Follow live coverage as Blackburn Rovers face Birmingham City in the Championship today.An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town sets the tone for the Championship season. Big night under the lights at St Andrew’s , Birmingham’s first chance to show off their new team to the home fans. Ipswich come off the back of promotion last season.

According to Boualin, a deal has been struck between the Nijmegen-based club and Boro. It was initially reported that Hansen would join the Championship club for a fee of around €4.5m (£3.9m), but later reports from The Echo's Dominic Shaw via X suggest the fee is around €3.5m (£3m).

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has revealed Birmingham City, QPR and Derby County are all interested in the Lommel man, along with Dutch outfit FC Twente. It is believed Chris Davies’ men have placed a £5m offer to land the 24-year-old, while the Hoops have also lodged a bid to re-sign the Japanese ace.

Tom Brady opens up on his Birmingham City soccer team’s ‘tough’ relegation to third division By Andrew Crane Published May 4, 2024, 2:27 p.m. ET

Their slogan is to “be a beacon of excellence for Birmingham on the global stage,” representing not only the football club, but the city. Their bullishness has not always won friends.

Despite making six changes, Birmingham City's late Carabao Cup win over Sheffield United proved they have the mentality to be ready for all challenges this season.