Chris Davies’ position at Birmingham City is coming under increasing scrutiny, with uncertainty growing around the head coach’s future at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. Amid mounting pressure, Michael Carrick has emerged as a leading candidate to potentially replace Davies should the club’s owners decide to act.
According to a fresh report from Football Insider, the former Middlesbrough boss is viewed as a prime option if Knighthead Capital Management opt for a managerial change. Carrick is described as a “leading contender” as doubts intensify over Davies’ long-term prospects in the role.
Birmingham made no secret of their lofty ambitions following promotion back to the Championship, fuelled by a remarkable points total and followed by another summer of heavy investment. High-profile signings such as Marvin Ducksch, Kyogo Furuhashi and Demarai Gray underlined the club’s intent to push rapidly towards the Premier League.
However, Blues have struggled to replicate that dominance in the second tier. Inconsistency and one of the league’s poorest away records have undermined progress, leaving Birmingham 15th in the table at the halfway stage. Although they remain just six points off the play-off places, a run of three defeats in five games over the festive period has reignited concerns.
Davies had appeared to steady the ship earlier in the campaign, but pressure has intensified following a frustrating Boxing Day draw with Derby County. With a tough test against promotion hopefuls Southampton looming, reports suggest the club has already begun identifying potential successors.
Carrick, who has been without a club since leaving Middlesbrough in the summer, now appears firmly on Birmingham’s radar. He guided Boro to the play-offs in 2022/23 after an impressive surge in form but fell short of a repeat top-six finish the following season, leading to his departure after a 10th-place finish.
Despite that setback, Carrick remains a highly regarded Championship coach. His possession-based, progressive style mirrors many of Davies’ principles, offering continuity for a squad built to play that way. While questions remain over defensive solidity during his time at Middlesbrough, his experience at this level makes him an appealing option should Birmingham decide a change is needed.
With Davies edging closer to the brink, Carrick’s name is now firmly in the frame as Blues weigh up their next move.
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