Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has described next season's Championship derby matches with Aston Villa as "something to look forward to" for fans of both clubs.
Cross-city rivals Villa's 28-year tenure in the top flight of English football was officially ended today following a disastrous campaign that has seen the side amass just three wins all season.
Blues fans in attendance at St Andrew's this afternoon were in jubilant voice over Villa's demise, despite their own side falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Burnley.
"I thought the crowd were getting so excited by our performance at one stage! Then I realised that there had obviously been a goal somewhere," Rowett told the Birmingham Mail after the match.
"The crowd were brilliant today, the crowd have been brilliant with us all the time but I thought today was extra special.
"If we could get that a little bit more often then it's a special place to be. Let's hope those two games next season will be something to look forward to."
The Second City derby was last played earlier this season, with Villa edging out Birmingham in the third round of the League Cup.
Neil Wilkes
