Carson Yeung looks to rebuild Blues

Carson Yeung today insisted Birmingham City would now be rebuilt 'step by step' as he pledged his long-term future to St Andrew's.

Yeung infamously promised a £40million war-chest when he took over Blues, words which came back to haunt him as the club struggled to attract star signings.

But the multi-millionaire Chinese businessman believes the club can build with on last season's ninth-placed Premier League finish with steady, careful investment.

He said: "I'm here for the long term. Some people might not think this, but it's true. All the fans love me now and I won't let them down.

"My dream? I will promote Birmingham to be a strong team in a few years. But I'm not in a rush at the moment. We have to do it by steps. I don't want us to be No 1 tomorrow, it has to be done by steps.

"The team is getting better each day, that's the right way for us to improve. I've said before that I would buy good players not just for this season, but for many seasons. It's important my team is strong for the future.

"I love Birmingham. I'd just like to let the fans know that Mr Yeung loves them, he will take care of them and he will make them very happy — and make Birmingham a success now and in the future."

Meanwhile, Blues have begun the first steps towards starting up academies in China.

An agreement has been struck for a development centre in Guangzhou in the Guandong province, in the south of China.