its a done deal: former Stoke city boss committed to the Birmingham City as genaral manager for next season…..see more
Birmingham City are gearing up for life in League One after being relegated from the Championship.
The Blues endured a disastrous season, falling from playoff contention into the relegation zone following the controversial decision to replace John Eustace with Wayne Rooney in October.
Rooney was dismissed in January after securing only two wins in 15 matches. His successor, Tony Mowbray, made a promising start but stepped down in February due to health issues.
Mowbray’s assistant, Mark Venus, initially took over, but with only one point from six games, former manager Gary Rowett returned as interim head coach in March.
Rowett improved the team’s performance, winning three and drawing two of his eight games, but it wasn’t enough to avoid relegation, and the club will compete in the third tier for the first time in 30 years.
Birmingham had hoped for Mowbray’s return this summer, but with his departure, they are now searching for a new manager.
Former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior, recently sacked despite leading Hull to seventh place in the Championship, was considered a target, but journalist Alan Nixon reports he is not interested.
The club is now focusing on former Sunderland and Stoke City manager Alex Neil, with journalist John Percy reporting “initial talks” with the 42-year-old.
Neil, out of work since being dismissed by Stoke in December, is seen as a “good option” by Birmingham, but discussions are in the early stages and the process is “still ongoing.”
FLW’s Birmingham City fan pundit Mike Gibbs notes Neil’s promotion experience as a positive but expresses mixed feelings about the potential appointment.
“Mixed emotions on Alex Neil; he’s had a rollercoaster managerial career,” Mike told FLW.
“He did well at Hamilton and Norwich, not great at Preston, a short successful stint at Sunderland, and a poor run at Stoke.
“On the plus side, his experience with League One and Championship promotions is very valuable.
“However, I’m unsure if his playing style is what we want.
“Not the worst choice, but my expectations are higher.
“We must remember we’re a League One club and won’t attract top managers, but the project is enticing.
“I feel we could aim for someone more fitting.
“That said, he wouldn’t be the worst appointment, but not necessarily the best either. So, I’m somewhere in the middle.”
