Championship side Birmingham eye bold move for “top-class” manager Guardiola rates highly

Birmingham City are weighing up a summer move for Thomas Frank as doubts grow over Chris Davies’ future following the club’s late collapse in the Championship promotion race.

Pressure mounting on Davies at St. Andrew’s

A mid-table finish would typically represent a solid return for a newly-promoted side, but expectations were far higher at Birmingham. After significant investment last summer – including the arrival of Kyogo Furuhashi – the Blues were widely tipped to push for a playoff spot.

Instead, their campaign has fizzled out. With just three matches remaining, Birmingham sit 14th and are already out of contention for the top six. A poor run of form, which has seen them win just twice in their last 10 league outings, has intensified scrutiny on Davies.

Instead, their campaign has fizzled out. With just three matches remaining, Birmingham sit 14th and are already out of contention for the top six. A poor run of form, which has seen them win just twice in their last 10 league outings, has intensified scrutiny on Davies.

The manager acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the playoffs but insisted there have been signs of progress.

“There was a hope you can go and get in the Premier League at the first time of asking for us coming up from League One.

What’s clear is I do think we’ve made progress this year. We’ve been competitive but not as consistent as I’d like us to be.”

Whether the club’s hierarchy shares that view remains uncertain, particularly given how sharply results have declined in recent weeks.

Frank emerges as shock replacement option

According to reports, Birmingham are now considering a bold move to appoint Thomas Frank if they choose to part ways with Davies this summer. The Dane, who built a strong reputation during his time at Brentford, is seen as a statement appointment should the Blues opt for change.

Despite facing criticism this season, Frank’s track record speaks for itself. He guided Brentford to promotion and established them as a stable Premier League side, achievements that continue to earn widespread respect.

Championship comparison

Here’s how Davies and Frank compare in the Championship:

Frank’s credentials have also been endorsed at the highest level. Pep Guardiola previously praised the Brentford boss, stating:

“They are an extraordinary team. What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”

Big decision looming

Birmingham now face a crucial call. Stick with Davies and hope for improvement, or make a decisive change and pursue a proven manager in Frank. After a season that promised much but delivered little, the club’s next move could define their ambitions heading into the new campaign.