Former Sheffield Wednesday academy manager Mike Rigg has been appointed as the new academy technical director at Birmingham City, it has been officially announced.
The first rumblings that this deal would come to fruition emerged back in October when Football Insider reported that the Blues’ sporting director Craig Gardener was under fierce pressure at St. Andrew’s and that Rigg was seen as his successor by the hierarchy.
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However, Gardener will not be replaced at Birmingham and instead will work alongside the new technical director as the latter attempts to build the club’s academy to a world-class status. Speaking to club media in the announcement of his arrival, Rigg explained that Gardener played a huge helping hand in his decision to join the West Midlands outfit.
“I spoke to [CEO] Garry Cook and Craig Gardner and they shared the plans and vision for the club. To be part of that, at a club with the history, traditions and potential of Birmingham City is really exciting.
“It is a really important time as we work towards Category 1 status. It is a significant challenge, but it is essential to attract and develop the best possible players.”
The 53-year-old has a plethora of experience in a variety of different roles, having been a technical director at Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City and Burnley, an academy manager at Sheffield Wednesday, and even the head of scouting with the England national team.
The Club are pleased to confirm the appointment of Mike Rigg to the position of Academy Technical Director.
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) April 8, 2024
His experiences in these different occupations have set him in good stead to gain a wealth of knowledge to help Birmingham City’s academy reach the level that the new owners are hoping for, even if the first-team have struggled this term.
CEO Garry Cook was full of praise for the newcomer in a club statement that was published on Monday afternoon.
“Nothing is more important to the future success of this football club than the Academy. That is why we have appointed Mike Rigg, a senior, respected leader in the professional game.
“His goal is to make the Academy world class, attracting the best young talent and developing them into outstanding professionals and people. He will be given the time and the necessary support to make the Birmingham City Academy revered across the globe.”
Writer’s View
Rigg will mix his experience from roles at Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers to help the Blues reach Category 1 status for their academy facilities which is a short-term goal for the new ownership.
This is a really good appointment by Birmingham but it will be very important that the side manage to keep themselves in the Championship for another year, otherwise the club could be in a dire financial situation.
