We reached out to Barry Ross, Branch Leader of the Supporters Club to ask some questions about our upcoming opponents Birmingham City:

Can you tell us a little about how your supporters club was set up?

"The club was set up by Craig Hadley in June 2020 during covid as the Birmingham City Women Supporters Group (BCWSG). Being stuck at home without games to go to was tough for all supporters and he formed the group to give Bluenoses a community to talk to through the tough times."

"Within a month of forming, the club acknowledged us as the official supporters group for Birmingham City Women Football Club. We look to use our platform to strengthen connections between the club and the fans. As part of that we want to create a great atmosphere at matches to help inspire our team to success. We became members of the Football Supporters Association (FSA) in June 2020."

What is your earliest memory of watching Birmingham ladies?

"My first game was watching Birmingham Ladies, as they were known then, play Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final in 2014. As a lifelong Birmingham City fan I didn’t expect to see our men’s team in the Champions league any time soon and I didn’t want to miss out. We beat Arsenal at home, then we beat them away so my 2nd game was watching Blues Ladies in the semi-final. I’ve been following them ever since."

What has been your most memorable memory following the side.

"Well, I started on a pretty good high! One of my most memorable games is when we beat Arsenal 2-0 at home in our last season in the WSL. Arsenal were unbeaten that season and we hadn’t won at home for over a year so that was a bit special. We just sat there in disbelief but watching it back, we deserved to win."

What frustrates you most about following a woman's team?

"The lack of support from everywhere, especially those who watch mens football but wouldn’t “lower” themselves to watching women’s games. Attendances are improving but we have a long way to go. I could go on all day here but I won’t bore you. I think we all face the same challenges."

Who is your favourite current Birmingham player and why?

"I’ve sponsored Christie Harrison-Murray for the last 2 seasons so I should say her. However, I would have to pick Jamie Finn. Unfortunately she is currently out recovering from an ACL injury but she is such a tireless workhorse when playing. Plus she is just the nicest person and always takes time to say hello."

Who is Birmingham's danger player that we should watch out for?

"We are fortunate and have several. I would pick out Ivana Fuso, Charlie Devlin and Lily Agg, but our new players, especially Tegan McGowan, are dangerous. However, Neve Herron is different class in defence and full back Martha Harris won our goal of the season last year with a thunderbolt so you never know. We’ve also signed Simone Magill but we’ve not seen her play yet. So, there should be a few to keep your defenders occupied."

Birmingham finished 5th last season, what hopes do you have for this season, is a promotion push on the cards?

"The 2nd half of last season was very disappointing. We were top at Christmas and on fire but we suffered several injuries to key players which derailed us. Naturally this season we are hoping to top the league but it won’t be easy."

Advice for traveling fans? Where is the best local pub for traveling fans? What local delicacy do you recommend and what's the queue for cheesy chips like in the ground?

"There are a couple of local pubs near St Andrews such as The Roost and The Royal George. Neither are very fancy though to put it mildly. The Globe & Ball is open in the Kop car park fan zone for beers. It is in the far right hand corner as you face the stadium."

"There is also lots to keep the kids entertained such as a DJ, inflatable bumper cars, face painting, computer games etc. I think we are the only team to put this sort of thing on before games and we are looking to improve this even further. Our supporters club should have a table there as well so come & say hello. The Kop is where all fans are seated so you have to go there to gain entry."

"The local delicacy to try is a Balti but you’d have to go away from the ground to get that. We do have Balti chicken pies in the ground. There are also a number of food wagons in the fan park serving a variety of food & drinks. There are a couple of food counters in the ground but they do get a bit busy, along with a long bar under the stand. You can go back outside into the fan park at half time for other options."

And finally, any advice for parking near the ground?

"Basically you need to park in the roads around the ground. There are quite a few where it is easy to park so you shouldn’t have any problems."

Thank you very much to Barry for his helpful and insightful answers.

You Can Visit the BCWFC Supporters Club website here: https://blueswomensg.co.uk/

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