The 2010/11 Carling Cup win was a memorable one for Birmingham City fans, becoming the club’s first piece of silverware since 1963.
Birmingham’s Matt Derbyshire (L) and Liam Ridgewell celebrate winning the Carling Cup
It was a moment Birmingham City fans will never forget. Coming up against Premier League giants Arsenal, many thought Arsene Wenger was set to pick up yet another piece of silverware for the Gunners, but after a sensational Obafemi Martins winner, Birmingham City were crowned the 2010/11 Carling Cup winners. But where are City’s cup winners today? HITC Sport takes a look…
Ben Foster
The former Blues goalkeeper was a rock at the back for Birmingham City, and is still playing at the highest level in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion. Having been capped by England, many would say that Ben Foster’s time at Birmingham City made the keeper what he is today.
West Bromwich Albion’s Ben Foster
Stephen Carr
Right-back Stephen Carr enjoyed an excellent footballing career, turning out for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Now a major shareholder in a high-end bars business in Spain, Carr retired from football in 2013.
Roger Johnson
The centre-back was a rock for Birmingham City during his time with the club, and played a major part in keeping that Arsenal attack quiet during the Cup final. Having also embarked on spells at Wolves, West Ham United and Sheffield Wednesday, Johnson is now plying his trade at Charlton Athletic in League One.
Martin Jiranek
The Czech Republic defender was a popular player for Birmingham City, but left the club at the end of the 2011 season for Chechen club FC Terek Grozny. Jiranek is now at Czech club FK Pribram.
Liam Ridgewell
Liam Ridgewell (CR)
An important figure at City, Liam Ridgewell moved on to rivals West Bromwich Albion in 2012, before departing for American side Portland Timbers in 2014. The veteran defender is now at Brighton & Hove Albion, offering what he can to the Seagulls’ promotion push.
Sebastian Larsson
The Swedish midfield was a big player for Birmingham City during his five years with the club, and eventually departed in 2011 for Sunderland. Now facing relegation with the Black Cats, Larsson could well come up against his former club in the Championship next season.
Barry Ferguson
The Scottish midfield has gone on to big things since departing City in 2011. Now the manager of Scottish League Two side Clyde, Ferguson is looking to make his name in the managerial world of football, after an unsuccessful spell as manager of doomed Blackpool.
Birmingham City’s Obafemi Martins, Jean Beausejour, Barry Ferguson, Lee Bowyer and Martin Jiranek
Keith Fahey
The Irish midfielder enjoyed four successful years with Birmingham City, making 121 appearances for the club. Fahey eventually ended up playing back in his native Ireland for Shamrock Rovers, and retired in 2015.
Craig Gardner
A widely popular player, Craig Gardener made 42 appearances during 2010/11 for Birmingham City, scoring 9 goals. Departing for Sunderland in the summer of 2011, Gardener has now returned to Birmingham City on loan from West Bromwich Albion.
Birmingham’s Craig Gardner
Lee Bowyer
Playing for Birmingham City between 2009 and 2011, Lee Bowyer was a favourite amongst Birmingham City fans. The tough tackling midfielder gave 110% during his time with the club, and eventually departed for Ipswich Town, before retiring from professional footballer.
Nikola Zigic
One of the goalscorers along with on-loan striker Obafemi Martins, Nikola Zigic won’t be forgotten in a hurry by Birmingham fans. Donning a Blues shirt between 2010 and 2015, Zigic made 138 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals. Perhaps not living up fully to his potential, the memory of Zigic’s goal in the final will live long in the memories of City fans.
Obafemi Martins celebrates scoring the second goal for Birmingham with Nikola Zigic (L)
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