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Garry Monk sacked: Birmingham City part company with manager with immediate effect

Monk guided the Blues to a 17th place finish in the Championship following a nine-point penalty

Ben Burrows
Tuesday 18 June 2019 17:05 BST
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Monk leaves the club after 15 months in charge
Monk leaves the club after 15 months in charge

Birmingham City have parted company with manager Garry Monk with immediate effect.

Monk guided the Blues to a 17th place finish in the Championship last season following the nine-point penalty for a breach of the Football League's profitability and sustainability rules.

But trouble behind the scenes at St Andrew's and a breakdown in his relationship with influential chief executive Xuandong Ren sees him leave after 15 months in charge.

Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker head coach in his stead.

"We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future," a club statement read.

Monk guided the Blues to a 17th place finish last season 

"Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker head coach and the remainder of the coaching and backroom staff – including Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie - stay in place.

"Pep takes charge of team affairs with immediate effect."

The statement reflected on the "significant challenges" the club had faced balancing the books off the field, but maintained there would be improvements to the squad, with the owners "committed to continued investment - we will do so sensibly and effectively".

The club said there would be a renewed focus on youth development "even more so than before".

"We are certain these young players - as those in our first team already - will be hungry to succeed as we begin a new chapter.

"The board of directors feel that it is vitally important for everybody at the club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes."

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