“Everyone knows how disappointing it is, my job is to try and make sure next season that’s in the Championship” – Birmingham City boss makes relegation claim

With Knighthead as owners, Gary Rowett remains optimistic about Birmingham City’s future, irrespective of the outcome of today’s crucial match against Huddersfield Town.

While the game’s result may determine the fate of at least one team, Rowett states the importance of avoiding defeat to extend their fight until the season’s final day.

Although Rowett has improved Birmingham’s defense, improving their overall performance has been quite challenging. Consequently, the possibility of relegation to League One looms, marking a setback in Knighthead’s first ownership season.

Despite the current chaallenges, Rowett maintains faith in the club’s long-term trajectory, buoyed by Knighthead’s ambitious plans outlined by Tom Wagner. The proposed Sports Quarter, featuring a cutting-edge stadium, offers a promising vision for Birmingham’s future, with aspirations to materialize within five years.

Rowett doesn’t want fears of relegation to enter his players’ heads in these final two Championship games.

“It’s like saying to a kid on a ladder, ‘Watch out, make sure you don’t fall’,” said Rowett. “If you say that to someone they are going to start thinking about it and they are going to be less focussed on the task at hand.

“Everyone knows how disappointing it is. What I can say and I can only judge it on the very short time I’ve had here, the support from people I’ve had around the club has been fantastic and the direction and involvement of the owners has been incredible.

“There is an incredibly exciting future for this football club. And my job is to try and make sure next season that’s in the Championship. That is the only focus but long-term, if I was a fan I would definitely be enthused.”