Hartlepool United manager Dave Jones on Gary Rowett sacking

Hartlepool United manager Dave Jones has spoken of his disappointment after Birmingham City sacked Gary Rowett in December 2016.

Since his sacking, Blues have appointed Gianfranco Zola who is without a win in his opening 10 games as manager and with frustration growing amongst the fans, faith is slowly being lost in the decision from the board.

Jones, who has previously managed Cardiff City in the Championship, believes that the influence of foreign owners is something that is crushing the English game and in an interview published on the BBC, he voiced his disappointment at Zola’s appointment.

‘Gary was doing a good job but the owners decided they felt they would bring in another manager that wants to do it their way,’ said Jones.

‘They do own the club and they are entitled to do whatever they want. It was just a bit harsh on Gary – a good manager, working hard, up-and-coming.

‘There are a lot of good British managers out of work but if you look at all the top divisions around the world and see how many foreign coaches are in maybe Germany, France, Italy, more of their own nations are running the clubs.’