Our annual Birmingham sporting dinner returns in spectacular style for 2026 with ‘An Evening with the Football Characters’. A night packed with personality, passion and priceless football stories.
Taking place on Thursday 26 November in the prestigious Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston Stadium, this highly anticipated Birmingham sporting dinner brings together three of the game’s biggest and boldest personalities: Dion Dublin, Clinton Morrison and Paul Merson.
Known for their honesty, humour and unforgettable experiences from life at the top of the game, nothing is off-limits for this stellar panel. From dressing room secrets and transfer sagas to hot topics in today’s football world, expect candid opinions, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and incredible insight.
Guests will enjoy a superb three-course meal in Edgbaston’s Banqueting Suite, with Sky Sports host Pete Graves guiding the evening’s conversation and drawing out the very best stories from this lively trio. Big laughs, big personalities and brilliant football nostalgia are guaranteed, making this one of the standout Birmingham sporting dinners of the year.
Whether entertaining clients, rewarding staff or enjoying an unforgettable night out with friends, this promises to be a truly special evening of football entertainment. Secure your places today!
Dion Dublin
A dynamic forward and defender with an 18-year professional career, Dion Dublin scored over 200 goals in 700 appearances, going on from his early days at Cambridge City to achieving success at the very highest level of English football. He won the Premier League title with Manchester United in 1992-93 and went on to become Premier League Golden Boot joint winner in 1997-98, scoring a prolific 18 goals for Coventry City, and being rewarded with four England caps. After successful spells with Aston Villa, where he scored 59 times in 192 appearances, and other clubs, Dion transitioned into television presenting and football punditry, where his affable personality and deep understanding of the game have made him a respected voice both on and off the pitch.
Clinton Morrison
Clinton built a reputation as a hardworking and clinical striker during a long and successful career spanning almost 20 years, yielding 175 goals in 722 appearances in all competitions. Renowned for his time at Crystal Palace, where he scored over 100 goals across two spells, he also featured in the Premier League with Birmingham City, playing 97 times and scoring 16 goals, and numerous other clubs including Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday, becoming a fan favourite wherever he played. On the international stage, he earned 36 caps and scored 9 goals for the Republic of Ireland and was in the squad for the 2002 World Cup. Since retiring, Clinton has become a respected football pundit, recognised for his honest opinions, sense of humour and razor sharp insights.
Paul Merson
An extravagantly gifted winger and forward, “Merse” is widely regarded as one of the most creative players of his generation. A key figure in Arsenal’s success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, he helped the club secure two top flight titles (1988-89, 1990-91), an FA Cup triumph (1992-93) and a European Cup Winners’ Cup (1993-94). Paul also earned 21 caps for England, scoring 3 goals, featuring in major international competitions and offering creativity and goals from out wide. His 749 appearances in all competitions yielded 154 goals, with many more assists, including some truly memorable strikes. Following his playing career, he became one of football’s most recognisable pundits, admired for his passionate commentary and in-depth insight into the game.
Pete Graves
A die-hard Newcastle fan, has skyrocketed through broadcasting to become a familiar face on Sky Sports. Since 2009, his passion for football and sharp knowledge have made him a valuable presenter. We’re thrilled to have him host our events once again!
Edgbaston Stadium
We are delighted to be holding our event in the Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston Stadium, which is a fantastic large facility, perfectly suited to our event. This is the stadium’s premium pitch-facing facility, enjoying magnificent views over the middle, and plenty of natural light. Our guests will enjoy quality dining and service for which Edgbaston is rightly renowned, with ample complimentary parking for all attendees.
