The celebrations have barely faded from Birmingham City’s record-breaking League One triumph, yet attention is already shifting to the next challenge: the Championship.
After collecting a remarkable 111 points last season, the Blues are being tipped as serious contenders for another promotion. With Chris Davies in charge, Tom Wagner’s ambitious vision in the background, and a squad brimming with belief, there is cautious optimism among fans. But is a second successive promotion really achievable?
The Ipswich Comparison and a New Pressure
Much has been made of Ipswich Town’s stunning ascent from League One to the Premier League, and naturally Birmingham City are now being viewed through that same lens. There are certainly similarities—both clubs spent ambitiously, adopted a progressive playing style, and quickly rebuilt momentum in the third tier.
However, one vital distinction exists: visibility. While Ipswich crept under the radar in 2023/24, Birmingham City are arriving with sirens blaring. As EFL vlogger Benjamin Bloom pointed out, the Blues are already being talked about alongside parachute payment giants like Leicester City and Southampton. Unlike Ipswich, there’ll be no element of surprise. Birmingham are now the team others want to beat.
A Championship-Ready Core
What gives Birmingham a fighting chance, however, is the strong foundation they’ve built. The spine of the team—anchored by Paik Seung-ho, Jay Stansfield and a defensive unit featuring Emanuel Aiwu and Lee Buchanan—is already at Championship level.
In particular, the defensive structure appears robust, and the possible additions of players like Japanese international Furuhashi and a potential deal for James Beadle underline the club’s intent to compete immediately. It’s not just about talent either. Davies has instilled structure and belief, and the Sports Quarter investment has created a sense of upward momentum both on and off the pitch.
Strengthening the Attack is Key
If the Blues are to go one step further than simply consolidating in mid-table, attacking reinforcements are crucial. Supporters and pundits alike agree that the areas needing the most urgent attention are the wide forward roles and the number ten position.
Without improvements there, Birmingham could find themselves short of creativity in a league where margins are tight. The club has been linked with the likes of Grady Diangana and Kwame Poku, and further deals may be on the horizon. To emulate Ipswich, Birmingham must get these additions right.
Setting Realistic Expectations
There is a growing consensus among fans that promotion is possible, but not essential. While Tom Wagner may dream big—and his post-Virtue Cup comments suggest he wants it all—the Championship remains a brutally unpredictable division.
As the podcast pointed out, even the strongest sides can collapse under pressure. Burnley didn’t make 100 points, Sheffield United failed to go up despite 90-plus, and injuries or officiating decisions can derail even the best-prepared team. For Birmingham, finishing sixth would be a major achievement, and anything better would be cause for wild celebration.
Conclusion: Why This Season Is a Win-Win
So, can Birmingham City make it back-to-back titles? It’s possible, but not probable. The competition is fierce, expectations are high, and the element of surprise is gone.
But this isn’t a zero-sum season. A solid campaign that sees the Blues establish themselves as contenders—whether they finish sixth or tenth—would still represent real progress. With smart investment and continued backing from Wagner, the longer-term project looks strong.
Promotion might be the dream, but stability and competitiveness in the Championship will be the real markers of success in 2025/26.
