We take a look at the Birmingham City team from that day – and see where they are now…
Three years ago to the day it is since Birmingham City upset the apple-cart and beat Arsenal in the League Cup final.
Some things have not changed since then – Arsenal have still not won a trophy – but other things have.
Since Obafemi Martins struck that winner Birmingham have been relegated and suffered off the pitch from massive financial problems that has seen the side that won that day largely change.
So where are the 16 players who made up the squad for that day now?
We take a quick trip down memory lane – and catch up with cup winning heroes.
GK – Ben Foster
Received man-of-the-match for his performance in the game and has gone on to big things. Called up to the England squad today after a good comeback to form with West Bromwich Albion.
CB – Martin Jiranek
Following relegation the Czech international moved on – joining Terek Grozny on a two-year deal.
Now he is still in Russia plying his trade for Tom Tomsk.
CB – Roger Johnson
Was tipped for England at one point – but his career went downhill after a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Currently on loan at West Ham United – where a disastrous debut did his floundering reputation no favours.
RB – Stephen Carr
The stalwart who captained the side retired in May 2013 – the League Cup being the last trophy of his career.
Nowadays he runs a successful chain of nightspots in Spain – rejecting a plea to join the coaching staff from Lee Clark.
LB – Liam Ridgewell
Another who has found success elsewhere in the Midlands – as a regular in the West Brom side.
CM – Barry Ferguson
Played through a broken rib to help win this game – but left upon relegation for Blackpool.
Now he is caretaker manager for The Seasider’s after Paul Ince was sacked earlier in the season.
CM – Lee Bowyer
Another who left upon relegation – joining Ipswich Town for free.
He was released in 2012 and had a shot at pro golf for a while – while he also has a rather nasty drink named after him.
Some say he is the secret footballer? Whatever the case he is not yet officially retired.
CM – Craig Gardner
Another who left after relegation – and he remains with Sunderland to this day.
RM – Seb Larsson
Went with Gardner to the North East and is still there.
LM – Keith Fahey
Struggled with injury and personal issues for a while but is now back in Ireland with St Pat’s Athletic.
ST – Nikola Zigic
The Serbian is a rare survivor or the team – still at St Andrews there years later.
Still cuts a frustrating figure mind.
SUBS
GK – Maik Taylor
Went to Leeds before moving to Millwall – where he finished his career.
Now works as Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach.
DF – David Murphy
Another player still at Birmingham – but injury has also ruined his recent career.
DF – Stuart Parnaby
The injury prone full-back returned to his first club Middlesbrough in 2012 – and remains there today.
MF – Jean Beausejour
The Chilean left for Wigan in 2012 and went on to win an FA Cup medal to add to his collection.
Still a regular in the Chilean national team – he’s still at the DW Stadium.
FW – Kevin Phillips
We know he should have retired by now – but he hasn’t.
Phillips is now at Leicester City after spending time with Blackpool and Crystal Palace since.
FW – Obafemi Martins
The winning goalscorer on that day was only on loan – and he was not kept on at the end of his time in the Midlands.
Now in MLS with Seattle Sounders.
image: © wonker
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
