John Eustace has been sacked by Birmingham City amid reports suggesting he may be a candidate to replace Mick Beale at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
The reaction from Birmingham supporters – baffled and bordering on the mutinous in some quarters – will tell you that this is not a popular decision. Blues fans have been here before, of course. Gary Rowett replaced by Gianfranco Zola back in 2016 at a time in which the Midlands outfit were challenging for a play-off place.
Five months later, and after just two wins from 22 games, chants of ‘we want Zola out’ were echoing around St Andrews. So, with Birmingham again looking to replace one of the EFL’s best young coaches with another ‘big name appointment’ – Wayne Rooney expected to take the Rangers-linked John Eustace’s place – the Manchester United legend needs only look at Zola’s dismal spell in charge to realise that his reputation alone will not save him from criticism.
Birmingham sack Rangers linked John Eustace
Eustace, after days of speculation, was officially relieved of his duties on Monday morning. That is despite a 3-1 beating of Midland neighbours West Brom on Friday, the perennial strugglers flying high in sixth place.
“During his time at St. Andrew’s, (Eustace) galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances,” reads a statement on the Birmingham website.
“The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.
“A new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace.”
Rangers manager search ongoing
Eustace may have faced criticism at times for what some deemed negative tactics – hence Birmingham’s very public desire for a more attack-minded, ‘no fear’ coach – but there is no doubting that his methods got results. Birmingham finished with their highest points tally since 2016 last season, despite starting the campaign as odds-on favourites for relegation.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, believe that Eustace has admirers at a Rangers side making a change of their own in the dugout.
Oliver Glasner, Philippe Clement, Pascal Jansen and Scott Parker are among the other candidates.
