Zola in as Rowett gets chop
BIRMINGHAM last night named Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola as their new boss less than six hours after sacking Gary Rowett.
Zola signed a two-and-ahalf-year contract at St Andrew’s after Rowett was fired, despite taking the club to seventh in the Championship.
Former Italy striker Zola is joined on the City staff by former Chelsea team-mates Pierluigi Casiraghi and Kevin Hitchcock.
Club director Panos Pavlakis said: “His pedigree, philosophy and ambition fits with what we would like to achieve as we move in a new direction.
“Gianfranco has a wealth of top-level experience as both manager and player and we are extremely excited about his appointment.”
Rowett was in charge for just over two years after moving from Burton Albion amid chaos in the boardroom.
But new owners Trillion Trophy are set to splash out on players next month and want their own man to take charge of transfers.
They are thought to be unconvinced by some of Rowett’s signings, despite the former Birmingham player being a hit with fans.
A club statement confirmed that Rowett had left along with coaches Kevin Summerfield, Mark Sale, Kevin Poole and Darren Robinson.
It read: “Supporters can rest assured that the decision has been taken with a strategic, long-term view and with the club’s best interests at heart.”
Pavlakis added: “Such a parting of the ways is always difficult, particularly so on a personal level as I have worked very closely with Gary and have got to know him well.
“Our relationship was very strong, but in football you can never stand still.
“I would ask that our supporters trust our judgment and look forward to and embrace the future.”