Gary Rowett makes optimistic Birmingham City predictions as he examines the club’s future

The former Birmingham City manager was speaking out as a guest on Sky Sports, discussing the future of his former team.

Gary Rowett feels Birmingham City’s future is bright, despite the team being demoted from the Championship under his leadership.

Rowett was returning to serve as a pundit for Sky Sports studio after leaving following City’s season-ending relegation. Knighthead summoned Rowett back to Blues as they fought to maintain their Championship status in the absence of Tony Mowbray, who has required medical treatment in recent months.

Rowett, 50, was given eight games to try to maintain Blues in the league; despite a healthy return of 11 points from those games, Blues across 46 games had not done enough, and League One now awaits following a difficult 13-year tenure in the second tier. Rowett, who left Millwall earlier this season, is now looking for his next management challenge.

When questioned if he had any regrets about trying to save Blues from relegation, he held steadfast and said he believed it was the right move at the time.

He said, “None at all.” I knew going in that it was an odd position. everything would have been quite easy for me, as a manager, to leave everything alone and wait for the next job.

“It just seemed like I could step in and try to maintain the team and club in the division after they had flirted with relegation for a lot of years.

“We were upset because we thought winning the final game would have been enough. We had three of the four home games, but Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday, and Millwall all won successive games and played well at the end of the season. You must commend them on that.

“The Blues shouldn’t have been where they were, but sometimes it’s about the squad balance and wanting players who can do the dirty work, and then when you have different managers, they all want different things.

“The club backed it, but when you have to make the move again, you end up with a different group for a different style.

“The players should have a strong desire to be a part of what promises to be an exciting rebuild.

“The club and owners have really big plans, but they need a team that can match that on the pitch.”