Birmingham City and Swansea City’s owners really have been making some bizarre decisions over the last year or so.
In terms of potential, Birmingham City and Swansea City were both right up there with the best in the UK just over a year ago. Both teams appeared to have a solid foundation in place from the squad all the way through to the manager, but as we enter 2017 things have taken a turn for the worst and it doesn’t really make any sense.
Birmingham’s manager Gary Rowett
In terms of finding logic in the decisions these teams have made, it really is quite difficult. When you first consider Swansea who had a bonafide club legend in Garry Monk at their disposal, his early dismissal took many people by surprise. Then after a number of poor appointments, they look set to hire Paul Clement who has no track record when it comes to succeeding in England.
Given the options out there, there really is no form of analysis that can be given when it comes to justifying this. There is a rich pedigree of managers who have some form of experience in Premier League, but the new Swans owners seem to be hell bent on going against the grain.
Derby County manager Paul Clement
One of the more risky options comes in the form of Gary Rowett, which leads us to Birmingham City. The Blues looked set to make a run for the play-offs a few weeks ago before their high-flying young manager was replaced with Gianfranco Zola, leaving everyone in a state of shock. Zola has had moments of triumph here and there, but many feel he doesn’t possess the same kind of potential.
Birmingham had been in the play off spots just a few days before Rowett was dismissed. Their record since Zola arrived? Lost three out of four, and drawn the other game.
As time goes on such decisions from Swansea and Birmingham may end up making more sense, but for now it appears as if the men in charge at St Andrew’s and the Liberty Stadium have taken quite the gamble.
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