Birmingham City has repeatedly been part of stories about sensational wins, when fans who believed in unexpected match outcomes received huge sums of money.
Birmingham City, founded in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, is one of the oldest clubs in England. The club has experienced ups and downs, from League Cup victories (1963, 2011) to dramatic seasons in the Championship. Their home stadium, St. Andrew's, has witnessed many sensations that have attracted the attention of not only fans but also betting enthusiasts through the kingschip-uk.com website.
Record win involving Birmingham in 2001
One of the most famous stories of big wins is associated with a combination bet that included a Birmingham City match in the 2000/01 season. A young Staffordshire resident, Mick Gibbs, bet just ยฃ1.50 on a 15-match football accumulator, including the Champions League final and the Birmingham game. The total odds were an incredible 1,666,666, and the potential winnings could have reached ยฃ2.5 million. However, the payout was ยฃ833,000 due to bookmaker restrictions, which was still a sensation.
Gibbs' bet included a second division (now Championship) match between Birmingham City and Tranmere Rovers. Birmingham was fighting for promotion to the Premier League that season, but Tranmere was a tough opponent. Gibbs bet on Birmingham to win with a score of 1-0, which was considered a risky choice due to the fierce competition in the league.
The game was played at St. Andrew's Stadium. In the first half, the teams played cautiously, and the score remained 0-0. The tension grew as Tranmere created dangerous moments in front of Birmingham's goal. In the 78th minute, Blues striker Jeff Horsfield scored the decisive goal after a precise pass from Martin O'Connor. The match ended with a score of 1-0, which perfectly matched Gibbs' prediction.
Sensational result in the 2011 League Cup
Another high-profile case is related to the 2011 League Cup final, where Birmingham City unexpectedly defeated Arsenal.
The 2010/11 League Cup final was held at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal, led by Arsรจne Wenger, were considered the clear favourites with a powerful squad that included Cesc Fร bregas and Robin van Persie. Birmingham, a mid-table Premier League side, were outsiders with odds of around 5.00 to win.
The game began with a quick goal by Nikola Zigic in the 28th minute, who headed in a corner kick. Arsenal responded in the 39th minute with a precise strike by van Persie, and the score became 1-1. The second half was dominated by the Gunners, but Birmingham's defence, led by Roger Johnson and Lee Boyer, held firm. In the 89th minute, a fatal mistake by Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny allowed Obafemi Martins to score the winning goal. Birmingham won 2-1, winning the League Cup for the first time since 1963.
Many fans who bet on Birmingham's victory hit the jackpot. According to sports media reports, one London resident won about ยฃ50,000 by betting ยฃ200 on the Blues to win with a score of 2-1.
Dramatic comeback against Bolton in 2014
In the last round of the Championship, Birmingham was fighting for survival. The match at the Reebok Stadium was decisive: defeat could send the Blues to League 1. Bolton led 2-0 by the 76th minute thanks to goals from Lee Chung-yong and Lucas Jutkiewicz. The odds for a draw or a Birmingham win were as high as 10.00, as the chances seemed minimal.
In the 79th minute, Nikola Zigic reduced the deficit with a header from a cross. The game turned into a desperate attack, and in the 90 3rd minute, Paul Cuddis equalised with a shot in the penalty area. The final score of 2-2 allowed Birmingham to remain in the Championship. One fan who bet ยฃ10 on a draw at odds of 9.50 won around ยฃ95,000, as his bet was part of an accumulator.
Luck in the derby against Aston Villa
After returning to the Premier League, Birmingham faced Aston Villa at St Andrew's. Villa were considered the favourites, but the odds on a Birmingham win were as high as 4.50. The match was tense: in the first half, the teams exchanged chances, but the score remained goalless. In the 56th minute, Clinton Morrison scored after a mistake by the Villa defence. Birmingham held on to their narrow 1-0 lead despite pressure from their opponents.
According to media reports, a local fan bet ยฃ500 on Birmingham to win and won ยฃ2,250. Although the amount is not comparable to millions, it was a significant win for a derby, given the importance of the match.
