Birmingham City Football Club has issued a positive update regarding the health of its chairman, Tom Wagner, who is currently recovering after suffering a stroke. The club confirmed that Wagner is making good progress and is receiving excellent medical care in hospital.
Club Statement on Wagner's Health
In an official statement released by chief executive Jeremy Dale on the Blues website, it was revealed that Tom Wagner recently experienced a stroke. Thanks to prompt medical intervention, he received immediate treatment and is now focused on his recovery journey.
The statement read: "Birmingham City Chairman Tom Wagner recently suffered a stroke. Thanks to rapid medical intervention, he received immediate treatment and is now receiving excellent care. We are pleased to share that he is making a good recovery."
Temporary Step Back from Duties
While Wagner remains closely connected to the club, he will be stepping back from day-to-day activities for a period of time to concentrate fully on his health and recovery. This temporary absence applies to both his role at Birmingham City and his position at Knighthead Capital Management.
The club emphasised that operations continue as normal under strong leadership, with Dale adding: "Birmingham City Football Club is incredibly important to Tom and to the entire Knighthead team. Their commitment to the club is unchanged, and our plans and operations continue as normal under strong leadership."
Respect for Privacy During Recovery
The club has requested that supporters and the media respect Wagner's privacy during this sensitive time. The statement concluded: "We appreciate your continued support and ask that you respect Tom's privacy during his recovery."
Wagner's Impact on Birmingham City
The 56-year-old American businessman has been a hands-on owner since Knighthead Capital Management took control of Birmingham City in July 2023. Under his leadership, the club has seen significant developments including:
- Substantial improvements to existing club facilities
- Multi-million pound investments in player transfers
- Ambitious plans to build a new 62,000-seater stadium
- The creation of a comprehensive Sports Quarter in Birmingham
Wagner's vision for the club has been transformative, with the proposed stadium development representing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent English football history. The Sports Quarter initiative aims to create a world-class sporting destination in the heart of Birmingham.
The club's statement reaffirmed that all existing plans and projects will continue uninterrupted during Wagner's recovery period, with the leadership team maintaining business as usual operations. Supporters have been encouraged to continue their backing of the team while wishing Wagner a swift and complete recovery.
