Tom Brady has thrown down the gauntlet to Wrexham, declaring that Birmingham City must keep pace with the growing ambition – and spending power – of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney if they are to thrive in the Championship this season.
The NFL icon and Birmingham minority owner admits he’s been “so impressed” by what the Welsh club have achieved in a short time under their Hollywood stewardship, but made clear that the challenge is on to match them every step of the way.
“We’ve got to (keep spending),” Brady told The Sports Agents podcast.
“We’ve got to keep up with one another. Wrexham have, I’d say, done an incredible job. I mean, you can’t be anything but excited about what they’ve done for that club… I’m so impressed by Wrexham.”
Wrexham have already brought in six new players this summer, with their boldest move yet believed to be imminent – a club-record £7.5 million bid to sign Wales international Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town, revealed by DragonSports on Wednesday.
That kind of ambition, Brady suggested, is something Birmingham must match if they are to remain competitive in a highly challenging division.
“What they do on the pitch, off the pitch, and again, they’re in a great position to succeed as well,” he added.
The two clubs have already developed an intense rivalry, fuelled not only by their rapid rise through the EFL ranks, but by the high-profile nature of their ownership groups.
Wrexham’s A-list co-owners and Brady’s own celebrity presence have seen their clashes dubbed the ‘Hollywood Derby’.
“We’re going to talk a lot of smack in the meantime between all of us because it’s pretty fun theatre and I think there’s some little friendly side bets going on,” Brady admitted.
“But make no mistake, the people who are going to decide the fate of those games are the players wearing those jerseys.”
Birmingham, promoted to the Championship as League One champions last season, have not been shy in the market either, completing eight signings as they prepare for their first campaign back in the second tier since their shock relegation in 2023.
Under new manager Chris Davies, they stormed to the League One title with a record 111 points from 46 games – a far cry from the previous season’s turmoil under Wayne Rooney.
Still, Brady insists last season’s success is only a stepping stone, and that Birmingham must think big if they are to reach their full potential.
“I think that’s a very natural part of a growth process, that you are going to face adversities along the way,” he said.
“When I look back at those years, I’m very proud of what we accomplished because of what we overcame. Whatever happened two years ago or a year ago makes really no impact on where we’re at now.”
“I think this club has a great manager. The expectations and standards have been set at a different level, and we’re going into this Championship season with great excitement.”
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With both Wrexham and Birmingham looking to climb further up the football ladder, the financial arms race could be decisive.
Brady clearly sees Wrexham’s ambition as a benchmark, but he also believes Birmingham’s own aspirations are just as lofty – and hinted at dreams beyond domestic football.
The 47-year-old, who won a record seven Super Bowls in a glittering NFL career, even floated the idea of bringing America’s biggest sporting event to Birmingham in the future, once the club’s proposed new 62,000-seater stadium in Bordesley Green is completed.
“That would be pretty amazing,” Brady said.
“I don’t make all those decisions. I’m not sure how much I can influence those decisions. But I think that my partner, Tom Wagner (Birmingham chairman), is an incredible man, incredible businessman.
“He has huge ambitions for the club, and I would never bet against anything that he tries to accomplish.”
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