The 43-year-old is now manager of Derby County after his surprise Birmingham City dismissal in December.
Derby manager Gary Rowett
Following Birmingham City’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, which leaves the club still in the relegation picture, albeit with a game less to play, the mood of the fans was made worse by events at Derby County’s Pride Park.
Former Blues boss Gary Rowett, who was bizarrely sacked in December despite Birmingham being three points behind third place and outside the play-offs on goal difference, is now in charge of the Rams, and led them to a 4-2 victory over play-off chasing Fulham.
Since Rowett’s departure and Gianfranco Zola’s arrival, Birmingham have tumbled down the table at an alarming rate, winning just two of their 21 fixtures under the Italian manager.
By contrast, Rowett spent months away from the game after being sacked, took the job at Derby, and has now won two out of his first three games for the club, re-igniting hope for Derby fans that they could reach the play-offs this campaign.
Birmingham’s Adam Legzdins looks dejected after Nottingham Forest’s second goal
Rowett was always going to be a hit at Derby, but the fact that in just three fixtures he’s matched the win total his former club have yielded in 21 further proves just how shambolic it was to sack the 43-year-old.
Had Birmingham kept Rowett, it could be them – not Derby – with play-off ambitions going into the final six matches of the season. Instead, Birmingham will be lucky to stay up, leaving their board with an awful lot to answer for.
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