Birmingham City sack Garry Monk following board bust-up

Birmingham City have confirmed manager Garry Monk will leave St Andrew’s with immediate effect in view of a decision taken “in the club’s best interests.”

Monk’s relationship with the board of directors had become increasingly strained following the deal to sell key player Jota, to Midland rivals Aston Villa and Gary Gardner move in the opposite direction.

It is understood that the 40-year old has been at odds with Xuandong Ren, the Birmingham director for a while now with the swap deal last week rubbing salt in the wounds.

Birmingham released a statement confirming Monk’s departure:

“The Board of Directors believe this to be in the long term interests of the Club. We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future.

Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker Head Coach and the remainder of the coaching and backroom staff – including Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie – stay in place. Pep takes charge of team affairs with immediate effect.

The Board of Directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy, whilst maintaining the Club’s core values. It is our intention to drive the Club forward and challenge for promotion.

As part of an overall review of Club operations, we will also seek to enhance our recruitment and scouting strategy.

The Board of Directors feel that it is vitally important for everybody at the Club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes.”

Monk took the reigns at Birmingham in March 2018 where he found the side languishing 22nd in the Championship, staring at the prospect of relegation. However, he won his five out his first ten matches, helping the Blues steer clear of the drop.

The following season saw the former Swansea, Leeds and Middlesborough boss bring an element of stability to St Andrew’s, finishing 12 points clear of the drop zone despite a nine-point deduction mid-season due to the breaking of EFL’s profit and sustainability rules that occurred before he even arrived at the club.

The news of Monk being relieved of his duties is likely to anger sections of Birmingham supporters who have had a tense relationship with the club’s board as far back as December 2016, when Gary Rowett was sacked.