Tom Brady may have sprinkled some much-needed stardust on St Andrew’s but Birmingham City’s real hero today is the man in the dugout.
John Eustace revealed that the NFL superstar – who invested in Blues last month – gave his players a pep talk before their narrow win over troubled Leeds, before celebrating with them in the dressing room later.
Eustace would be too modest to say so, but his own methods appear to be working just fine on that count. Brady and Eustace – the seven-time Super Bowl winner and the understated former central midfielder of eight clubs – are the unlikeliest pair. But give it time and it might just work.
Against a backdrop of huge financial uncertainty, Eustace led Blues to comfortable survival last season. He had to deal with numerous curveballs, such as the fire at the club’s training ground at Wast Hills in March, which forced them to relocate to the base once used by rugby club Wasps at Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire
And this term, though the proceeds of Tahith Chong’s and Jobe Bellingham’s sales have been reinvested, he is working with a lower wage bill and a smaller squad. Even though Eustace has only two senior centre-backs – Dion Sanderson and Kevin Long – available, he will still be expected to improve on last season’s 17th-place finish.
Birmingham City co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady was in attendance at St. Andrews
He watched John Eustace’s side beat Leeds 1-0 in their first home game of the season
The new American ownership, led by chairman Tom Wagner, are determined to rebuild the club rather than throwing money at transfer fees and wages.
That will mean much-needed improvements to the training ground, academy at St Andrew’s itself. Sensible measures undoubtedly, though they may not help Eustace all that much in the short term.
Right now he has the backing of his new bosses and they would be advised to stay on that path. The 43-year-old is an impressive operator and if Wagner and his associates really do believe this to be ‘a marathon not a sprint’, as Wagner says, patience is vital.
Unless the goalposts are moved before the summer window closes, there is little room for manoeuvre in the transfer market, meaning that a couple more injuries would leave Blues extremely thin on the ground.
Not that many people cared too much about that on Saturday. Looking every inch the all-American icon, Brady high-fived his fellow board members in the directors’ box after Lukas Jutkiewicz scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the final minute.
He then conducted a series of interviews pitchside alongside Wagner, a long-time friend.
Brady said all the right things and at this early stage, his arrival has clearly been a force for good. There are several NFL fans in the Blues squad and they hung on his every word, as members of Eustace’s backroom staff asked for selfies on the pitch.
Lukas Jutkiewicz secured the three points with a late goal from the penalty spot
Brady visited The Roost pub before the game and bought a round for Birmingham fans
He surprised fans with an unscheduled pre-match appearance in The Roost pub, a stone’s throw from St Andrew’s, and took a measured tone when discussing his ambitions.
‘I’m a great sports fan and I see how it brings people together,’ he said. ‘I’ve played in this country and I love sports and love winning. To be part of a team who hasn’t maximised its potential was a great opportunity and let’s see what we can make of it.
‘For me it’s more than just promoting the club. This is a different part of my career that will be deeply meaningful to me.
‘It’s about whatever it takes. The players want people to help them succeed. However way we can do that, that’s what the role is. We don’t have all the answers but we are here to see where we can help.’
Leeds could certainly do with someone to lend a hand.
Wilfried Gnonto was targeted by supporters after he did not travel to St Andrew’s, while Luis Sinisterra was another who did not make the trip. They and injured pair Tyler Adams and Jack Harrison are likely to leave before the window closes and Leeds have only one point from two games.
Boss Daniel Farke said: ‘I want a group fully focused and committed. This club is bigger than any player or manager or board member. I’m not begging anyone ‘Please play for us’. The club too big.
‘If player doesn’t want to be with us they can train alone and use their own dressing room. I need players who are fully committed to defend the shirt.
‘Sinisterra was not available and there will be a time to speak about this topic. I don’t judge or explain it more.’
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has said he only wants ‘focused and committed’ players at the club
Talented winger Wilfried Gnonto is one of several players likely to leave in the coming weeks
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