Ex-Birmingham City star to leave director of football role after just 14 months as ex-Norwich man lands gig

Birmingham City are sat top of the League One table and are inside the top two along with Wrexham. They were relegated from the Championship last year and are on course for an immediate return to the second tier. The Blues finished in the bottom three along with Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town.

The Midlands outfit turned to Chris Davies as their manager last summer. Prior to his move, he had spells as the assistant manager with the likes of Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City. He has done an impressive job at St Andrew’s so far and has won 72% of his 50 matches, losing on only five occasions in all competitions.

Former Birmingham City man leaves role

Former Birmingham defender George Friend has left his role as Director of Football at Bristol Rovers. The 37-year-old has made the decision to cut ties with the Gas. He has been replaced by former Norwich City and Stoke City man Ricky Martin at the Memorial Ground.

Friend, who is from Devon, was on the books of the Blues from 2020 to 2023. He made 52 appearances during his time in the Midlands. He also had spells as a defender during his playing days with the likes of Exeter City, Wolves, Doncaster Rovers and Middlesbrough.

He hung up his boots in 2024 and was handed a role at Bristol Rovers. After his exit from the Pirates, he has said: ““After careful consideration, I have decided to step down from my role as Director of Football at the end of the season.

“I am proud of the improvements we have achieved together in developing the Club’s staffing infrastructure, alongside a sustainable and exciting game model, while the plans for upgraded training ground and stadium facilities promise to further elevate Bristol Rovers in the years to come.

“The Club has a strong foundation with an excellent Head Coach in Iñigo Calderón, a core group of talented players and promising, young, homegrown talent who have been firmly integrated into the first-team environment.”

Birmingham City promotion latest from League One

Birmingham are nine points clear the summit and have two games in hand on Wrexham below them. The Blues won 4-1 at home to Shrewsbury Town over the weekend. Alfie May was on the scoresheet against the Shrews, whilst Ben Davies and Ethan Laird getting goals.

Speaking after the victory, Davies said: “It was a good performance. We were strong throughout and dominant is the word I would use to describe it. We had a lot of possession, but we were dangerous with it, and we were quick and aggressive when we didn’t have the ball. I thought we were going to score before we did, but to score from a set piece was really pleasing We could have added to it but at half time it was a case of continue, don’t get comfortable in the game, keep the intensity and speed in what we are doing.

“We looked like we had a bit of freshness back as well, so it was a really good win. We’ve had many games where we have been very strong and we’ve maybe had a one goal margin and it’s got really tense towards the end, so we have to make it count. The atmosphere was great, the fans were enjoying it, and it was a really nice day for us.”