Birmingham City have announced they have sacked manager Gary Rowett despite the fact the club are only three points off third.
Rowett, 42, was appointed Birmingham manager in October 2014 and has made good progress with the club after catching their attention with his work at Burton Albion.
Birmingham have only lost five of 21 Championship games this season and a 2-1 win over Ipswich on Tuesday night has left them just a place outside the play-offs and only three points behind Reading in third.
The Blues were taken over by Trillion Trophy Asia Limited (TTAL) in October and the club have thanked Rowett for his work at the club.
“This has not been an easy decision to make,” a statement read on the club website. “The board would like to thank Gary and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.
“Gary came in and immediately stabilised the team amid difficult circumstances and during his tenure improved the club’s fortunate on the field. He has conducted himself professionally on behalf of the club at all times and there is a genuine sadness at this course of action.
Birmingham: Only Brighton (2) have lost fewer games in the Championship this season than Gary Rowett’s Birmingham (5) #bcfc pic.twitter.com/lug2DV6eII
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 14, 2016
“However, new owners Trillian Trophy Asia Limited (TTAL) remains determined to lead the club to a bright and exciting future. An immediate replacement will be sought in order to afford the new manager the time to assess where the existing playing squad needs strengthening. The board recognises the urgency required given that the transfer window will open at the start of January and funds have been made available.”
Only Brighton (2) have lost fewer games in the Championship this season than Rowett’s Birmingham (5).
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A terrible and totally unnecessary decision to sack Rowett who had been a good servant of the club, both as a player and a manager. There is no loyalty in football as we know, but a lack of loyalty shown by the new owners is only matched by their short-sightedness and schoolboy-like inexperience in man-management.
@DavidParsons going nowhere under rowett but mid table at best,even if zola fails the next bloke will have a betterr squad to work with than the shambolic rubbish rowett left