Birmingham City Sack Gary Rowett

Birmingham City have axed manager Gary Rowett in the most bizarre sacking of the season.

The Blues, who beat Ipswich 2-1 on Tuesday night, are currently 7th in the table, with only goal difference preventing the club from occupying a position in the play-offs, while they are just three points adrift of 3rd.

Birmingham have sacked Gary Rowett...WHAT? #GaryRowett #BCFC pic.twitter.com/kVGnsRALzh

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) December 14, 2016

Rowett has won numerous plaudits since taking charge of the club, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented young british managers in the Championship, which makes Birmingham’s decision to suddenly sack him all the more perplexing.

Upon his arrival at St Andrews in October 2014 Rowett steadied the ship following a rocky patch under his predecessor Lee Clark, steering the club away from safety into an impressive final position of 10th.

The Blues replicated that standing last season, while there is (until today at least) a growing feeling around the club that this is the year that they mount a successful push for promotion.

What is certain is that stunned supporters will demand answers from the club’s hierarchy, who are expected to announce a caretaker boss later today.

Gianfranco Zola has emerged as the early favourite in the Next Birmingham City Manager Market, while Sam Allardyce, Nigel Pearson, Kenny Jackett, Ryan Giggs, Nigel Adkins and Steven Gerrard all feature in the betting.

Gary Rowett's wiki page following his SHOCK departure from Birmingham #BCFC pic.twitter.com/FSGrnnQFOn

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) December 14, 2016