Former Wales international Chris Davies promises to play attacking football after taking charge at Birmingham City

By David Williams

Former Wales senior international Chris Davies has left Tottenham to take over as Birmingham City’s new manager.

The man who turned Swansea City down in December has now decided the time is right to take charge at another Championship club.

Birmingham endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign which ended with relegation to Sky Bet League One after the club had a number of managerial changes.

John Eustace and Wayne Rooney were sacked during the season before Gary Rowett was brought in on an interim basis, but they were unable to steer the Blues to safety.

Owner Tom Wagner and CEO Garry Cook react to the appointment of Chris Davies as manager of the men’s first team. 💬 pic.twitter.com/vLdDBL3g78

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) June 6, 2024

Tony Mowbray stepped down last month to continue his recovery from unexpected surgery earlier this year and Birmingham have turned to Davies in their bid to win promotion back to the Championship.

Davies – who has been capped by Wales at U17, U18 and U19 level – has signed a four-year deal at St Andrew’s to take on his first managerial role after impressing in talks with Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner, director executive Garry Cook and minority owner. Tom Brady.

“I am proud and honored to be the manager of Birmingham City,” said Davies.

“As soon as I spoke with Tom, Garry, Tom Brady and other board members, it was clear to me how passionate and committed the board and the entire football management team are to bringing success to this club.

“It is a club with an ambition that mirrors mine and a plan to make it a reality. It’s such an exciting time to be at the Blues. I can’t wait to get started, meet everyone at the club and talk to our supporters.

“I will give my all to build an attacking team that reflects this great city and, most importantly, to produce a team that our supporters can be proud of.”

The club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Chris Davies as Men’s First Team Manager. 🔵

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) June 6, 2024

Chairman Birmingham Wagner added: “From our first meeting, it was clear that we were aligned in values ​​and shared ambition for the Blues.

“Chris will thrive in the high performance environment that is created at the club. He wants to be at Birmingham City and is committed to winning.

“I would like to thank both Tom Brady for his support and involvement and the football management team for their diligent approach in identifying our next manager. They have led a robust process and we have appointed a top operator to take us forward.”

🚨 Breaking! Birmingham city manager news from FI sources.
✅ Agreement agreed. pic.twitter.com/jmfVJnYBpO

— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) June 6, 2024

Davies, who has worked at Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester in the past, leaves Tottenham after one season as part of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff.

The 39-year-old turned down the chance to join Swansea in December but has now taken his first steps in management.

Postecoglou said: “Chris is an outstanding individual, he did a fantastic job with us last season and, as I said before, that will attract attention, so it’s no surprise to me that a club of Birmingham City’s stature has shown an interest in him.

“I’d like to thank Chris for all his hard work and wish him all the best.”

🔵 Birmingham City are looking for Tony Mowbray’s replacement

⚽ But who will be the next man in the dugout at #BCFC

🗣️ Here’s what the bookies think 👇 https://t.co/cWb32aCbbP

— Gambling.com (@gambling_com) June 5, 2024

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