MX23RW : Sunday, June 23 05:07:07| >> :600:382336:382336:

Birmingham set sights on future after Garry Monk departure

Birmingham set sights on future after Garry Monk departure
© Reuters
Despite a deduction of nine points, Monk steered the Blues to safety.

Birmingham will focus on a "fresh and modern footballing philosophy" following the departure of manager Garry Monk.

The Blues announced they had parted company with Monk on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Swansea, Leeds and Middlesbrough boss had taken over at St Andrew's during March 2018.

Last season, Monk's side retained Birmingham's Sky Bet Championship status despite a deduction of nine points for a breach of the Football League's profitability and sustainability rules, finishing 17th.

Monk's future was, though, cast into doubt earlier this week after it emerged his relationship with chief executive Xuandong Ren had deteriorated in the wake of the transfer of forward Jota to Aston Villa, which saw Gary Gardner part of the swap deal.

Pep Clotet, who was assistant under Monk, will take over as caretaker head coach until a permanent appointment is made.

Former England and QPR boss Steve McClaren has emerged as an early frontrunner for the job, along with Lincoln boss Danny Cowley and ex-Blues manager Chris Hughton.

A club statement read: "The board of directors believe this to be in the long term interests of the club. We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future.

"Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker head coach and the remainder of the coaching and backroom staff – including Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie – stay in place.

"The board of directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy, whilst maintaining the club's core values.

"It is our intention to drive the club forward and challenge for promotion. As part of an overall review of club operations, we will also seek to enhance our recruitment and scouting strategy."

Pep Clotet (PA)
Pep Clotet has been placed in caretaker charge (Nick Potts/PA)

Birmingham's statement reflected on the "significant challenges" the club had faced balancing the books off the field, but maintained there would be improvements to the squad, with the owners "committed to continued investment – we will do so sensibly and effectively".

The club said there would be a renewed focus on youth development "even more so than before".

The statement added: "We are certain these young players – as those in our first team already – will be hungry to succeed as we begin a new chapter.

"The board of directors feel that it is vitally important for everybody at the club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes."


Click here for more stories about Garry Monk

Click here for more stories about Birmingham City

Share this article now:
Birmingham's Jota celebrates scoring their first goal against Nottingham Forest on February 2, 2019
Read Next:
Aston Villa sign Jota from Birmingham City in swap deal with Gary Gardner
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
/esi/758/0/index.html - esi:0:site:0:-p-: {0}: - :T758:-: {0}: < ! - - T  758 {0} - - >  : 
Tables

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account