Silverware is the Spur for Bruce

When Steve Bruce described Birmingham City as a 'unique' club it was not said with any sense of pride. The former Manchester United defender, apparently oblivious to Birmingham's League Cup triumph in 1963, was referring to the lack of silverware in the St Andrew's trophy cabinet.

'We're the last of the big clubs who have never won anything,' the Birmingham manager said. 'We're quite unique in this respect. We might carry the name of being the country's second city, but in more than 100 years we've never won anything major, so that's my main goal.'

Supporters of today's opponents, Aston Villa, share Bruce's view that a League Cup does not qualify as a major trophy. Of course, Birmingham's city rivals can point to numerous league titles and FA Cups, not to mention the European Cup that was paraded before their last match, against Middlesbrough, perhaps as a reminder to their long-suffering fans that there was once a time when Villa could challenge the elite.

Today's game takes place against a sombre background: both clubs have made their worst start to a Premiership season. But there is a danger the sides are too preoccupied with each other to notice what's going on above and below.

'I know the lads take great pride that over the last two seasons they've finished the best team in the Midlands,' said the Villa manager David O'Leary, alluding to their higher league finishes.

'Villa have had it too easy too long,' moaned Bruce. 'Make no mistake about it we're catching them. There's no way they will be expecting to come to St Andrew's and turn us over.'

A rift of a different kind will be rekindled when Manchester City play host to West Ham today and the former Manchester United team-mates Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham come face to face.

The pair have not spoken in seven years, since Sheringham blamed Cole for a goal United conceded at Bolton.