We have talked to “Bluenose” Trond Fuhre. He has answerred a number of questions from us in front of the Leicester home game vs. Birmingham on Friday evening. Trond is a devoted Birmingham City fan, living in Norway. He often travels to England to watch his favourite team. He is also a devoted groundhopper and can be seen at a lot of different stadiums in Britain.
Following his travels on Facebook is a major thrill. Below you will find our questions and his great answers.
How do you see Leicester as a rival? Do you have any thoughts or special reasons for why the two clubs could have a rivalry? I have never spoken to any Bluenoses who believe there is any rivalry or hatred between Birmingham City and Leicester City. Of course, there is a rivalry over who is the best club in the Midlands. For Blues, there are only two clubs that we particularly dislike. Firstly, it is Aston Villa, but we also have a poor relationship with Wolves, that much is certain.
What are your earliest memories of supporting Birmingham City? The first moments with Blues were when I saw them during “Tippekampen” on NRK, the 1976/77 season. We faced Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds United. We didn’t win any of the matches, but I remember I liked the kits (Penguin shirts).
What’s is your favorite match in the past vs. Leicester City, and why? Undoubtedly, it was the match that was played at Filbert Street on 04.12.76. I got my first football hero and favorite club after this game. Birmingham City were visiting, and the Scotsman Kenny Burns had a brilliant game. He scored 3 goals and The Blues won 6-2 in the end.
I liked Kenny Burns, tough, fearless and a very good football player. A local businessman had promised a Triumph TR7 Sports Car to the scorer of the sixth goal. Burns scored the sixth goal and duly obliged. Trevor Francis, Gary Emmanuel and a Dennis Rofe own goal adding to the Foxes misery. Interestingly, he sold the sports car afterwards and shared the money with his teammates.
What was your worst match in the past vs. Leicester City, and why? The first match I remember well is the fourth-round match in the FA Cup, 27.01.24. We visited King Power Stadium and dominated the first half, but we couldn’t get the ball in the net. This was largely due to their skilled goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. Blues manager Tony Mowbray was tearing his hair out and in the second half you were very clinical and won 3-0 in the end.
Do you have any favorite chants or songs that the fans sing? I love our beloved song “Keep Right On”. Also enjoy singing along when we roar out “Shit On The Villa”.
What’s it like being a ‘Bluenose’ these days? Birmingham City now has the best club owners in their 150-year history. After many years of setbacks with our hopeless Chinese owners, Tom Wagner and co. have turned the club upside down. Their arrival at the club has given us hope and belief in the future. Their project is very impressive, and I feel like a child excited about what we will experience moving forward.
What is your favorite pub and drink in Birmingham City at home games? I enjoy visiting various pubs in the Digbeth area and around the stadium. No particular favorite, but I can mention the following pubs I often visit: The Roost pub is a couple of stone’s throws from St Andrews. Strictly for home supporters.
There are always lots of people and a high temperature here. The Spotted Dog pub in Digbeth is lovely to visit after a match. They have a large outdoor seating area, and I meet many of my Bluenose friends there. The Big Bulls Head pub is also in Digbeth. I have often stayed here, and you meet many of the most passionate fans.
What are your thoughts on Tom Brady’s role as a minority owner? Tom Brady is a very important piece in Birmingham City’s project. Many believe we only use him for marketing the club, but that is far from the truth.
He reached the pinnacle of athletic success through dedication to his diet. He also focused heavily on recovery and maintained a positive attitude towards his sport. The club’s players benefit greatly from this. If you ask Ethan Laird, he will tell you the truth. Tom Brady’s knowledge and assistance have helped him become a much better player.
How do you feel about the team’s current situation in the league and their recent performances?
We carry with us the incredibly positive last promotion season. Have started this season very well in the Championship. Of course, it will be tough to be promoted to the Premier League. However, we have faith. I believe the Foxes and Blues will both fight for promotion.
What do you do on a matchday if you are not attending the game, watching on tv at home, going to a pub in Oslo, what is your choice? It’s easy to answer. I like to watch my Blues games at home. I enjoy the peace around me. I’m so engaged. I almost feel like I’m on my spot at The Tilton Lower (Season ticket holder).
What will your meal and drink be on the day, any specials? When I am in Birmingham, I often have a few Guinness before the match. I often have a good English breakfast, so I often don’t eat until after the match. Then I particularly enjoy a Chinese or an Indian dinner. When I’m on a groundhopping trip, I love to buy a pie and drink a Bovril at the ground.
What will be the likely line-up for your team? Ryan Allsop, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Phil Neumann, Christoph Klarer, Ethan Laird, Willum Willumsson, Seung-Ho Paik, Tomoki Iwata, Demarai Gray, Jay Stansfield and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Any players in Leicester you admire or fear? If I must pick two players today it will be Abdul Fatawo and Harry Winks. Two very good players with skills and football brain.
Who is your best player and why? My favouirte at Blues today is central defender Christoph Klarer. In my mind the best player last season. He is like a rock. Very strong in the air and plays with authority. Good at reading the game. He is our captain.
Your all-time Birmingham City favorite player? My favourite of all time for the Blues is Kenny Burns. He arrived from Glasgow Rangers in 1971 at the age of 17. Burns played 170 games (45 goals) for Birmingham City.
He joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 1977 and became a brilliant defender under Brian Clough. He started out as a defender at Birmingham City, but it was as a forward that I liked him best. He had excellent football intelligence. He was tough as nails. He was very good in the air. He was also a playmaker and scored goals.
Your predicted result? My prediction for Friday evening, 1-1.
Again thank you to Trond for sharing his thoughts on his favourite club. Of course with a special focus on the game coming up Friday evening.
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