You may or may not have known this, but Aston Villa, which is considered one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in England, is owned by Randy Lerner, who also owns the Cleveland Browns.

Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the Browns’ primary rivals. So it would make sense that a rival of the Browns would gravitate toward a rival of Aston Villa as well, yes? That would be Birmingham City, a club that hasn’t had quite as much success as Villa over the years, but their local derbies have always been as spirited as the old Three Rivers Stadium whenever the Browns came to town.

Well, guess what? Birmingham City is getting promoted back to the Premiership next season after getting relegated in 2006. So Birmingham and Villa will meet at least twice next season — possibly more if they draw each other for FA Cup or Carling Cup matches.

Thus, I recommend that Birmingham City fans should show up to their next derby wearing Steelers replica jerseys and swinging terrible towels. It only makes sense with the NFL invading England next year, and the look on Randy Lerner’s face would be just priceless.

Just a suggestion…