The 2003–04 season was Birmingham City Football Club's 101st season in the English football league system, their second season in the Premier League, and their 52nd season in the top tier of English football. They finished 10th in the 20-team league, three places higher than the previous season. They entered the FA Cup at the third round stage and lost to Sunderland in the fifth after a replay, and lost their opening second-round League Cup-tie to Blackpool. Top scorer was loan signing Mikael Forssell with 19 goals, 17 of which were scored in the league.

Having avoided relegation in their first season in the Premier League with seven wins from the last eleven games, Birmingham were expected to struggle. They were unbeaten in the league at the end of September, and went into November still in fourth place. During a poor spell in the middle of the season Steve Bruce's side fell as low as tenth, though they rallied again and stood one point off fourth place with eight matches to go. In contrast to the previous season, one win from the last eleven games gave Birmingham a tenth-place finish, six points behind city rivals Aston Villa, who had been struggling against relegation at the turn of the year.

August

Birmingham's first game of the season was televised live on Sky Sports on August 16. They beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at St Andrew's, courtesy of a debut goal by David Dunn. The midfielder netted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gardner fouled Robbie Savage.

Steve Bruce's side battled to draw 0-0 at Southampton the following weekend. Both sides had chances to win the match as James Beattie struck the post and Stern John saw a shot cleared off the line.

Birmingham overcame Newcastle United 1-0 at St James' Park as their impressive form continued. Gary Speed brought down Damien Johnson in the box but Dunn saw his penalty saved. Dunn scored the rebound to give Birmingham a second league win in three games. In the game, referee Matt Messias unintentionally floored Blues midfielder Robbie Savage with a flying elbow as he signalled a free-kick.

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