Birmingham City said this evening that they expect a decision on the date of the Worthington Cup semi-final second leg tomorrow. The Football League are expected to make a statement resolving the matter once and for all. It is expected that Tuesday 30th January will be the new date for the game, despite neither of the sides actually involved being happy with the decision.

Fans of both clubs are also angry with the change which has followed a protracted row between Birmingham City and the police with a bit part played by Aston Villa. Many Town fans will have already organised travel arrangements and time off work and with the original date of the game just eight days away arrangements may not easily be changed.

The story first appeared on January 3rd with West Midlands police saying they were unhappy that two games were taking place in Birmingham on the same night and Birmingham saying that they weren't going to move their match.

The two weeks since have seen the occasional statement of intent from either the police or Birmingham, both digging their heels in. Villa had their say making the point that they weren't willing to move either, just in case anyone was getting any ideas.

Town finally seemed to realise what was going on this week and David Sheepshanks seems very unhappy that the Town game might be moved.

All in all it seems a mess of the highest order and one from which none of Birmingham City, West Midlands Police, the Football League and pretty much anyone else comes out of with much credit.

And as usual it is the fans who are the ultimate losers.

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