'I wouldn't be surprised' - Former Aston Villa forward makes shock Birmingham City managerial prediction despite 'two-and-a-half-year deal' for Tony Mowbray

Paul Merson has made a shocking Tony Mowbray prediction - with the 60-year-old still to sign an expected deal to become Birmingham City’s next manager.

The former Aston Villa and Arsenal forward said he fully expects the Blues to retain their Championship status under Mowbray, having slipped to 20th in the table following just two wins from 15 under previous boss.Wayne Rooney.

However, he admitted that it wouldn’t surprise him if Birmingham’s American owners, Shelby Companies Limited, opted for another change in manager in the summer as they continue their wish to make the St Andrew’s club a globally-known brand.

Former Manchester United and England hero Rooney set that tone, following his appointment in October and was seen as someone who could elevate the club’s status. Ex-Sunderland, Celtic and West Brom manager Mowbray doesn’t exactly fit that brief, according to Merson. And despire being a ‘big fan’of the former centre-back, he believes the clear bookies’ favourite for the job will be quickly disposed off once he's stabilised the situation.

Claiming that Mowbray has already signed a two-and-a-half year deal at St Andrew’s, Merson told Soccer Saturday viewers on Sky Sports: ‘They (Birmingham) have gone from one extreme to another. They’ve gone for a name, a big name who’s going to come in, sort of galvanise the players. You’d hope the players would look up to and think, “wow, it’s Wayne Rooney”. It took the the club to another level, if I’m being honest, the Wayne Rooney situation. We’ve talked about Birmingham more than we’ve probably talked about them before.

‘(Now) Tony Mowbray comes in  – a very good manager, experienced, will help a young team that’s struggling. I know he’s signed for two-and-a-half years but I wouldn’t be surprised if he kept them up and he wasn’t there next season. He’s just kept them up and then they move on to someone else. You know, they (Birmingham’s owners) have the money to pay people. But for me, I’m a bit fan of Tony Mowbray, I was shocked when he left Sunderland. I think he’s a top manager who improves players.’