 Building work began on Highfield Road in early 1899 but the cost of building the new stadium put the club into a perilous financial situation.The club decided not to pay its players for the last few games of the season, which led to a strike.Despite a 1–0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the opening game, the first season at Highfield Road was disastrous and the club finished bottom of the Birmingham Junior League.