The recent documentary series “Built In Birmingham,” features NFL legend Tom Brady, who is a minority owner of Birmingham City Football Club. The series attempts to delve into the club’s tumultuous journey, especially during a challenging season where they faced demotion from the Championship to League One. Fans have expressed mixed feelings about Brady’s involvement, often joking about his limited knowledge of English football compared to his celebrated NFL career.
The show, noted for its focus on entertaining television, dedicates one episode to the club’s relegation. However, it primarily emphasizes their subsequent pursuit of success in League One, framing them as ambitious investors determined to elevate Birmingham City to the Premier League. Tom Wagner, the club chair, assures fans, “We will get to the Prem; it is just a question of when, not if.”
Despite the show’s intentions to shine a light on the club’s operations, many fans find it lacking depth, particularly in its examination of key decisions and managerial changes, such as the firing of John Eustace and the hiring of Wayne Rooney. Critics highlight that instead of providing a comprehensive view of the club’s challenges, the series resorts to a formulaic portrayal similar to that of “Welcome to Wrexham,” focusing mainly on the spectacle while neglecting the broader context.
While the series has potential appeal to American audiences, some believe it oversimplifies the rich narrative of Birmingham City. Despite the initial setbacks, the club aims to build a new culture and restore its standing in football, a sentiment echoed by Wagner when he confidently claims Birmingham can turn things around.
The documentary launches on August 1 on Prime Video, and while it may attract attention for its high-profile cast, its true impact will depend on how well it captures the essence of Birmingham City beyond just the glitz of its celebrity ownership. The hope remains that it can serve as a bridge to a wider audience while honoring the club’s storied legacy.