alongside the club, are organising a banner to be displayed inside St Andrew’s and a minute’s applause is planned for the 13th minute.
Wagner’s lucky number is said to be 13 and it was July 13, 2023 that American hedge fund Knighthead took control of Blues.
Blues manager Chris Davies is hoping to deliver a victory against Leeds for the man that appointed him and he has reminded his players that Wagner was instrumental in signing each and every one of them.
Davies said: “We were shocked and very concerned to hear the news. Tom’s the driving force behind Knighthead and has obviously been a big part of it since I’ve been here.
“He’s someone I respect greatly and think a lot of. I said to the players that he’s pretty much brought every single player that’s here to the club as well.
“First thoughts go to him and his family in a very difficult situation because the football side pales into insignificance when you think of health and everything else.
“What I would say is that every update I’ve got is that he’s recovering very well and is very positive. He received quick treatment, which is critical in those situations and he’s improving.
“I know the people at Knighthead really well, I know Andrew Shanahan will be here for the game on Sunday, Ara Cohen who is the co-founder will also be here. They have been very quick to get together and show that solidarity and I know we’ll do that as a club.”
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