‘We were never getting Arsène Wenger’ - Birmingham City supporters react to John Eustace appointment

Birmingham City have announced former Republic of Ireland assistant manager John Eustace as the club’s new head coach.

Eustace, who is from Solihull, has been appointed City’s manager on a three year deal following the sacking of Lee Bowyer on Saturday (2 July). As recently as last month, Eustace was operating in the position of assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers.

The 42-year-old took his first steps in management with Kidderminster Harriers in 2016 - twice leading them to the National League North play-offs and to the first round proper of the FA Cup across two campaigns at Aggborough. Since March of this year, he has also fulfilled the role of assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland, working under Stephen Kenny.

What are fans saying about the appointment?

Craig Courtney, from the Tilton Talk Show, is optimistic about Eustace.

Speaking to BirminghamWorld, he said: “I look at it this way: when Birmingham got Gary Rowett, everybody said the same thing - ‘he’s unproven, hasn’t done anything’ but actually Rowett ended up being a manager everybody was extremely sad to see leave.

“So I’ll always back the manager, it doesn’t matter who it is I’ll back them, and I think he’ll do a good job personally. He played some decent footballwhen he was at Kidderminster Harriers, and I think he’s learnt a lot while he was working under Mark Warburton at QPR.

“And obviously he has a bit of credential because he was the Republic of Ireland assistant manager as well, so I think there’s a bit more to John Eustace than everyone realises.”

He added: “I know some fans are saying he’s not the right person, but I honestly don’t know what they were expecting – we were never going to go and get Arsene Wenger. We’ve always sat on the fence as far as managerial appointments are concerned, so this is an opportunity to shine, and it’s interesting the fact he’s been given a three year contract.”

What are supporters saying on Twitter?

It’s fair to say there has been a mixed reaction to Eustace’s appointment by fans on social media. Posting on Twitter, one fan wrote: “Happy with that, a young manager with a point to prove.”

Another said: “100% behind this. Let’s give him a fair chance, it can’t get worse but it could get better.” One fan wrote: “If he gets us playing attractive football with a good back line im all for it. But please now make about 10 new signings.”

Another said: “I don’t even know what to do, say or think anymore to be honest.” Another fan wrote: “And this is better than Bowyer? Really?”

See some of the Tweets below

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