Wednesday 14 December 2016 19:24, UK
Birmingham City have sacked Gary Rowett, with Gianfranco Zola now finalising terms to become the club’s next manager, according to Sky sources.
It is understood that the Italian was in Birmingham on Wednesday evening to finalise his contract, and could be confirmed as the new Blues boss in the next 24 hours. That could be in time for him to take training on Thursday morning.
Former West Ham and Watford boss Zola has been out of work since leaving Qatari club Al-Arabi in June. He was in the running to take over at Hull in the summer but the deal did not materialise.
The 50-year-old enjoyed a glittering spell as a player at Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge from Parma in 1996, winning two FA Cups, the Cup Winners' Cup and the League Cup.
After retiring he was appointed Italy U21 assistant coach before taking over at West Ham. He then led Watford to the Championship play-off final but resigned the following season. He was then sacked after less than three months in charge of Serie A side Cagliari before his appointment at Al-Arabi in Qatar.
It is understood that there were issues between Rowett and the club's new Chinese owners.
Birmingham beat Ipswich 2-1 on Tuesday night and Rowett leaves St Andrew's with the side seventh in the Championship, just three points behind third-placed Reading.
The 42-year-old left Burton Albion to take over as Birmingham boss in October 2014 and guided the relegation-threatened side to a top-10 finish in the table.
Birmingham's board of directors released a statement on Wednesday saying the contracts of Rowett's backroom team of Kevin Summerfield, Mark Sale, Kevin Poole and Darren Robinson had also been terminated.
"This has not been an easy decision to make," the statement said. "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 fortunes 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.
"However, new owners Trillion Trophy Asia Limited (TTAL) remains determined to lead the club to a bright and exciting future. Supporters can rest assured that the decision has been taken with a strategic, long-term view and with the club's best interests at heart.
"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.
"TTAL has been involved with the club for more than 18 months and has reviewed all playing and non-playing matters during that period."
Club director Panos Pavlakis, speaking on behalf of the board, said: "Such a parting of the ways is always difficult, particularly so on a personal level as I have worked very closely with Gary and have got to know him well. Our relationship was very strong but in football you can never stand still.
"I would ask that our supporters trust our judgement and look forward to and embrace the future as we begin to implement the exciting vision of TTAL."
