David Gold: I'm glad I didn't walk away from Birmingham City

Jun 14 2009 by Robert Tanner, Sunday Mercury

EXACTLY a year ago, Birmingham City chairman David Gold contemplated flying off around the world in his helicopter to fulfil a life-long ambition.

After Blues’ relegation from the Premier League and the frightening scenes as some supporters hurled abuse at Gold and the other board members they blamed for the club’s demise, Gold admits he was at his lowest ebb.

He contemplated winging his way out of St Andrew’s forever and he thought there would be a fair few Blues supporters happy to say ‘Bon Voyage’.

However, Gold is not a quitter and after reflecting on what was one of the worst moments of his life, he decided to battle on and get Blues back into the top flight.

Gold says his motivation was not the riches on offer in the Premier League, but his own personal pride. He didn’t want to be seen as a failure and wanted to restore that same sense of pride in those Blues fans who hurled abuse his way.

Twelve months later, Gold has just had one of the happiest and most rewarding years of his life.

“This has been a great year for me,” said the 72-year-old.

“Last summer, after relegation, I spoke from the heart. I was in pain. Relegation is the worst experience you could possibly have in football, but if you throw in the abuse we received as well, then it was the worst experience I have ever had.

“I didn’t want to be anywhere I wasn’t wanted. I left West Ham because I wasn’t wanted. I know what it is like.