Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
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Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
Blues Fans Praised
Norman Allan Anderson Barker
“Headphones Norm”
9 September 1957 – 6 December 2025
Blues supporters will probably recall that the Charlton Athletic vs Portsmouth match in December was abandoned after a supporter was taken ill during the game and, sadly, subsequently died.
Charlton’s next game was at St. Andrew’s@Knighthead Park, and the supporter who died – “Headphones Norm”, real name Norman Barker, a well known Charlton fan – was roundly applauded by all sides of the ground during the game.
Norm was a dedicated Charlton supporter for over fifty years and very well known throughout the football club.
Norm’s funeral was held at The Valley earlier this week, and Blues fans were singled out for praise for the gesture, described by Paul Elliot (former Charlton player and club vice chair) as an example of “English football at its best.”
Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust has also been in touch with Blues Trust to thank Blues fans again for their support in honouring Headphones Norm.
Here is a link to the tribute on the website of Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust. https://www.castrust.org/2026/01/respect-for-our-gentle-fan/
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What a nice gesture. The wider football family is alive and well and can be best observed in these tributes. Stoke fans were impeccable in honouring Arthur and Hoppy last week too.