Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray has spoken of his ambition to play in the club's spectacular new 62,000-seater stadium, describing the opportunity as 'amazing'. The Birmingham-born player attended the dramatic stadium reveal in Digbeth, where owners Knighthead unveiled 'The Powerhouse' – a revolutionary design featuring 12 chimneys, the tallest reaching 120 metres.
A Homecoming Dream
Gray, who re-joined his boyhood club last summer with the clear objective of achieving Premier League promotion, was visibly inspired by Thursday's unveiling event. Despite being 34 when the stadium opens, if the targeted 2030 completion date is met, the winger is already dreaming of representing Blues in the spectacular new arena.
'The stadium reveal was different class,' Gray enthused. 'I think it's great for the fans and the city. If I get the opportunity to play there that would be amazing. It's full circle now, but if I can be a part of the future project as well that would be great.'
Imperious Home Form Continues
Gray's comments came immediately after he helped Birmingham City secure their third consecutive emphatic home victory, this time overwhelming Norwich City 4-1. The match saw striker Marvin Ducksch and forward Jay Stansfield both score doubles in a performance that underlined Blues' formidable strength at St Andrew's.
The victory marks Birmingham's fourth win in five matches, though Gray was quick to identify the area requiring improvement. 'It's definitely clicked,' he stated. 'It's the away form we need to nail down. We've got a good one at Preston a month ago and Middlesbrough, I think we deserved a bit more out of that game. The home form has been great and everyone can see things are starting to click.'
Ducksch's Decisive Impact
A crucial factor in Birmingham's recent resurgence has been the return to fitness and form of German international Marvin Ducksch. After an injury-disrupted start to his Blues career, the striker has started the last four matches, with the team collecting nine points from those games.
In the five league games Ducksch has started this season, Birmingham have won four, scoring 14 of their 24 Championship goals in the process. Gray was full of praise for his teammate, highlighting the understanding developing within the attacking unit.
'Marvin played his first game and got injured but since he's come back in he's been great,' Gray commented. 'I think his all-round play has been good and the relationship me, him and Pat Roberts have at the minute has been really good. I'm delighted for him to get two goals today because he's been working hard for the team.'
