Steve Cotterill’s short reign at Birmingham City is over, Gary Monk likely to take over
Steve Cotterill’s short reign at Birmingham City is over. The Blues suffered their fifth successive defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday and the club’s board acted swiftly with their Championship survival in jeopardy.
As well as the manager, the first-team coaching staff have been released. As per a report from The Telegraph, Birmingham City said:
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Steve, not only for his significant contribution at the conclusion of last season for which we will remain grateful but also for his genuine efforts, contribution and hard work during his tenure in this 2017/18 campaign.
Steve has conducted himself professionally on behalf of the Club at all times, his work ethic and honesty are a credit to him and there is a genuine sadness at this decision.
However, the Board feel that a change in management at this stage is in the best interests of the Football Club.
We sincerely thank Steve and all the exiting backroom staff for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future.”
The inclement weather meant a weekend off for most of their immediate rivals and the defeat leaves City in the bottom three, two points adrift of safety. Although they have played a game more than Barnsley and Hull, both teams are above them.
Tuesday night’s game against promotion-chasing Middlesbrough has become ‘must-win’ for the Midlands side, whose situation is exacerbated with bitter city rivals Aston Villa chasing automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Gary Monk, formerly manager of Championship sides Middlesbrough and Leeds, is the bookies favourite to become Birmingham’s third permanent manager this season, as per a report from Sky Sports. The Blues began the campaign with Harry Redknapp in charge but his reign lasted just 13 games. The axe fell following a 3 – 1 home defeat to Preston North End in September.
38-year-old Monk is still looking for a return to football after his surprise dismissal as Middlesbrough boss in December. However, it is not certain if he will be appointed. The Birmingham board has already spoken to former Scotland boss Gordon Strachan about the vacancy.
Along with Cotterill, coach Paul Groves, Kevin Hitchcock and Paul Williams were dismissed, as well as the director of football, Jeff Vetere.