Birmingham City have announced that they have parted company with manager Gary Rowett and his backroom staff after two years at the club.
The surprise decision comes on the back of the Blues' 2-1 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening, ending a run of back-to-back defeats in the Championship.
Rowett leaves St Andrew's with City sitting seventh in the table, outside the playoff zone on goal difference alone heading into the busy festive period.
Kevin Summerfield, Mark Sale, Kevin Poole and Darren Robinson have also had their contracts terminated with immediate effect - a decision Birmingham say has been taken with the club's 'long-term interests at heart'.
A statement on behalf of Birmingham's board of directors read: "This has not been an easy decision to make. The board would like to thank Gary and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future. Gary came in and immediately stabilised the team amid difficult circumstances and during his tenure improved the club's fortunes on the field.
"He has conducted himself professionally on behalf of the Club at all times and there is a genuine sadness at this course of action. However, new owners Trillion Trophy Asia Limited (TTAL) remains determined to lead the club to a bright and exciting future. Supporters can rest assured that the decision has been taken with a strategic, long-term view and with the club's best interests at heart."
Birmingham hope to have a new manager in place prior to the January transfer window, where they will look to "strengthen the playing squad" with the full backing of the owners.
Next up for the Midlands outfit is the visit of league leaders Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.
Daniel Lewis
