Birmingham City sack head coach Lee Bowyer

Birmingham City have sacked head coach Lee Bowyer.

The club announced the news on its website on Saturday, 2 July.

City finished 20th in the Championship last season, winning just four times in 26 league games after the end of November.

In a statement, the club said that “results fell below expectations as the season progressed.”

Bowyer leaves St Andrew’s after almost 16 months in charge following his appointment in March 2021.

The decision leaves Blues without a manager with less than a month until the start of the new Championship season.

Club statement

A statement published on the club’s website, read: “The Board of Directors believe this to be the necessary course of action and have acted swiftly ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

“In his first full campaign at the helm, Bowyer oversaw a 20th-placed finish including an opening day victory at Sheffield United and a 5-0 away win over Luton Town.

“Despite a promising start to the campaign, results fell below expectations as the season progressed and the Board feel that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club at this pivotal stage.

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Lee for all of his efforts during his time at the Club.

“As a player and as a Head Coach, Lee’s commitment and dedication was never in question and we will always be thankful for his contribution both on the pitch and in the dugout.

“He will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.”

Goalkeeper Coach, Andy Marshall has also left the club.

Club ownership

It had been reported that businessman Laurence Bassini would look to replace Bowyer as manager if he completed a takeover of Birmingham, but that takeover has yet to be completed.

Former Watford owner Bassini was given a deadline of Friday, July 1 to complete the purchase of the club.

With that deadline having passed, there is now uncertainty over the takeover.

Bassini had reportedly exchanged contracts on a takeover at the club, and is confident of completing a deal which would see him replace Birmingham Sports Holdings Ltd (BSHL) as owner.

But according to the Daily Mirror, Bassini signed a ‘special price agreement’ (SPA) as part of a two year plan to buy the whole club, but the deadline to complete a purchase has expired this week.

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