Gary Rowett has signed a new contract as Birmingham City first-team manager. He has made a big impression at St Andrews since his appointment in October 2014 and looks set to mount a play-off challenge for the remainder of the season.
Negotiations did initially begin over the summer, but they have been officially concluded today. Rowett’s management team consisting of Kevin Summerfield (Assistant Manager), Mark Sale (First Team Coach) and Kevin Poole (Goalkeeper Coach) have also signed extended deals to remain with the Championship club.
Director Panos Pavlakis said that the coaching staff thoroughly deserved their new contracts and wanted to reward them for the lasting impressions which they have already stamped in place,
“Both the board of parent company Birmingham International Holdings Limited and Birmingham City Football Club board acknowledge the excellent contribution of Gary and his backroom staff in the revival of the team.
We wanted to show our support and commitment to Gary, Kevin, and his coaches for the work he that has gone on. These new contracts are a significant development in that respect.
We have a fantastic relationship with Gary since day one. He is very happy here and we share the same vision in continuing to move the team and the club forward.”
Rowett, a Birmingham City playing in his playing days, was appointed in October 2014, leaving his role with Burton Albion. He guided them out of the relegation zone to a comfortable 10th place finish last season and they are challenging the top six in this campaign.
The lengthy of the contracts haven’t been disclosed, but it is fair to say that any rumours linking Rowett with moves away will go quite quiet for the time-being at least. Earlier this season he was heavily linked with the vacancies at Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.
