Birmingham City have reportedly held initial talks with Alex Neil over their vacant managerial position.
Birmingham City is bracing for life in League One after their relegation from the Championship.
The season proved disastrous for the Blues as they tumbled from playoff contention towards the relegation zone, exacerbated by the controversial decision to replace John Eustace with Wayne Rooney in October.
Rooney’s tenure lasted only until January, marked by just two wins from 15 games. His successor, Tony Mowbray, initially showed promise but stepped down in February due to health concerns.
In Mowbray’s absence, Mark Venus assumed temporary charge, but Birmingham’s form continued to falter, resulting in just one point from six games. Former manager Gary Rowett returned to the club as interim head coach in March.
Rowett’s tenure saw a slight improvement, with three wins and two draws from eight games, but it wasn’t enough to stave off relegation. Consequently, the club will compete in the third tier next season for the first time in three decades.
| Championship standings 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18 | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 53 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -24 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | -11 | 51 |
| 22 | Birmingham City (R) | 46 | -15 | 50 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town (R) | 46 | -29 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 46 | -52 | 27 |
Birmingham had hoped for Mowbray’s return this summer, but his departure has prompted the start of the search for a new manager.
Liam Rosenior, recently let go by Hull City despite a commendable seventh-place finish in the Championship, was reportedly a target for the Blues. However, journalist Alan Nixon suggests Rosenior isn’t currently interested in the position.
Now, Birmingham appears to be focusing on Alex Neil, formerly with Sunderland and Stoke City. Journalist John Percy indicates that initial discussions have taken place with the 42-year-old. Neil, who has been without a managerial role since his departure from Stoke in December, is considered a favorable choice by the club. However, the appointment process is still in its early stages.
FLW’s Birmingham City fan pundit, Mike Gibbs, expresses “mixed emotions” regarding the talks with Alex Neil. While acknowledging Neil’s past success in securing promotions, Mike admits he would feel somewhat underwhelmed by the potential appointment.
“I have mixed emotions about Alex Neil; his managerial journey has been quite a rollercoaster,” Mike shared with FLW.
Neil has had notable successes at Hamilton and Norwich, albeit with a less impressive stint at Preston. His brief time at Sunderland showed promise, but his tenure at Stoke was disappointing.
“On the positive side, Neil’s track record of achieving promotions in both League One and the Championship is commendable.
“However, I have reservations about whether his style of play aligns with what we’re seeking. I’m uncertain if he’s the ideal fit in that regard.
“While I don’t think his appointment would be disastrous, personally, I have slightly higher expectations.
“We must acknowledge that as a League One club, we may not attract top-tier managers, but I believe our project is appealing nonetheless.
“I feel we could potentially pursue someone who better matches our desired profile.
“Having said that, Neil wouldn’t be the worst choice, but perhaps not the best either. So, I’m somewhere in between on this matter.”
Alex Neil could indeed be a positive addition to Birmingham City. His experience in achieving promotions from both League One and the Championship demonstrates his capability to navigate the challenges of lower league football successfully. Despite some mixed results in his managerial career, Neil’s track record suggests he has the potential to lead Birmingham City effectively. If he can align his coaching philosophy with the club’s ambitions, Neil could prove to be a valuable asset in their quest for success.
While Alex Neil’s time at Stoke was undoubtedly disappointing, his managerial track record prior to that is quite impressive.
Neil boasts three promotions in his career, achieved with Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, and Sunderland. It’s his successful stint with the Black Cats that may particularly appeal to the Birmingham board.
Joining Sunderland in February 2022, Neil swiftly guided the team to promotion from League One via the playoffs just three months later.
Although Neil may not represent the most ambitious choice for some Blues fans, he brings stability and a proven track record of achieving promotion. In the wake of a tumultuous year for the club, he could be the right individual to restore steadiness and direction.