Birmingham City are on the lookout for a new head coach after Tony Mowbray confirmed he was stepping down from his duties on Tuesday with immediate effect.
The Blues endured a catastrophic campaign despite starting so brightly early in the season. By the beginning of October, the club were sitting inside the play-off places, having just beaten West Bromwich Albion in the West Midlands Derby.
However, the inexplicable decision to sack John Eustace in the aftermath of this defeat and replace him with former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney proved to be a pivotal moment in the club’s season, but for the wrong reasons.
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By the start of January, just two days into the winter transfer window, the board relieved Rooney of his duties after merely 15 games in charge as Birmingham City had nose-dived down the Championship table. Mowbray was named as his successor.
Unfortunately, due to health reasons, the ex-Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers manager had to step aside, while former manager Gary Rowett took the reins on an interim basis until the end of the campaign. The season concluded with relegation despite beating Norwich City 1-0 at St. Andrew’s on the final day. Fans voiced their frustrations towards the board at the final whistle after some head-scratching decisions which led to this outcome.
With the Blues’ job now vacant following confirmation of Mowbray’s departure, the board have begun working behind the scenes to appoint a new manager with the aim of returning to the second tier at the first time of asking.
According to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, City’s representatives are set to meet with Alex Neil next week with a view to making him their fifth manager in twelve months.
The Scottish coach previously managed the likes of Norwich, Preston North End, Sunderland and most recently Stoke City. Throughout his managerial career, the 42-year-old boasts a win ratio of just under 42%.
Writer’s View
Neil could be a really good choice by the Birmingham City hierarchy. He has a plethora of experience in the Championship and League One and even achieved three promotions throughout his eleven-year coaching career so far, helping Hamilton Academical to the Scottish Premiership, guiding Sunderland back to the second tier and lifting Norwich into the Premier League.
He is undoubtedly one of the best names on the club’s list right now and due to his impressive record of getting three different teams promoted, he could be just what the Blues need right now to bounce straight back up to the Championship.
