'We have more fun at Birmingham than at Middlesbrough', says City chief Gold

Birmingham City chairman David Gold has sparked a row between his supporters and Middlesbrough’s after saying life as a ‘yo-yo club’ was preferable to being middle of the table in the Barclays Premier League.

The magnate voiced the opinion that the constant struggle between promotion and relegation was preferable to being stuck mid-table in the top-flight season after season.

But his comments have backfired with Boro chief executive Keith Lamb hitting back and the two sets of fans trading insults on website message boards regarding the relative merits of their two clubs.

In justifying the Blues’ second demotion in two years, which sparked anger among his own supporters who called for the board to spend money, Gold said: ‘Some people might not like relegation, promotion, relegation, promotion, but would you want to be a Middlesbrough, stuck in mid-table every season?

‘Some people would settle for that because it is better for your heart.

'But the highs and lows are what football is all about for me.’

But Lamb hit back and said: ‘I was amused to read David’s comments.

'He is a good friend but I can only assume relegation has affected his thinking a little.

'I seriously doubt Boro fans would swap our recent histories.

‘Since moving to the Riverside in 1995 we have achieved five major cup finals, are the only English club outside of the so-called Big Four to have played in a European final, have enjoyed successive seasons of UEFA Cup football, won our first major trophy and enjoyed 11 consecutive years in the Premier League.

‘In the meantime Birmingham have managed a couple of relegations and a lengthy spell in the Championship.

'Somehow I don’t believe even their own supporters would agree their highs and lows have been preferable to ours.’