Birmingham City new manager verdict delivered as Alex Neil dealt massive snub
The battle to succeed Tony Mowbray as Birmingham City manager is a clear two-horse race, at least among Blues supporters.
When asked to nominate their preferred candidate to take over in the St Andrews hot seat, two names stand out above the rest of the field, albeit no contender has received overwhelming support from Blues fans.
Gary Rowett, a former player, manager, and temporary manager, will be known to Blues supporters since Mowbray went on sick leave last season, resulting in a game of managerial musical chairs.
John Eustace, interim Steve Spooner, Wayne Rooney, Mowbray, his deputy Mark Venus, and ultimately Rowett all took over as manager at some time throughout the disastrous season.
Despite failing to prevent the Blues from relegation to the third division for the first time in over 30 years, Rowett received 21% of the votes in our next Birmingham City manager poll.
But the man out leading is dismissed Hull City manager Liam Rosenior, who worked with Rooney at Derby County and received 26% of the 1,700 votes polled.
Former Norwich, Preston, Sunderland, and Stoke City manager Alex Neil is still the bookmakers’ favourite for the position, but not among the supporters. Only 8% of respondents supported the Scot, who placed fifth out of eight possibilities for supporters to vote on.
Neil is already said to have spoken with Birmingham City’s management about taking over at St Andrew’s, and he was in the stands last season as the Blues toiled under Mowbray’s number two, Venus. He is still a 2/1 chance to be appointed, ahead of Rowett (10/3) and Rosenior (9/2).
Alex Neil – 8%
Paul Heckingbottom – 12%
Liam Rosenior – 26%
Frank Lampard – 9%
Gary Rowett – 21%
Ashley Cole – 4%
Dave Challinor – 14%
Mike Williamson – 6%
