Exclusive: Lee Hendrie gave a shocking and straight forward answer when asked if Aston Villa are a bigger club than Birmingham City
Lee Hendrie Declares Aston Villa Will Always Outshine Birmingham City – Regardless of Ownership or Ambitions
Former Aston Villa midfielder and football pundit Lee Hendrie has boldly asserted that Aston Villa will remain the dominant football club in the West Midlands, no matter what level of investment or ambition is brought to Birmingham City.
The fierce rivalry between the two clubs—commonly known as the Second City Derby—dates back to 1879. Since then, Birmingham City and Aston Villa have experienced their fair share of highs and lows across various divisions, including regular clashes in both the Premier League and the Championship. Each club has had moments of glory: Villa famously conquered Europe by winning the European Cup in 1982, while Birmingham celebrated their League Cup triumph at Wembley in 2011.
However, the fortunes of both clubs have taken divergent paths in recent years. Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, have established themselves as a consistent presence in European competitions, qualifying for continental football three seasons in a row. Meanwhile, Birmingham City have had a rockier journey, having been relegated to League One just two years ago before battling their way back into the Championship.
Despite Villa’s modern-day successes, there is renewed optimism among Birmingham City supporters following the significant investment from American businessman Tom Wagner. The injection of funds and strategic leadership has raised hopes of a return to the Premier League and a long-term plan to re-establish the Blues as a top-flight force. Many fans are eager to see the Second City Derby back on the Premier League stage, believing the resurgence is only a matter of time.
With both clubs playing pivotal roles in the growing football identity of the West Midlands, the age-old debate continues: who is the bigger club?
Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie didn’t hesitate to offer his viewpoint—one shaped by personal experience and a deep connection to Aston Villa, where he made 308 appearances over a 14-year spell.
“There’s absolutely no doubt who the bigger football club is,” Hendrie said. “It doesn’t matter who owns Birmingham City or what changes are made there. Aston Villa has long been the biggest club in the Midlands and will continue to be, no matter who takes over at Blues.”
Given his long-standing ties to Villa Park, Hendrie’s allegiance is hardly surprising. However, his comments also reflect a broader historical reality. When examining achievements on the pitch, Aston Villa’s legacy clearly surpasses that of their cross-city rivals. Villa have lifted a total of 24 major trophies—more than any other West Midlands club—and rank as the seventh most successful team in English football history.
Aston Villa’s Major Honours:
First Division Titles (now Premier League): 7 (1894, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1900, 1910, 1981)
Second Division Titles: 2 (1938, 1960)
FA Cups: 7 (1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920, 1957)
League Cups: 5 (1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996)
Community Shield: 1 (1982)
European Cup: 1 (1982)
UEFA Super Cup: 1 (1983)
Total Trophies: 24
On top of their trophy haul, Aston Villa boast one of the largest stadiums outside the traditional “big six,” with Villa Park holding a capacity of 42,640. By contrast, Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s Stadium accommodates just 29,409 spectators—another indicator of the disparity in stature between the two clubs.
While football is a game rich with passion and tribal loyalty, and while Birmingham City fans can rightfully point to a loyal fanbase and a bright future under new ownership, the historical and structural advantages held by Aston Villa lend considerable weight to Hendrie’s comments.
Ultimately, debates around “who is bigger” will never reach a universally agreed conclusion, as they tap into identity, emotion, and generational loyalties. Still, based on trophies, infrastructure, and recent progress, Aston Villa currently hold a firm upper hand in the battle for West Midlands supremacy.