The frustration and disappointment that Blues didn’t break into the top six play-off zone paled into insignificance some 12 hours later.
The news that Blues chairman and driving force Tom Wagner had suffered a stroke came as a huge shock.
Suddenly, the inquest into the 0-0 draw against a determined West Bromwich Albion side became secondary.
With a victory that, on another night, would have come Blues way, Chris Davies’ side would have moved up in the Championship table.
As it is, Blues are only a point away from sixth as clubs continue to jostle for position.
But the impact of the Wagner news and the affect on Blues could now be very significant.
Since leading Knighthead’s takeover, Wagner has been front and centre. He is the brains behind the Blues project, which revolves around the £3 billion Sports Quarter and new stadium.
Tom Brady provides the glitz and big name glamour as a minority investor and a hands on expert advisor.
But Blues is Wagner’s baby. He is a charismatic figure who pushes all around him to betterment.
The 56-year-old has the respect of the players and staff at EPIC and St. Andrew’s.
He charms and lobbies local and central government – with a hint of strong-arming – and has put Blues and the city of Birmingham to the fore.
He has made many rethink and be introspective about the city and the region – why shouldn’t we be proud of who we are, why shouldn’t we lead into the future? Quite.
We at Forever Blues send Wagner our best wishes for a continued and full recovery.
Blues statement said he would be, naturally, taking a step back from club affairs for the time being.
Blues have a leadership team that Wagner heads. CEO Jeremy Dale is likely to take on more responsibility in Wagner’s absence from the spotlight. And Wagner’s right-hand man at Knighthead and Blues director Andrew Shanahan, will continue to be a key driver for the ownership.
Blues have very capable executives and administrators. There is experience in the ranks. Knighthead have a robust group of experts who are all versed in the Wagner way.
But, for the time being, the figurehead, the bullish financier who has made Blues relevant, interesting and stoked high ambition, is taking a back seat in order to concentrate on his health and recovery.
Get well, soon, Tom.
