BIRMINGHAM CITY V COVENTRY CITY
SUNDAY APRIL 1ST AT 2PM
AT ST ANDREW'S STADIUM,BIRMINGHAM,B9 4NH
WHO ARE THEY?
Formed in 1875 by cricketers from Trinity Church in Bordesley as a way of keeping fit throughout the winter months. A club called Small Heath Alliance was formed. The Alliance was dropped in 1888 and was changed to Birmingham in 1905. The name Birmingham City was finally introduced in 1945.
The Blues first league game was in September 1892 and saw a 5-1 win over Burslem Port Vale. In the same season,they recorded their record league victory with a 12-0 win over Walsall Town Swifts.
Apart from three seasons in what is now League One, Birmingham have yo-yoed between the top two divisions ever since.
Twice Fairs Cup runners-up,Birmingham have won Division 2 on five occasions,won the League Cup in 1963 and The Leyland Daf and Auto WIndscreens Shield.
Their current manager is Steve Bruce who took over from Trevor Francis in December 2001. Bruce's assistant is the former City boss Eric Black.
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THEIR OFFICAL WEBSITE
www.bcfc.com
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LAST MATCH
Coventry beat Barnsley 4-1 whilst Birmingham drew 1-1 at West Brom.
This is the league and cup game between the two sides. The Sky Blues have won on occasions with draws.
Back in October, the Sky Blues were beaten 1-0 at the Arena by Birmingham City. The only goal came from Nicklas Bendtner
Coventry are 14th in the table with Birmingham 2nd
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TEAM NEWS
Leon McKenzie is available as is Khali Fadiga .
"Playing Coventry will probably be as hard a game as we have had. They are on a really good run at the moment and it is going to be another massive game for us."
This is Mr Kettle´s 36th game of the season and has dished out 122 yellow cards plus eight reds.
Parking Restrictions. Apart from street parking, there is a small car park at the ground and one on Garrison Lane.
Coach Travel: Coaches will depart the Ricoh Arena at 12pm. All coach tickets have been sold
From North-East: Exit M1 at junction 23A onto the M42. Exit M42 after 29 miles at junction 8 onto the M6. Exit M6 at Junction 6 and take the A38(M) (Aston Expressway). Leave at second exit and then take first exit at roundabout along Dartmouth Middleway. After about one mile, turn left into St. Andrew's Street.
From South-East: Exit M40 at junction 3A on to the M42 northbound. Exit M42 at junction 4 and turn left at the roundabout onto the A34. Continue over four roundabouts, through suburb of Sparkbrook to Camphill Circus roundabout. Take third exit on to A4540 Sandy Lane. At roundabout go straight on to ground.
From South-West: Exit M5 at junction 3A and follow signs for the north on to the M42 northbound. Exit M42 at junction 4 and turn left at the roundabout on to the A34. Continue over four roundabouts, through suburb of Sparkbrook to Camphill Circus roundabout. Take third exit on to A4540 Sandy Lane. At roundabout go straight on to ground.
By Train
For Birmingham City, Gary McSheffrey is suspended. Loan signing Andy Cole could feature.
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ON THE GAME
Iain Dowie said: "We go to Birmingham and I want to get a result. It will be a huge task but the aim will be to get three points and then carry on extending our unbeaten run as long as we can.
Eric Black said:"I went to see them beat Barnsley 4-1 in their last game and I was very, very impressed by their performance because they scored four goals and could have got quite a few more. ""They are a really good unit, they look motivated and they are full of confidence.
"Playing Coventry will probably be as hard a game as we have had. They are on a really good run at the moment and it is going to be another massive game for us."
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MATCH OFFICIALS
The currently appointed referee is Trevor Kettle. His assistants are B.Malone and Paul Varley.
Mr Kettle was formerly with the RAF and worked his way through the ranks officiating at a number of City Reserve League matches at Highfield Road.
This is Mr Kettle´s 36th game of the season and has dished out 122 yellow cards plus eight reds.
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MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is at 2pm. City have sold all tickets have been sold.
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HOW TO GET THERE
AWAY SUPPORTERS FACILITIES
Visitors are located in the Railway Stand End, Coventry Road. Disabled: 22 spaces are available for visiting supporters with wheelchairs whilst up to 24 deaf and visually impaired visitor places are shared with home fans, although headsets are available anywhere. Parking for disabled visitors is available on request.
Parking Restrictions. Apart from street parking, there is a small car park at the ground and one on Garrison Lane.
Coach Travel: Coaches will depart the Ricoh Arena at 12pm. All coach tickets have been sold
By road from the North: Exit M6 at Junction 6 and take the A38(M) (Aston Expressway). Take the second exit. At the roundabout along Dartmouth Middleway, take the first exit. After about a mile, turn left into St. Andrew's Street.
From North-East: Exit M1 at junction 23A onto the M42. Exit M42 after 29 miles at junction 8 onto the M6. Exit M6 at Junction 6 and take the A38(M) (Aston Expressway). Leave at second exit and then take first exit at roundabout along Dartmouth Middleway. After about one mile, turn left into St. Andrew's Street.
From South-East: Exit M40 at junction 3A on to the M42 northbound. Exit M42 at junction 4 and turn left at the roundabout onto the A34. Continue over four roundabouts, through suburb of Sparkbrook to Camphill Circus roundabout. Take third exit on to A4540 Sandy Lane. At roundabout go straight on to ground.
From South-West: Exit M5 at junction 3A and follow signs for the north on to the M42 northbound. Exit M42 at junction 4 and turn left at the roundabout on to the A34. Continue over four roundabouts, through suburb of Sparkbrook to Camphill Circus roundabout. Take third exit on to A4540 Sandy Lane. At roundabout go straight on to ground.
By Train
The nearest station is Adderley Park which is on the Cov to Brum line. Birmingham New Street is about twenty minutes away or a fiver in a taxi. There will be a bus service between Coventry and the NEC and means journey times of around 55 minutes. There is a 12.05 service from Cov with a return at 16.41.