‘Misalignment’ - Inside Birmingham City’s controversial decision to sack John Eustace

Birmingham City CEO Garry Cook has claimed that John Eustace’s ambitions for the club did not align with his, as a reason for his sacking.

Eustace was relieved of his duties on Monday, and his successor is expected to be named this week.

A ‘no-fear’ approach to football is what Blues are looking for in their next manager and it is believed that Wayne Rooney is their leading candidate.

Blues finished 17th in Eustace’s one and only full season, and at the time of his departure left the club in sixth going into the second international break of the season.

"There is never a good time to make such a decision,” said former Manchester City chief Cook, who later went on to explain the rationale behind the controversial decision.

“You need to process all of the opinions and reach the best outcome for the future. Tom Wagner has been very clear with the ownership’s ambition for Birmingham City.

“It is to make the Club a beacon for sporting excellence and to proudly be at the centre of Birmingham’s community. There is a plan and every decision we take is with the Club’s best interests at heart.

"John had clear ambitions and goals for the season. Unfortunately, following a series of meetings over a number of months, it became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the Club. When this happens, the best thing to do is to part company.”

Cook had been appointed to his post in July, leaving his role as executive president and CEO of the Saudi Pro League.

Eustace was still backed in the transfer window amid the difference in working relationship between the two. A total of seven new players were signed.

Despite Eustace’s three-year contract being ended early, he did receive praise from the CEO for the job he did at the club.

Eustace had a turbulent 15-month spell at St Andrew’s, and it wasn’t until the summer that things looked brighter following the takeover, which involved NFL legend Tom Brady.

The Solihull-born boss was able to steer the club away from the Championship relegation battle, and had he not guided them to safety, the outlook of the club admittedly could have been different.

"I thanked John for his hard work,” added Cook.

“I also told him that every Blues fan will be forever grateful for keeping the Club in the Sky Bet Championship last year.

“Tom Wagner expressed to him when they spoke later in the day that if we had been relegated, Knighthead would not have invested in Birmingham.

“John will be forever remembered for this fact. I speak for all at the club when wishing him the very best for the future.”