Only days after leading Blues Ladies into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history, it was announced that club captain Laura Bassett would not be renewing her contract, and would be leaving the Midlands side. Since then, many tributes have been paid, so here is ours to a true legend of Birmingham City Ladies.
Since she arrived at Blues thirteen years ago, Laura has not only left her mark, more imprinted her DNA into the whole club. Any team that goes out to play for Blues does so with a tenacity and a drive that is so symptomatic of Bassett's character, it doesn't matter whether she is even playing, her passion is ingrained into every player who has had the pleasure of playing under her. Watching her lead her team from the heart of the defence has been a joy to watch for these last three years, and her impact may only be truly felt once next season begins. For someone so strong and determined, there is a vastly underestimated calmness about her ability on the ball. A better reader of the game in her position I'm yet to see, and she always knows where a pass is available, even under severe opposition pressure.
But despite her undeniable talent and emphatic leadership qualities, Laura is genuinely the nicest person we have ever met. She would always greet us when we arrived at the game, always available to chat with all fans, and has been instrumental in us covering the game as much as we do. Whether it be this blog, or photographs from games and the kit launch, Laura always acknowledged what we did and always made it feel worthwhile. She met us at a couple of Centre of Excellence games, and always made time to talk to us.
Whilst we are naturally gutted that Laura is leaving, we can wish her nothing but the best in her future, wherever that may be. We can look back fondly and remember her lifting the FA Cup last summer, and of course bowing out at such a magnificent occasion at St Andrews. Thanks for the memories Laura, and good luck!
Monday 18 November 2013
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Blues Ladies to make history
On Wednesday 13th November, St Andrews stadium will create history. For the first time in its 107 year history, Birmingham City Ladies will strut their stuff on the hallowed turf. 45 years after their formation, the female team will represent our great football club at its spiritual home, as FK Zorkiy Krasnogorsk make the long trip from Russia to play the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 tie, with Blues leading 2-0 from the first leg.
Many of you may have your misgivings about the women's game, and no doubt there will be plenty of preconceptions regarding the standard of football, but for one night, Birmingham City Ladies have been given the honour of playing at our famous stadium. Many heroes have graced our pitch, from Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis, to Martin Grainger and Joe Hart, but now the ladies have their chance to add their names to that list. Captain Laura Bassett, who first joined Blues in 2000, has lifted the FA Cup for her side, but the opportunity to lead her team out at St Andrews has been a huge dream for a long time. Local hero and England star Karen Carney has expressed her thrill and excitement about having the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream, and boss David Parker has described how emotional it will be for him to walk out at the home of Birmingham City, the sound of the famous Champions League theme ringing around the stadium.
Whether you have ever watched women's football before or not, and even if you are not that interested in following the team after this game, these girls deserve the chance to play in front of one of the biggest crowds in their career. With a Champions League quarter final only 90 minutes away, it would be such a boost for the team to feel a fantastic atmosphere in what is the biggest game of the young club's history. They have earnt the right to play at this level, and they deserve an attendance to match that achievement. A mere 8 years ago, the club was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to a loan from the parents of a former player. Those days are past now, and this team have such a bright future ahead, so please, even if it is just for one evening, come and support the girls, come and support Birmingham City, and make this a night to remember for all involved.
Wednesday 13th November
St Andrews Stadium
7pm kick off
Adults - £6
Concessions - £3
Group ticket bundles:
Adults - £20 for 5 tickets
Concessions - £10 for 5 tickets
Contact the BCFC Ticket Office on 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit St Andrews Stadium, where you can pay on the day
Many of you may have your misgivings about the women's game, and no doubt there will be plenty of preconceptions regarding the standard of football, but for one night, Birmingham City Ladies have been given the honour of playing at our famous stadium. Many heroes have graced our pitch, from Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis, to Martin Grainger and Joe Hart, but now the ladies have their chance to add their names to that list. Captain Laura Bassett, who first joined Blues in 2000, has lifted the FA Cup for her side, but the opportunity to lead her team out at St Andrews has been a huge dream for a long time. Local hero and England star Karen Carney has expressed her thrill and excitement about having the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream, and boss David Parker has described how emotional it will be for him to walk out at the home of Birmingham City, the sound of the famous Champions League theme ringing around the stadium.
Whether you have ever watched women's football before or not, and even if you are not that interested in following the team after this game, these girls deserve the chance to play in front of one of the biggest crowds in their career. With a Champions League quarter final only 90 minutes away, it would be such a boost for the team to feel a fantastic atmosphere in what is the biggest game of the young club's history. They have earnt the right to play at this level, and they deserve an attendance to match that achievement. A mere 8 years ago, the club was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to a loan from the parents of a former player. Those days are past now, and this team have such a bright future ahead, so please, even if it is just for one evening, come and support the girls, come and support Birmingham City, and make this a night to remember for all involved.
Wednesday 13th November
St Andrews Stadium
7pm kick off
Adults - £6
Concessions - £3
Group ticket bundles:
Adults - £20 for 5 tickets
Concessions - £10 for 5 tickets
Contact the BCFC Ticket Office on 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit St Andrews Stadium, where you can pay on the day
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