They entered the 1971–72 FA Cup in the third round proper and progressed to the semi-final, in which they lost to Leeds United.

This was the third year of five in which the losing semifinalists were required to compete in a "match for third place";[1] following a goalless 90 minutes, Birmingham beat Stoke City in a penalty shootout, the first time this method had been used to determine the result of an FA Cup match.

Twenty-five players made at least one appearance in nationally organised first-team competition, and there were ten different goalscorers.

Defender Roger Hynd, midfielder Alan Campbell and centre-forward Bob Latchford played in all 53 first-team matches over the season.

Clubs were classified according to total points (2 for a win, 1 for a draw) added to goals scored.