Gianfranco Zola resigns as Birmingham manager following Burton Albion loss
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Gianfranco Zola has resigned as Birmingham City manager following today's loss to Burton Albion.
The 2-0 home reverse sees the Blues fall to 20th place in the Championship, just three points clear of the drop zone.
The Italian lost 14 of his 23 games, winning just twice, since he replaced Gary Rowett in December.
Birmingham were in seventh place when he took over and just four months later are fighting for their Championship lives with just three games remaining, including a second city derby against Aston Villa on Sunday.
He has now chosen to fall on his sword after another dour afternoon at St Andrew's which saw the home fans call for his head.
(Photo: Harry Trump)
They now have their wish.
Zola was given a vote of confidence by the Birmingham hierarchy just a week ago following their 2-1 defeat against Derby, now coached by his Blues predecessor Rowett.
A statement read: "Birmingham City would like to clarify the situation in regard to Gianfranco Zola after recent articles in the media over the weekend: the club has not lined up any manager to replace Gianfranco, who has the continual full support of the Blues Board of Directors.
"Whilst we understand the frustrations caused by the run of results, the way the supporters got behind Gianfranco and the team on Saturday at St. Andrew's was typical of Blues fans' passion, care for the club and desire for success, which is what we all share and much appreciate.
"The board and all departments at the club are keeping united and standing alongside Gianfranco, his staff and the players, to try and play the kind of football every Blues supporter deserves to watch."
(Photo: Birmingham Mail)
But Zola has opted to take the decision out of their hands.
After a 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Rotherham on Good Friday, the Chelsea legend insisted he would not leave his role before the end of the campaign.
"Why should I leave before the end of the season?” he said. “I don’t leave things undone. I can handle the situation so why should I leave?
“We have four games to play. We need those points to be safe, then we will focus on next season. Then I will say things that have to be said.
“At the end of the season I will say a few things and we will assess the situation. I will be the first one to take the responsibility for things."