Tom Wagner’s £20m Birmingham City plan slammed after ‘crazy American’ claim
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner has insisted it is his “dream” to build a new £3billion stadium complex for the club.
The Blues have already purchased 60 acres of land in the east of the city to build a ‘Sports Quarter’, comprising of a new 62,000-seat stadium, training facilities and more.
Wagner has now told the public (as per The Sun, 6 February) of his plan to build a “£20million” tunnel connecting New Street station and the new complex – served by electric buses.
He said: “I’m the ‘crazy American’ talking about this, but we need more local voices with the right accent talking about why this is a good idea.”
Everton‘s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – gave his view on the US billionaire’s ambitious project.
Wagner’s Birmingham plan would cost £2bn – not £20m, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted he doesn’t think the tunnel will come off for Wagner.
He has invested heavily in the playing squad at St Andrew’s, with the club sitting top of League One and inching closer to a return to the Championship.
However, Wyness insisted the tunnel project would likely cost “£2billion”, rather than the mooted figure of £20million.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s about a mile and a half long, this proposed tunnel.
“It would take fans from New Street to a new sports complex using electric buses.
“What was surprising was Tom Wagner said there was a cost of £20million for this tunnel.
“I’m thinking more like £2billion for something at this level.
“I don’t think it will happen.
“It’s caught the imagination, but I don’t think it has quite caught the headlines that they expected.
“People just think: ‘Hang on, this is going to cost too much and it’s not the right thing to do.’
“Maybe a cable car would be more cost-effective, but a tunnel under such a built-up area in a major city – it’s a massive undertaking.
“It wouldn’t really unlock any value for the land they’re building on.
“There are already train stations very close by. I don’t think the tunnel is the right solution, as attractive and sexy as it may be.”
Rangers and Crystal Palace chase Birmingham sensation
On the pitch, Football Insider revealed on 11 February that Crystal Palace, Rangers and Norwich City are among a host of clubs tracking Birmingham winger sensation Zaid Betteka.
The 18-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on a professional deal with the Blues – which has alerted interested clubs to his potential availability.
He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup third round win over Lincoln City last month.
For more Birmingham City news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.