Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner is recovering from a stroke and will be stepping back from his regular duties for a time, the Championship club have said.
In a letter to supporters posted on the club’s social media accounts, chief executive Jeremy Dale wrote: ‘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. While he will be stepping back from day-to-day activity for a period of time to focus on his recovery, Tom remains closely connected to the club, and we all look forward to welcoming him back.
‘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.
‘We appreciate your continued support and ask that you respect Tom’s privacy during his recovery.’
Wagner, 56, is an American financier whose group, Knighthead Capital, took over the day-to-day running of Birmingham in 2023. NFL star Tom Brady is also part of the leadership team.
Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner (left, with Tom Brady, right) has suffered a stroke
Wagner takes a picture with a supporter ahead of Birmingham’s clash with Stoke last month
Since Knighthead stepped in, the club have been transformed on and off the pitch. Wagner has driven ambitious plans to move to a new 62,000-seat stadium in 2030, while also bankrolling improvements both to St Andrew’s and the club’s training facilities.
Birmingham have also spent heavily on their squad during that time. After relegation from the Championship in 2024, they bounced back immediately. After further investment last summer and in January, they are 10th, a point shy of a play-off spot.