Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has revealed that chairman Tom Wagner is making "great strides" in his recovery from a stroke, after speaking with him throughout the summer. Wagner, who has been a visible and vocal presence at St Andrew's since Knighthead's takeover two-and-a-half years ago, has been absent from the club for the last six months following the stroke in February.
Wagner's Progress and Club Support
Knighthead issued a brief update on Wagner last month, ahead of Blues' friendly with Barcelona, stating: "Tom continues to make strong progress in his recovery. He remains deeply grateful for the countless messages of support and well wishes he has received from Blues fans over recent months. Those messages have meant a great deal to him and certainly hardened his resolve to be back in top form as quickly as possible." The statement also expressed hope that Wagner would return to St Andrew's soon, adding: "We all look forward to welcoming Tom back to St. Andrew’s and expect to see him at a match in the near future."
Davies on Communication and Impact
Speaking to BBC Radio WM on the eve of the new season, Davies shared that he has been in communication with Wagner during the summer months. "He has a real charisma and aura, it was really shocking news in February and it did rock us. It rocked the whole club," Davies said. "You put it into perspective and think what Tom and his family are actually going through, it's pretty meaningless what we're going through here in terms of our professional work."
Davies emphasized Wagner's progress, noting, "He's made great progress. I've spoken to him several times this summer on video calls and things like that, in difficult circumstances he's making great strides." He also acknowledged the void left by Wagner's absence, adding, "Tom is such a figurehead for the club that naturally, when he hasn't been around for a few months it feels a bit different."
Knighthead's On-Ground Presence
In Wagner's absence, Andrew Shannahan and Matt Alvarez have been Knighthead's representation on the ground in Birmingham, while Tom Brady has continued to communicate with Davies from afar. Davies elaborated, "Andrew Shannahan has been involved, Matt Alvarez, and there's constant communication with Tom Brady as well, he's always interested to know how we're doing, and obviously Jeremy Dale."
