By David Williams
Former Wales age-group international Chris Davies has left Tottenham to take over as Birmingham City’s new manager.
The man who turned down Swansea City back in December has now decided the time is right to take over at another Championship club.
Birmingham endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign, which ended with relegation to Sky Bet League One after the club had a number of managerial changes.
John Eustace and Wayne Rooney were dismissed during the season before Gary Rowett was brought in on an interim basis, but failed to steer Blues to safety.
Owner, Tom Wagner and CEO, Garry Cook, give their reaction to the appointment of Chris Davies as Men's First Team Manager. 💬 pic.twitter.com/vLdDBL3g78
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) June 6, 2024
Tony Mowbray stepped down last month to continue his recovery from unexpected surgery earlier this year and Birmingham have turned to Davies in their bid to earn promotion back to the Championship.
Davies – who was capped by Wales at U17, U18 and U19 level – has signed a four-year deal at St Andrew’s to take on his first managerial role after he impressed in talks with Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner, chief executive Garry Cook and minority owner Tom Brady.
“I am proud and honoured to be the manager of Birmingham City,” Davies said.
“As soon as I spoke with Tom, Garry, Tom Brady and other board members it was clear to me how passionate and committed the board and all of the football leadership team are to bringing success to this club.
“It is a club with an ambition that reflects my own, and a plan to make it a reality. It is such an exciting time to be at Blues. I can’t wait to get started, meeting everyone at the club and speaking to our supporters.
“I will give everything to build an attacking team that reflects this great city, and most importantly to produce a team that our supporters can be proud of.”
The Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Chris Davies as Men's First Team Manager. 🔵
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) June 6, 2024
Birmingham chairman Wagner added: “From our first meeting, it was clear we were aligned on values and shared the ambition for Blues.
“Chris will thrive in the high-performance environment that is being created at the club. He wants to be at Birmingham City and is committed to winning.
“I would like to thank both Tom Brady for his support and involvement, and the football leadership team for their diligent approach in identifying our next manager. They have conducted a robust process and we have appointed a top operator to take us forward.”
🚨 Breaking! Birmingham City manager news from FI sources.
✅ Deal agreed. pic.twitter.com/jmfVJnYBpO— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) June 6, 2024
Davies, who has worked at Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester in the past, departs Tottenham after one season as part of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff.
The 39-year-old turned down the chance to join Swansea in December, but has now taken his first steps into management.
Postecoglou said: “Chris is an outstanding individual, he’s done some fantastic work with us in the last season and as I’ve said before, that will attract attention, so it’s no surprise to me that a club of Birmingham City’s stature have shown an interest in him.
“I’d like to thank Chris for all his hard work, and we wish him all the best.”
🔵 Birmingham City are on the hunt for Tony Mowbray's replacement
⚽ But who will be the next man in the dugout at #BCFC
🗣️ Here's what the bookmakers think 👇 https://t.co/cWb32aCbbP
— Gambling.com (@gambling_com) June 5, 2024