Some books are works of love. Others are historical records. Keith Dixon's latest work on Birmingham City FC manages to be both while adding something even more valuable: authenticity.
In "Birmingham City: 150 Years of a Remarkable Football Club," Dixon goes beyond simply gathering facts and figures, despite the abundance of them. Instead, he weaves together the voices of Blues legends with meticulously researched historical accounts to create something that feels less like a traditional club history and more like sitting in a pub with generations of Birmingham City's finest, sharing stories over a pint.
The book's greatest strength lies in its intimate revelations. Gil Merrick's candid account of the 1956 FA Cup Final's halftime drama, including the shocking revelation about ticket touting– adds a layer of complexity to what has long been considered one of the club's most disappointing moments. These details, rather than being mere footnotes in history, bring football history to life.
Dixon's decade-long experience writing about Birmingham City serves him well here. His previous works, including player autobiographies and the 140th anniversary publication "The Leaders," have clearly given him unparalleled access and trust within the club's circles. This shows in the depth of his interviews and the previously unpublished photographs that grace the pages.
The visual elements deserve special mention. The photography section featuring rare memorabilia, particularly the 1931 FA Cup Final shirt, is stunning. Each image is thoughtfully captioned, providing context that helps readers understand not just what they're seeing but why it matters to the club's history.
Steven Knight's foreword adds an unexpected dimension, connecting the city's broader cultural identity which he so brilliantly captured in Peaky Blinders, to its footballing heritage. It's a smart inclusion that helps frame Birmingham City's story within the larger narrative of the city itself.
Where the book truly excels is in its ability to balance comprehensiveness with readability. The exhaustive appendix listing every player to don the Blues shirt will delight statisticians, while the main narrative remains engaging enough for casual fans. Trevor Francis's reflections on his favorite hat-trick, for instance, read like a thriller, with emotional depth that transcends mere sporting achievement.
If there's a criticism to be made, it's that occasionally the wealth of information can feel overwhelming. Some chapters might benefit from tighter editing to maintain the narrative flow. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise an exemplary work of football literature.
Dixon has created more than just a celebration of Birmingham City's sesquicentennial. He's crafted a historical document that captures the soul of a football club its triumphs, its heartbreaks, and most importantly, its people. For Blues fans, this book is essential reading. For everyone else, it's a masterclass in how to chronicle a sporting institution's history with both accuracy and heart.
This isn't just a book about football; it's a story about community, identity, and the enduring spirit of a club that has been woven into the fabric of Birmingham for 150 years. In that respect, Dixon has achieved something remarkable: he's written a book that's truly worthy of the history it chronicles.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week, July 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.Published: July 14, 2025Price: £40.00 Hardcover: 384 pagesISBN-10: 1836801564ISBN-13: 978-1836801566Dimensions: 286 x 246 (mm)
