Chris Davies: There’s a lot of noise around Birmingham City – I don’t listen to it

Chris Davies, manager of Birmingham City, has expressed his frustration with the distractions surrounding the club, insisting he does not engage with the noise. During a scene in the Built In Birmingham: Brady & the Blues docuseries, Davies asked the camera crew to turn off the equipment, emphasizing his desire to focus solely on his coaching duties and the performance of his players. This moment reflects his broader philosophy of maintaining concentration amid the challenges of managing a club that faces constant external pressures. Birmingham City, currently competing in the EFL Championship, finds itself in a unique position due to its high-profile ownership and association with NFL icon Tom Brady. Owner Tom Wagner's backing, combined with Brady’s influence, has brought considerable attention to the club, creating a complex environment for Davies. He acknowledges that while such visibility can be beneficial, it also introduces layers of distraction that must be managed carefully. “I’ve always said that it’s really easy for me because I don’t have any social media; I don’t listen to anything. I focus on what I believe is important,” he told The i Paper. Davies believes that the external noise has increased during previous seasons, particularly prior to the 2023 campaign, and hopes that this year’s relative calm might help the team perform better. His approach to managing these distractions involves instilling discipline in his squad. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of focusing on immediate goals rather than external factors. “I’ve spoken to them previously about having the blinkers on really, just looking at the hurdles, the grass, the fences in front of you and the finish line, and everything else doesn’t matter,” he explained. As Birmingham prepares for their first home match of the season against Bristol City, the atmosphere at St Andrew’s will likely reflect the club’s ongoing transformation. While the ground has received more attention in recent years compared to its history, the club is still working toward its ultimate goal of moving to the Powerhouse Stadium. For Davies, this transition represents both an opportunity and a challenge. He is tasked with ensuring that the current squad develops the identity and success needed to justify the eventual relocation. This season marks Davies' third at the helm of Birmingham City, following the club’s return to the Championship after a stint in League One. Under his leadership, the club has made notable strides, including securing a record-breaking promotion and achieving a top-half finish in the second tier. Recent transfers, including the signing of striker Luis Vazquez, midfielder Jhon Solis, and defenders Kristoffer Lund and Dael Fry, further indicate the club’s ambitions. These additions are expected to contribute positively to the team’s cohesion and performance. Davies has stressed the importance of unity within the dressing room, highlighting the character and commitment of his players. “We’ve had to work hard at it. It doesn’t just happen overnight. We’ve got a dressing room full of good, honest characters that will give their very best and they know what it means to be a Birmingham City player. That gives me great hope for the future,” he said. Looking ahead, Davies remains focused on the task at hand, acknowledging the competitiveness of the Championship. He noted that several teams in the league are well-prepared and capable of consistent success. “There are some really good teams in the Championship,” he remarked. “You have to be good in a lot of areas in your game to win consistently.” With the season underway, the challenge for Birmingham City, and Davies, will be to maintain composure, execute strategy, and continue progressing toward their long-term objectives.