The Birmingham Celtic story all began back in 1960 when on the notice board in the Royal Oak Public House, Lozells Road, a request was posted for people to join a Celtic Supporters Club called the Birmingham No.1 to be run from the Guild Public House, Trinity Road, Aston.

Their 1st committee was made up of Mick Bradley, Bobby Smith, Dickie Dunlop and John Perry. Those were the days when it would take 10 hours on a freezing winters night, on a clapped out bus to get to Glasgow. Money was scarce, we charged 30 Shillings for the trip and still members tried to use their UB40 cards to board the bus.

The club moved to the Malt Shovel, Aston and then to the Red Lion, Warstone Lane,” Billy Wilson’s” Pub. A further move to the London Tavern, Saltley and then to the Gothic, unfortunately then this club began to break up. Birmingham also had another Celtic Supporters Club, run by Charlie McNulty and Bobby Roache, this was The Central Celtic Supporters Club, a good club but unfortunately when Charlie passed away the Club died with him.

On 1st January 1978, Gerry Hughes, Harry Barr and Tommy Johnson formed the Birmingham No.2 Celtic Supporters Club; this is the same club that exists today.

At this stage I would like to pay tribute to some great members sadly no longer with us, John Murphy Sec, Andrew MacDonald, Dennis Connachie, Des Desmond and Celtic Jean, these were Birmingham No.2. Whether on train or bus Celtic Jean could always be relied upon to get a singsong going. In those days it was always a weekend trip so we would stock up with canned beer, and once on the motorway the ‘Bar’ would open. Barmen were Dave McCabe and Hughie Denis; the Bar would remain open until we reached Hamilton.

Returning after the game, we would head for the Carfin Hibs Club for free entertainment and food, their hospitality was second to none.

Birmingham No.2 has had various Headquarters following the closure of the Gothic Public House in the late 90’s, such as the Duke of York, the Woodman, the Pelican and the Aston Social club before finding their current home at the Jewellers Arms in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where the club meets every Sunday lunchtime throughout the year. We have an excellent committee who all work extra hard to ensure the smooth running of the Club.

The club was one of the founder members of the Central Southwest and Wales Celtic Supporters Association, which consists of clubs from Wolverhampton, Birmingham Sons of Erin, Black country, Swindon, Reading, Oxon and South Wales with 3 committee members from Birmingham No.2 also sitting on the Association Committee, Andy Cushley, Birmingham Secretary who is the Association Ticket officer, Eamonn Connelly, Birmingham minute secretary who works together with Roy Green Birmingham Chairman as Treasurers for the Association.

On Saturday 26th January 2008, the Birmingham No.2 CSC celebrated their 30-year of being formed; they held a Dinner Dance at St Teresa’s Irish Club in Perry Barr to celebrate this achievement. Guest of honour was Roy Aitken, a true ambassador for Celtic, entertainment was provided by local band Sons of Erin and Mick the DJ, with the Jean Davies Irish School of dancing also putting on a superb display.

It was attended by friends from all over including Glasgow, Derry, Belfast, London, Plymouth as well as guests representing Wolverhampton Shamrock CSC; Oxon Shamrock CSC; Swindon Shamrock CSC; Sons of Erin CSC; Reading CSC and Black country CSC.  Money was raised for the Birmingham and Solihull Forward Mental Health Trust from the auctioning of an autographed football donated by Celtic FC .

A great night was had by all and we look forward to future celebrations as the Birmingham NO.2 Celtic Supporters Club continues towards its 40 years.