Former Man City & UFC boss now ‘step closer’ to Birmingham City after Saudi League stint

The next step has been put in place for Birmingham City’s takeover, with a former Man City chief heading to St Andrew’s.
Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 13th Jun 2023, 10:22 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2023, 10:31 BST

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Birmingham City are getting closer to appointing former Manchester City boss Garry Cook as the club’s new chief executive officer.

The 65-year-old only took on the role of executive president and CEO of the Saudi Professional League in January of this year but is already set to move on.

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Born in Birmingham, Cook made his name as Man City’s CEO from 2008 to 2011 as he oversaw the takeover from the Abu Dhabi United Group.

Cook had a key involvement in the British record signing of Robinho, as well as the acquisitions of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Touré, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge and Nigel de Jong.

In 2011 a resignation followed, however, as Cook admitted to insensitive email allegations towards a player’s mother. In 2012 he had a short stint at UFC before being fired in staffing cuts.

Cook took over a decade away from the sport before taking on the role in Saudi Arabia earlier in 2023 but is now expected to lead the decision-making at Birmingham.

Garry Cook (left) joined Thomas Wagner (right) for Birmingham’s final game of the Championship season.Garry Cook (left) joined Thomas Wagner (right) for Birmingham’s final game of the Championship season.
Garry Cook (left) joined Thomas Wagner (right) for Birmingham’s final game of the Championship season.
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The Athletic reports an agreement has already been reached for Cook to become Blues’ new CEO as soon as the Tom Wagner and Shelby Companies Limited takeover is completed.

Earlier this month, Birmingham announced the takeover party had passed the EFL Owners’ and Directors’ Test. All that awaits now is approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Related topics:Garry CookManchester CityBirminghamSaudi ArabiaTransfer rumours

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