“I don’t want to be successful with bad people, one of the first things I’ll ask when I’m looking at a player is for character references” – Chris Davies reveals Birmingham City transfer plans

During his second interview with Blues TV, Davies emphasised the importance of signing the right people, as well as players. “For me it’s critical,” he said. “I don’t want to be successful with bad people.

Chris Davies will conduct thorough evaluations to ensure Birmingham City brings in the right individuals to spearhead their promotion effort from League One.

As the new Blues manager, Davies will oversee a significant summer overhaul following the departure of 10 players from last season’s squad. Additional exits are possible, with players like Ethan Laird, Krystian Bielik, Paik Seung-ho, and Jordan James attracting interest from other clubs.

Veterans John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz have contracts expiring at the end of this month. While Jutkiewicz is likely to extend his Blues career into a ninth season, Ruddy has already been in discussions with other teams and may leave.

“I want to be successful with good characters who are aligned in terms of the respect that they show others and the way they behave.” He added “If you want to be a successful team then you need that.

“There’s the football side but one of the first things I’ll ask when I’m looking at a player is for character references from people I know because we’ve all seen wonderful footballers that are very difficult to manage and they just don’t fit. There will be none of that.

“The people that come are going to want to be here, they are going to be very committed and good footballers as well.”