Former Burton Albion and Derby County manager Nigel Clough is believed to have held preliminary talks with Birmingham City over their managerial role. According to Sky Sports, Clough is line to replace current Blues boss Pep Clotet. City are set to resume their season and are eight points above the Championship relegation zone. Clotet has nine games remaining to ensure City stay in the Championship.
Nigel Clough Holds Talks With Birmingham City
Clough Left Burton to Help the Club
Nigel Clough, son of the legendary Brian Clough, left Burton Albion four weeks ago in search of a new challenge. He had 16 years over two spells at the Pirelli Stadium. Clough also advised that he left Albion to help ease the financial burden the club had been under due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Clough, along with two of his staff, left the club, with Jake Buxton taking over as player-manager. In a statement, Clough said: “It has been an incredible two decades for Burton Albion. I have worked with the chairman since 1998 and we have enjoyed a very long and successful working relationship.”
“It’s therefore with great sadness that Gary, Simon and I have decided to step away. We hope it helps the club with the financial pressures in these unprecedented times, and that it will also help the club secure the jobs of as many of the staff as possible going forward.”
Clotet to Explore Other Opportunities
Last week, current Blues boss Pep Clotet advised that he will step down at the end of the current season. The 46-year-old Spaniard, who was promoted from assistant manager following the departure of Garry Monk, wants to explore “other coaching opportunities”, according to the Championship club. A statement on the Birmingham City website said: “Pep came in as a colleague but he will leave as a friend with our gratitude. He has done a very good and thorough job for us and has been professional throughout, always putting the Club before himself.”
“It’s a decision that is filled with sadness for us both. We value Pep very highly and we know how much he loves this Club. “In the meantime, Pep continues to have our full backing and we are all determined to do everything we can to finish the season strongly and give him the fitting send-off he deserves.”
Clough Experienced But Not the Only Candidate dor Birmingham City
Nigel Clough is an experienced manager, having had 16 years in charge of Burton over two spells, four years at Derby County and another two in charge of Sheffield United. However, according to Richard Cusack of the Derby Telegraph and Brian Dick of the Birmingham Mail, there are others in the frame. Those include former Fulham and Watford head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, ex-Barcelona midfielder Michael Laudrup and former Blues manager Chris Hughton.
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