Pressure is mounting on Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies as the club's inconsistent Championship form threatens their Premier League ambitions. The Blues, currently languishing in 14th place and six points adrift of the play-offs, suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United in their last outing.
Why Gary O'Neil is the Prime Candidate
If the hierarchy at St Andrew's decides to make a change, one available manager stands out as an obvious and ideal candidate: Gary O'Neil. The 42-year-old has been carefully considering his options since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers and is waiting for the right project to return to management.
O'Neil's credentials are compelling for a club with Birmingham's aspirations. He boasts valuable Premier League experience, having kept AFC Bournemouth in the top flight against the odds before an unexpected dismissal. He later steered Wolves to a 14th-place finish and an FA Cup quarter-final, earning a long-term contract in the process. His final months at Molineux were tough, but his overall managerial record remains positive.
A Fresh Voice for the Blues
O'Neil represents a fresh, modern coaching voice who could potentially extract more from Birmingham's current squad. As a former midfielder with clubs like Portsmouth and West Ham, he understands the demands of the Football League. His coaching journey, which began in Liverpool's academy before roles at Bournemouth and Wolves, has provided him with a well-rounded education.
For Birmingham, a club with ambitious plans to reach the Premier League "as soon as possible," appointing a manager with proven top-flight know-how could be a strategic move. O'Neil may also feel he has a point to prove after his Wolves departure, adding further motivation.
Other Names in the Frame
While O'Neil appears a strong fit, the decision to part ways with Chris Davies would not be taken lightly. Davies guided the club to promotion from League One last season, earning credit in the bank. However, the heat is turning up after recent results, and a loss in their next match against Derby County on Boxing Day would intensify the scrutiny.
Should the job become available, Birmingham would have a wide field of unattached managers to consider. The list of potential alternatives includes:
- Michael Carrick
- Gareth Southgate
- Patrick Vieira
- Ralph Hasenhuttl
- Russell Martin
The immediate focus, however, remains on the Boxing Day fixture at home to Derby County. A positive result could ease the pressure on Davies, but another setback may force the club's owners to seriously consider a change, with Gary O'Neil waiting in the wings.
