Friday 6 October 2017 15:20, UK
New Birmingham boss Steve Cotterill has a big job on his hands to turn the club around, according to Chris Kirkland.
Speaking on EFL Matters on Thursday night, Kirkland said: "I was a bit surprised [by the appointment] but he does have a lot of experience and has done well at his previous clubs.
"He's got a big job on his hands now, they got beaten 6-1 before the international break, which isn't ideal, but he's got a couple of weeks now to work with them before the next game.
"He was in the stands so I'm sure he'll claim he wasn't in charge [at Hull]! But it'll be tough picking up the players again that's for sure."
Kirkland and presenter David Prutton were joined on EFL Matters on Thursday by Sam Parkin. And the former Swindon, Ipswich and Luton striker believes that Lee Carsley will play a key role at Birmingham as Cotterill's assistant, despite the mistakes he made while in caretaker charge at Hull.
"Maybe in retrospect Carsley could have made a few changes, as they've got the squad to do it," said Parkin. "The victory over Sheffield Wednesday took a lot out of them and they looked like they were running out of legs towards the end against Hull.
"But I think Carsley will be pivotal moving forward. Cotterill will want a high-energy team and the fittest in the league. He'll get them organised on set-pieces and on the training ground, and Carsley has a massive part to play in that."
While Kirkland agreed that Carsley will play a pivotal part under Cotterill this season.
"He's very well-liked there and the club really like the work he does," said the former goalkeeper. "They were desperate to keep hold of him and he'll be a fantastic No 2."
