13 August 2023 , 15:42
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NFL legend Tom Brady had a memorable first trip to St Andrew's, with his reaction to Birmingham City's winner demonstrating the superstar's glee.
The New England Patriots icon touched down in the Second City for his first taste of the famously unpredictable EFL Championship and was treated to a last-minute victory. The former quarterback sampled some English fan culture at a local pub before giving the Blues' players a speech in the dressing room before kick-off.
Three-time NFL MVP Brady is well-placed to understand the demands of elite-level sport and it appeared that his words resonated with Brum's players as they earned three points versus Leeds United. John Eustace's team were heading for a 0-0 stalemate during their first home game of the season but an injury-time goal eventually separated the two teams.
After being introduced as a late substitute, the Blues' Lukas Jutkiewicz stepped up to convert the spot kick after Daniel James was adjudged to have bundled Ethan Laird over. The veteran forward's strike saw rapturous celebrations go up on the terraces, with Brady getting into the spirit of things in the director's box.
The 46-year-old knows all too well about producing on the big stage after winning the Super Bowl on seven occasions but his reaction showed the winning feeling never gets old. In a clip posted by a fan on Twitter, the superstar was seen clenching his fists in front of him, before giving a high-five to one fellow attendee.
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He then stuck out a relieved hand to CEO Garry Cook before embracing him, with his joy plain to see as Birmingham looked to have secured the win in dramatic circumstances. Naturally, all eyes turned towards the megastar in the director's box as supporters tried to catch a glimpse of the ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers talisman.
US investor Thomas Wagner, dressed in a royal blue suit for the occasion in homage to the team's colours, was in a similarly jubilant mood. After Jutkiewicz dispatched his penalty past Illan Meslier, he raised both of his arms above his head before hugging those around him.
American sporting legend Brady has recently become a minority shareholder at the Midlands outfit as he takes his first foray into the sport. As well as taking out this stake, he has also been installed as the chairman of the club's newly established advisory board.
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner, CEO Garry Cook and co-owner Tom Brady celebrate the win in the stands at St. Andrew's (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)Partnering with Knighthead Capital Management, the company that became the majority shareholders at the club back in May, he will also be expected to "apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club." Essentially, this will see him advise the Blues' sports science department on health, nutrition and recovery programs moving forward.
The Blues finished in a lowly 17th place in the second tier last season but Blues supporters will be hoping that the club is now moving towards a new era. Birmingham have not been in the Premier League since 2010-11 but fans will be optimistic that the new owners help the team to progress.