Birmingham City AKA Small Heath Alliance History

Small Heath Alliance (Birmingham City) was formed in 1875. From 1877 all home games were played at their football at Wright Street off Muntz Street. In 1885 the club gained professional status and and in 1888 changed their name to Small Heath F.C. and became a limited company.

Small Heath Alliance (Birmingham City) First Football Ground


Aerial View of the Area at Present

Small Heath Team Photo 1893

Small Heath F.C. changed their name again to Birmingham F.C. in 1905 at the same time of moving to a new ground which was named St Andrews.

Location of Old Ground in Relation to St Andrews

Scotsman Bob McRoberts played for Small Heath Alliance until 1898-1905 where he transfered to Chelsea. He returned to Small Heath in 1910 as the first full time manager. Bob McRoberts turned the club around from a struggling side finishing bottom of division two to

Robert McRoberts

missing promotion by four points a few years later and finally finishing fifth before McRoberts retired at the outbreak of World War 1

Birmingham F.C. has been known as Birmingham City F.C. since 1943.

St Andrews at Present