Birmingham City are considering an ambitious swoop for Liam Rosenior should current boss Tony Mowbray be unable to return to the fold, according to Football Insider.
The Blues are in somewhat of a transition stage at the moment after what can arguably be considered one of the worst seasons in their history. It all started well, with John Eustace overseeing the best start to a campaign in years. A 3-1 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion saw them enter the October international break in the play-off places.
However, Wayne Rooney’s sudden availability was too tempting for the owners to turn down. The decision was made to part company with the popular 44-year-old, immediately bringing in the former England international as his replacement.
Rooney’s tenure was nothing short of a disaster. Lasting just 15 games, Birmingham tumbled down the table before Mowbray arrived in January. Results began to improve almost immediately and there was a belief that the ex-Sunderland manager would be the one to lift them to safety.
The 60-year-old was forced to take a leave of absence on medical grounds in February and Gary Rowett returned to the fold. After much upheaval, the West Midlanders succumbed to their fate and were relegated to League One on the final day of the season.
It’s still unclear as to whether Mowbray will be able to retake his position this summer, meaning that a shortlist of potential successors is being drawn up. Former boss Steve Bruce is said to be keen on the position, although it appears as if the club have their sights set elsewhere.
According to reports, Liam Rosenior is attracting interest from St Andrew’s. The 39-year-old was widely praised for the job he did at Hull City and was nominated for the Championship Manager of the Season. However, after missing out on a place in the play-offs, Tigers’ owner Acun Ilicali decided now was the right time to make a change.
Unsurprisingly, there have been a number of links to the ex-Derby County interim. Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle have both been named as potential suitors, with Birmingham now joining that list.
Writer’s View
Take this one with a pinch of salt. Birmingham may well be keen on Rosenior, but the chances of him taking on the job are slim. There is no reason for him to take such a risk. His stock is relatively high after the job he did at Hull and there will be a number of teams willing to offer him a way back into work in the Championship.
The Blues hierarchy would expect a minimum of a top two finish in League One next season. As the likes of Sunderland, Derby County, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers have found out in recent years, the third tier isn’t as easy as they would’ve expected. He should stay clear.
Head of Writing
