Steve Cotterill sacked as Birmingham City manager as club face relegation to League One

Steve Cotterill has been sacked as manager of Birmingham City, with the club facing the prospect of dropping into League One.

Cotterill was summoned for talks with Birmingham’s owners following Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest and was dismissed after a run of five successive league defeats which has dragged the Championship club back into the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.

Garry Monk, the former Swansea and Middlesbrough manager, is widely expected to be confirmed as Cotterill’s replacement within the next 48 hours.

Cotterill’s impending departure ends a frustrating period for the 53 year-old, who was unable to sign any players in the January transfer window. Telegraph Sport understands that he had deals lined up for Preston forward Jordan Hugill, who joined West Ham for £8 million, and Chelsea attacker Kasey Palmer, who snubbed Birmingham to join Derby on loan.

But Birmingham’s transfer activity was allegedly disrupted by an ongoing row between two key figures in the boardroom, leaving Cotterill unable to make any additions.

Recent results have now forced  Birmingham’s owners, Trillion Trophy Asia, into making their third dugout change in under 12 months. As well as Cotterill, his backroom staff have also been shown the door.

“Steve’s contract, and those of the backroom staff - first-team coach Paul Groves, first-team coach Paul Williams, goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock, director of football Jeff Vetere, David Alvarez (head of sports science and medical) and Albert Altarriba-Bartes (first-team strength and conditioning coach) - have been terminated with immediate effect,” said Birmingham in a statement.

“The board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Steve, not only for his significant contribution at the conclusion of last season for which we will remain grateful, but also for his genuine efforts, contribution and hard work during his tenure in this 2017/18 campaign.

“Steve has conducted himself professionally on behalf of the club at all times, his work ethic and honesty are a credit to him and there is a genuine sadness at this decision. However, the board feel that a change in management at this stage is in the best interests of the football club.”