With Gianfranco Zola gone, speculation is rife about who will replace the Italian as the Blues manager.
Paul Robinson on an interim basis until the end of the season seems to be a popular choice – and his existing coaching role at the club leads many to believe it’s an obvious choice. However, his playing commitments may stand in the way.
Development squad manager Richard Beale is another viable option. He knows the club well and has done a sterling job overseeing the second string. His previous stint as caretaker boss alongside Malcolm Crosby after Lee Clark was sacked wasn’t a success though, Blues lost 1-0 at Blackburn before that infamous 8-0 reverse against Bournemouth. Although saying that, Beale was very much the assistant to Crosby for the short spell.
Bookmakers have made former Norwich City manager Alex Neil and former Middlesbrough Head Coach Aitor Karanka the early favourites.
Before a decision is made, the club will decide whether to go forward with a temporary measure for the final three games or whether to throw caution to the wind by hiring a permanent manager.
It would be a snap decision and would come with it’s risks.
There will be managers interested in the vacancy but many would be unwilling to make commitments without knowing what division the club will be in next season, with Blues still firmly in relegation trouble.
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