Garry Monk: Birmingham City confirm they have parted company with manager

Birmingham City have parted company with manager Garry Monk after 15 months in charge.

The Championship side announced on Tuesday evening that the decision was taken ‘in the long term interests of the club’.

Assistant manager Pep Clotet has been placed in caretaker charge of the Blues, while Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie will remain on the coaching staff for now.

Monk was a popular figure among Birmingham supporters, and led them to a 17th place finish last season despite being hit with a nine-point deduction by the EFL for breaching financial rules.

“The Board of Directors believe this to be in the long term interests of the club. We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future,” a club statement read.

“The Board of Directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy, whilst maintaining the club’s core values.

“It is our intention to drive the club forward and challenge for promotion. As part of an overall review of club operations, we will also seek to enhance our recruitment and scouting strategy.

“We have faced significant challenges in relation to Profitability and Sustainability regulations and whilst we will improve our squad and be competitive in the market – the club’s owners are committed to continued investment – we will do so sensibly and effectively.

“The club has a pool of talented players and those emerging via the Academy and Under-23s will be embraced, even more so than before. We are certain these young players – as those in our first team already – will be hungry to succeed as we begin a new chapter.

“In addition to our excellent Academy, Birmingham City Women and our Regional Talent Club are also thriving. The Board of Directors feel that it is vitally important for everybody at the club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes.”