Birmingham sacks manager Gary Rowett, Zola eyed as replacement

Birmingham City has terminated the contract of English manager Gary Rowett and four of his backroom staff members in a move that could surprise a few Brummies.

"This has not been an easy decision to make," the club revealed in an official statement today.

"Gary came in and immediately stabilized the team amid difficult circumstances and during his tenure improved the club's fortunes on the field."

It may not take long for the club to appoint its next manager, as Gianfranco Zola is reportedly first in line for the job, according to sources from ESPN FC.

Chinese owners Trillion Trophy Asia are looking to improve on the solid work of Rowett, and a high profile name such as the legendary Zola might be the perfect match.

Birmingham currently sit in seventh place in the Championship table, only outside of the play-off places by goal difference after winning 2-1 at home against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.

Although the result was positive, the decision to fire Rowett comes following previous 4-0 and 3-0 defeats to high-flying Newcastle and middle-of-the-pack Barnsley respectively.

"... New owners Trillion Trophy Asia Limited (TTAL) remain determined to lead the Club to a bright and exciting future," the club said.

"Supporters can rest assured that the decision has been taken with a strategic, long-term view and with the Club’s best interests at heart."

The club added that it will be looking for "an immediate replacement" in order to give the new boss some time to figure out "where the existing playing squad needs strengthening."

Rowett was in charge at Birmingham starting in 2014, when he took The Blues out of the bottom three to eventually finish in 10th place in the Championship.

With his recent managerial record, it's a safe bet he will be back at the helm of another club before too long.