Total joke and I bet the kid is embarrassed by it as well.
I don't agree with legendary players having their numbers retired, never mind a 17 year old.
Numbers should be there as a bit of inspiration, like the Utd 7 or the Newcastle 9.

Neither would I, but I get why clubs do it. It’s a major sign of respect. AC Milan did it with Baresi and Maldini, I think it’s understandable why.

It’s just a cultural thing I guess. It’s not really common in England so, as fans, we’ll always find it hard to warm to. Loads of other countries don’t share that view.

Is it that big of a deal? Will it make any difference? Has any kid ever grown up and dreamt of being Birmingham’s number 22?

Been there since he was 7. Record incoming fee. Could go on to be a star. Let's not forget, Blues dont often have much to celebrate.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 17 minutes ago
comment by Mael (U22417)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 10 minutes ago
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 4 minutes ago
Have they retired Trevor Francis shirt number, just out of interest?

He is the only former Birmingham player I could name.
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Don't forget Obafemi Martins! I'm sure Arsenal fans won't...

I hate the idea of "retiring" shirts, whether it's Maradona for Argentina, Le Tissier for Southampton... You want kids to aspire to be the next one. Build a statue, name a stand - anything but that. And for a teenager? Ridiculous if there is any truth in it.
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The shirt number doesn't change if kids want to be the next Maradona or whoever though surely? And it's a nice sign of respect I think.
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Look at United and their number 7s. It's a tradition. You don't just stop after the first good one. You want others to aspire to be the next.
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I guess you can argue it either way. It also puts pressure on a player who isn't 'ready to take on the challenge' of inheriting an important shirt number.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by Matth_2015 (U20438)
posted 37 seconds ago
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 51 minutes ago
If Greenwood gets a goal that helps us qualify for the CL this weekend, we really ought to retire his no. 26 shirt and just give him the 11 or 7. We've never had anyone decent wear those numbers or they would surely have been retired by now.


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No, he’s doesn’t need that pressure.
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I was, of course, joking. That said, I wouldn't be averse to giving him 11 next season if he had any interest in having a "first-team" number. Hopefully Sancho for 7
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Let Greenwood me keep his shirt number, I think Sancho will be our next season.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Matth_2015 (U20438)
posted 37 seconds ago
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 51 minutes ago
If Greenwood gets a goal that helps us qualify for the CL this weekend, we really ought to retire his no. 26 shirt and just give him the 11 or 7. We've never had anyone decent wear those numbers or they would surely have been retired by now.


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No, he’s doesn’t need that pressure.
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I was, of course, joking.
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"Legend is thrown about too lightly, but tbf this lad has served the club for an unprecedented 1 seasons"

On Twitter

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 17 seconds ago
"Legend is thrown about too lightly, but tbf this lad has served the club for an unprecedented 1 seasons"

On Twitter
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That is facking embarrassing.

The Birmingham City board have also started writing a song for him. They know they want to ask him to take a sad song and make it better, and they have a catchy tune for the chorus, but they haven't got much further at this stage.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 6 minutes ago
The Birmingham City board have also started writing a song for him. They know they want to ask him to take a sad song and make it better, and they have a catchy tune for the chorus, but they haven't got much further at this stage.
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Judy Judy Judy judddy

Richard Dunne wore our number 22. For 10 years!! City never retired his number.

Total disrespect.

comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 47 minutes ago
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 6 minutes ago
The Birmingham City board have also started writing a song for him. They know they want to ask him to take a sad song and make it better, and they have a catchy tune for the chorus, but they haven't got much further at this stage.
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Judy Judy Judy judddy
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They should get Lindsey Bellingham to play guitar.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 1 hour, 30 minutes ago
That is facking embarrassing.
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It really is, isn’t it.

comment by Imran The King Khan (U10026)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
Neither would I, but I get why clubs do it. It’s a major sign of respect. AC Milan did it with Baresi and Maldini, I think it’s understandable why.

It’s just a cultural thing I guess. It’s not really common in England so, as fans, we’ll always find it hard to warm to. Loads of other countries don’t share that view.
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Afaik though, it was just totally unheard of in the sport of football until leagues decided each player would have a squad number they'd wear the whole season and players started having their names printed on the back.

Before then, it was just 1-11 for each of the players taking the pitch.

I don't see what's wrong with holding a ceremony and hanging the player's shirt in the rafters, but surely that's honour enough, why retire the number?

As for what Birmingham have done, it's just silly.

I presume the idea came from America, not sure, but it’s common in basketball. Now it’s obviously become a custom for many countries around the world.

I do get what you mean, but obviously some players transcend that kind of honour and that’s why they do it - the number becomes a symbol associated with that player and so nobody else is worthy. I think that’s a flawed concept, especially at the world’s biggest clubs, but I get the idea behind it.

I’m glad we don’t do it. Number 10, 11 and 7, in particular, are iconic numbers and can serve as motivation for a new talent to create their own legacy with these iconic numbers.

Its definitely Wahl btw

Wahl Icht is a character in the anime Fairy Tail

Mael is a character in the anime Seven Deadly Sins

Seems weird a guy who likes to name himself after anime characters would pop up again and everyone thinks he posts like Wahl

Yeah but I think him posting articles on the Jose Mourinho board was more of a give away.

I literally just saw this thread

Yeah that confirms it

I was convinced Lambeau was actually French for ages. Think I got that wrong

Has to just be a publicity/marketing stunt. Its worked well tbf, although I'm still never gonna go to that chithole

My thoughts?

It's probably just some superstitious bollox from Birmingham's Chinese owners in honour of the "auspicious" nature of the number "2".

Here's a quote :

" 2 (二, ÈR) - LUCKY
The Chinese believe that doubles bring blessings. Many decorations for celebrations come in pairs, and gifts are also given in even numbers. For Chinese New Year, banners are placed symmetrically on both sides of the door. For traditional Chinese weddings, decorations often include the word 囍 (shuāng xǐ), which is a combination of two of the word 喜 (xǐ) , meaning “happiness”. Businesses will also repeat words in names and slogans, hoping to bring good luck........."

With all these retirements B. ell en..d City will be adopting 3 digit numbers soon!

It's good to have a laugh at someone's expense for a change!

I don't mind the "temporary retirement" of a number.

They've retired his number 22 shirt. Bit premature considering he'd only had season or so in the first team.