BIRMINGHAM 22/02, 3:00PM
The 2010/11 season was certainly one of mixed emotions for many Blues fans as they were ultimately relegated by just one point, along with Blackpool and West Ham, from the Premier League.
However, one of the club's finest hours, particularly in recent memory, came in February of the same campaign.
The struggling Blues faced off against title-challenging Arsenal at Wembley in the League Cup final, as 13 places and 26 points separated the two - the Gunners were odds-on favourites as a result.
But just before the half-hour mark, Serbian striker Nikola Žigić powered home a header following a corner from Sebastian Larsson and it was Birmingham who took the lead.
Arsenal went on to pepper the Blues' goal, having over 20 shots during the game and despite Ben Foster's Man of the Match performance between the sticks, Arsenal found their equaliser through their talismanic skipper Robin van Persie.
Both sides had further chances but the Birmingham sucker punch came late on. Foster punted a deep free kick into the Arsenal box and Žigić won a header that appeared to be bouncing harmlessly to keeper Wojciech Szczęsny. However, the now Juventus custodian fumbled and the ball fell kindly for Obafemi Martins to tap into an empty net.
It was a remarkable triumph for Birmingham, who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the League Cup.
CHARLTON 26/02 7:45PM
In April 2008, Jonjo Shelvey set the record of becoming Charlton's youngest-ever player. At just 16 years and 59 days the midfielder announced himself in league football and has gone on to become a Premier League regular.
Shelvey was still a schoolboy as he stepped out against Barnsley in the Championship having caught the Addicks' eye with an impressive 14 goals in just 23 Under-18 appearances.
He went on to become the youngest-ever Charlton goalscorer the following season and despite Premier League attention was keen to remain in South London and continue to experience first team football.
In his first season, Shelvey posted 20 appearances and four goals, earning a maiden professional contract.
Charlton struggled during that campaign (2008/09) and were relegated to League One, but the club did achieve success in terms of keeping Shelvey at the Valley.
The combative midfielder's progression continued as his side reached the League One play-offs although it became increasingly obvious he was soon to make the next step in his career.
Across three seasons at the club, Shelvey played almost 50 games, invaluable experience for the then 18-year-old.
Rafa Benitez secured his signature for Liverpool, where Shelvey stayed for three seasons. During his Anfield stint, he and current Reds' skipper Jordan Henderson looked set to battle for a place in the engine room.
Henderson, of course, went on to silverware aplenty with Liverpool but Shelvey's career did not head in the same direction.
A loan to Blackpool preceded a full transfer to Swansea before a reported £12m move to Newcastle, where he is now in his fifth season.
Peter Jones
@PeterKennyJones
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