City's growing reputation is attracting more and more fans from overseas to watch games at Ashton Gate.

The club's ticket office is reporting an influx of membership applications from around the world, in addition to general enquiries from global football fans wishing to attend home matches.

Box Office manager Jayne Maggs told bcfc.co.uk: "We are noticing a lot more applications from other countries. We now have members in France, Canada, Germany and Sweden, for example.

"But, interestingly, people with no previous connection to the club are now coming to see the ground for the first time.

"The club's good showing in the Championship and appearance in the play-off final has put us in the shop window around the globe."

Eric and Mary Jennings from South Africa!

Last week Canadian couple Ronald and Glynis Swaine (pictured top right); and Eric and Mary Jennnings from South Africa were first-time visitors to Ashton Gate.

Ronald and Glynis had no previous connection to the club, but bought a membership so they could watch the Birmingham City game from the Dolman Stand.

Eric's father Frank was a City supporter before the family emigrated to South Africa in 1957, when Eric was eight.

The club has sold a record 13,530 season cards this season; and club memberships are now well over the 2,000 mark - for further information click here.