Birmingham City dropped a bombshell announcement on Monday evening, confirming that the club was looking to restructure the club’s Academy, replacing younger age groups with “B”and “C” teams in a model similar to that at Brentford. The club cited pressures such as Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic forcing them to revaluate the way the club recruited players.
Reports broke on Thursday that Birmingham City’s Academy Manager Kristjaan Speakman is in talks with League One outfit Sunderland to become their new Technical Director. Should Speakman leave it will end a 14 year association with Blues having joined the club as a coach from Derby County in 2006.
While Blues CEO Ren Xuandong has been criticised heavily on Blues social media and forums recently, Kristjaan Speakman has been somewhat under the radar. Listed on the official Blues website as Academy Manager, Speakman has been acting as a de facto Sporting Director at Blues in recent times. Is Speakman culpable for the club’s current situation.
It’s only been a week since it was announced that Birmingham City Head Coach Pep Clotet is to step down at the end of the season and the rumour mill is in full flow. There have been a multitude of names already bounced around as potential successors to Clotet in the press and on social media.
It’s not even close to the summer and already the rumours are flying about a potential sale of Jude Bellingham. The 16-year-old wonderkid has been scouted by what feels like every major club in Europe and the hype train seems to be in full throttle – which means a very different kind of summer challenge for the club and the board.
Radio silence on potential incoming transfers for Blues broke yesterday thanks to an Instagram story posted by Saint-Etienne player (and former Blues target) Lois Diony. The picture of Jeremie Bela holding up a shirt with his name and number on has caused a buzz since it was shared by Blues fans on Twitter.
Garry Monk has been sacked as manager of Birmingham City Football Club. In an announcement made on the official website it was confirmed the 40-year-old manager had parted company with Blues in a decision the board of directors believes are in the best interests of the club.
