04 August 2023 , 12:04
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Birmingham City's CEO believes Tom Brady will help the Championship club become "world class" after he became a minority owner.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner has been appointed chair or Birmingham's advisory board, describing his involvement in the club as a "real honour". Brady will take a particular interest in the players' nutrition, recovery and overall sports performance.
Although Brady's investment in Birmingham has shocked fans, the club's CEO Garry Cook insists the partnership "isn't a gimmick". Cook, who held the same position at Manchester City between 2009 and 2011, believes the NFL legend's knowledge will be priceless.
Blues spent seven seasons in the Premier League at the beginning of the century - winning the League Cup in 2011 - but have struggled in the Championship since their last relegation 12 years ago. They finished 17th in the second tier last season.
Cook, who only joined the club himself last month, is delighted to have Brady on board. He told the club's media team: "The good news is it [Brady's investment] is true, but I think it's important to note here that this isn't a gimmick.
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"Tom Brady is one of the greatest athletes in his specific sport of all time, and he's chosen Birmingham City as a vehicle to help him express what made him great. It might be nutrition, it might be sports performance, it might be sports recovery.
"Whatever it is to be the greatest, it's worth listening to him. That's very important as we look at who's getting involved in our football club. How can you add value? We're honoured, clearly, that he chose Birmingham City. But it's very important that he provides his expertise to help us become world class."
Tom Brady is one of the greatest NFL stars of all time (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)What do you make of Tom Brady's involvement in Birmingham City? Let us know in the comments below!
Birmingham have struggled financially in recent years, with St Andrew's in desperate need of renovations. Tom Wagner's American investment firm Knighthead, via a subsidiary called Shelby Companies Limited, completed a takeover of the club last month.
Brady has now joined Wagner's plan and is excited about the future. The NFL legend said: "Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me.
"BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none. I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham."
Wagner added: "Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class... The Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams are going to benefit from the knowledge.
"The goal that Tom has committed to own is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football... when you have great leaders in place everything becomes possible."