From Brexit to Zexit

I’ve never vocally sang against a manager in my entire football life. I’ve criticised, I’ve called for their head, but never have I chanted against a manager of Birmingham City FC.

However, yesterday at Rotherham, that all changed.

The performance was lacking energy, lacking commitment, lacking invention and lacking application. While Gianfranco Zola isn’t on the pitch playing the game, it’s clear that the players are no longer buying into his philosophy. His tactics are questionable, and that’s being kind.

The players have to take some of the responsibility, undoubtedly. Yet they also need a leader on the touchline, a manager capable of getting the best out of them.

When Zola first took charge, the results weren’t going his way but the performances whet the appetite of what was to come. Sadly, the longer Blues’ results went into freefall, the performances soon followed.

Blues were second best for an hour against a team already relegated from the Championship. A team who have conceded 96 goals – and Blues didn’t threaten them from open play.

Frankly, it was a shameful performance. Some of the players are not fit to wear the royal blue shirt – similarly, Zola isn’t fit to manage Birmingham City.

In the summer, Zola needs to go, a new manager has to be given the license to have a clear out and build a new squad.

Change is long overdue.