TF Could Return

Last updated : 05 November 2009 By Brian Cartlidge

Francis, who is now working for a couple of sports television channels since his departure as manager of Crystal Palace in 2003, revealed that he had informal talks with Blues' new regime whilst visiting St Andrews for the recent match against Sunderland.

"I went to the Sunderland game and was made very welcome in the boardroom," Francis told the Birmingham Mail.

"I met all the new owners and it was very nice.

"I was really pleased to be greeted like I was and they said I was welcome at every home match as a guest of theirs. They want me to be part of the family.

"Again, I was pleased to hear that because since I came up here in 1969 as a 15-year-old boy, Birmingham City has always been my team - and always will be.

"The new owners want to take it forward, they want to try and involve me at the football club, so of course that interests me greatly.

"These are busy times for them at the moment, and I fully understand that. And I have got my own media work.

"So we're talking over the phone to try and organise a meeting."