Blues snub old boss Gary, but he backs them to stay up

in the Blues’ matchday programme apart from the ‘Our Visitors’ section, his success in taking Birmingham from a basket case heading for League One to promotion contenders ignored.

“They probably need a couple more draws and it should be just enough,” said Rowett, who is making a late bid for promotion with Derby.

Rowett was narked at being ignored and said he knew who was responsible. He refused to give a name, but it is understood he and Pavlakis fell out before his dismissal.

A Birmingham official said: “After the change of manager was made we thanked Gary for the job he did and wished him all the best for the future.

“Gianfranco Zola in his pre-match and post-match comments was very gracious about Gary and the job he did at Birmingham City.” Rowett added: “I’ve read lots of stuff since I left and we were three points off third place. People said there is no way we would have got in the play-offs, or promoted. “But look at our points average and I’d say people are lying.” Derby were lucky to win this one with a Tomasz Kuszczak own goal (celebrated by the Rams’ Tom Ince, above right) and a stoppagetime Ince winner either side of Che Adams’ equaliser for Birmingham. Zola raged about a disallowed Lukas Jutkiewicz goal, but his team are only six points clear of relegation. Rowett also had a dig at Zola’s brief to play exciting football.

“They’ve gone from free-flowing football which hasn’t won them games to being more solid. It’s a bit edgy when you are down there and have to win,” he said.

Rowett is unbeaten in four with three victories, giving him the best start of any Derby boss – the late, great Brian Clough included.

“I’m not going to be remiss enough to pass it off as there have been some fantastic managers,” said Rowett. “I am in exalted company, but it means little to me because it’s about the next five games.”