John Eustace: who is new Birmingham City Head Coach, who did he play for, age - and who else has he managed?

Birmingham City FC have acted fast to replace manager Lee Bowyer following his departure on Saturday, 2 July.

The Blues have named former Coventry City midfielder John Eustace as Head Coach ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Here’s what we know about the new boss, including who he used to play for and what managerial experience he will bring to St Andrew’s.

Where is John Eustace from?

His move to St Andrews is a move close to home for John Eustace. The 42-year-old was born in Solihull and made his first senior appearance with West Midlands rivals Coventry City.

When was John Eustace unveiled as manager?

Birmingham City announced Eustace as their new boss on Sunday, 3 July.

Eustace was announced as Head Coach just a day after the club announced they had parted ways with former manager Lee Bowyer.

Who did John Eustace play for?

John Eustace played as a midfielder during a professional career spanning almost 20 years and seven clubs.

In 434 first team appearances, Eustace scored 36 times.

During his career, he represented Coventry City, Dundee United, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Hereford United, Watford and Derby County.

Does John Eustace have any managerial experience?

Eustace moves to Small Heath with six years of coaching and managerial experience.

Starting at non-league side Kidderminster Harriers, the man from Solihull went on to be assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers and then with the Republic of Ireland.

What did John Eustace say following his appointment?

Local man Eustace believes the club is underachieving, and is looking forward to making sure the Blues are competitive for the first day of the season.

John said: “I am very proud to be here. Obviously, I am a Birmingham lad and I know the potential of the Club and how important it is to the fans.

“We have underachieved in the past few seasons and a club of this size, with the support that this club has, we need to be aiming higher.”

He added: "I can’t wait to get going, meet the staff and get my ideas across to the players out on the pitches as soon as we can.

"The big picture is to get us as competitive as we can, to build a team that the fans are proud of, to play exciting football and win as many games as we can.

“The first thing we have to do is get this squad competitive and ready for that first game of the season against Luton.”

Who will John Eustace’s first opponent be?

The Championship season gets underway on Saturday, 30 July for Birmingham City, and John Eustace’s first game will be away from home.

The Blues travel to Luton Town on the opening day, a side that made it to the Championship playoffs last season.

The new Head Coach will welcome Huddersfield Town, who reached the Championship playoff final last season, in his first home match in charge.

Eustace will come up against several of his former sides this season, including Coventry City, QPR and Stoke City.