First move: Birmingham set to hold talks with 3-5-2 manager who’s never lost at St Andrew’s

Following Tony Mowbray’s decision to resign as manager of Birmingham City, the Blues are allegedly about to begin negotiations with a possible successor.

Manager news for Birmingham

The 60-year-old took over after Birmingham’s disastrous experiment with Wayne Rooney, which saw the team go from being in the play-offs to a relegation battle they ultimately lost. Gary Rowett was unable to turn things around during his temporary tenure.

While there was some expectation that Mowbray might return to his position this summer, the club has now acknowledged his decision to take a permanent step down.

Owner and board chairman of Birmingham City Tom Wagner responded to the news by saying on the team’s official website: “We are disappointed that Tony will not be returning to lead the team forward, but we understand his decision to prioritize his health and his family.”

“During his brief tenure at Blues, Tony quickly showed off his exceptional leadership abilities and a work ethic that inspired everyone around him. He is a wonderful person, and St. Andrew’s will always be happy to have him.”

But in spite of their disappointment, the Blues are now focusing on locating a quick successor. Alan Nixon claims on his Patreon that Birmingham and Paul Heckingbottom will begin discussions in the near future over the former Sheffield United manager becoming Birmingham’s next manager.

Heckingbottom was fired by Sheffield United early in the Premier League season, and although he is still unemployed, he has subsequently been linked to teams like Southampton. Heckingbottom, an accomplished EFL manager, would have the responsibility of leading Birmingham straight back to the Championship the next year.

Heckingbottom possesses the promotion expertise Birmingham needs.

Bringing in a manager with extensive experience in doing just that will help Birmingham gain promotion back to the second division on their first attempt. Heckingbottom is undoubtedly skilled at it. The manager, who favors a 3-5-2 formation, led Barnsley to victory over Millwall in the 2015–16 League One play-off final. In the meanwhile, he has some experience winning at St Andrew’s.

Heckingbottom will want to hang onto this three-game winning streak in Birmingham as long as possible, especially if he takes over in the St Andrew’s dugout this summer.

At the club, the 46-year-old definitely checks a lot of boxes as they try to make up for lost time and make their next appointment go well. This is a good match because Heckingbottom, who left Sheffield United early in the campaign, is currently searching for his next position.

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