Blues legend Michael ‘Magic’ Johnson has been reminiscing in regards to the membership’s 2002 promotion to the Premier League in Steve Bruce’s first season in cost.
Birmingham Metropolis completed fifth within the First Division to qualify for the play-offs, and after drawing 1-1 after additional time towards Norwich Metropolis within the remaining, Blues gained the tie on penalties 4-2 to be promoted.
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“It in all probability goes down as probably the most standout moments of my profession,” Johnson informed BBC Radio WM as a part of their
“All of us knew what it meant to the town. The membership had been starved of Premier League standing.”
Till 2002, Birmingham Metropolis had by no means performed within the Premier League. Beneath Bruce’s predecessor Trevor Francis, they reached the play-off semi-finals in three consecutive seasons previous to the 2001-02 season, however by no means made it additional.
“To reach on the quantity of play-off semi-finals that we did after which we did it beneath Steve in his first season. We realised that we have got to get this over the road,” mentioned Johnson.
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The previous centre-back believes Birmingham Metropolis gamers previous and current should earn assist from the Blues fanbase, assist which undoubtedly had a constructive affect on the workforce that day in 2002.
And having spent eight years on the membership from the age of 21 to 29, Johnson understands what it takes to maintain Blues followers onside.
“They wish to see blood, sweat and tears. They wish to see laborious work, they wish to see that never-give-in angle – and should you give them that, then they will forgive [mistakes].”
[BBC]