Gary Rowett's subtle dig at Birmingham City players as Championship relegation looms

Birmingham City interim manager Gary Rowett has aimed a subtle dig at the players after two bitterly disappointing performances against Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town.

Blues lacked urgency and conviction in a 0-0 stalemate at the already-relegated Millers before failing to hold onto a 1-0 lead in a below-par 1-1 draw at The John Smith’s Stadium. It’s unforgivable to fail to win against this season’s worst two teams in the English second tier, especially with relegation dangerously looming.

It’s as if Birmingham have a Sky Bet Championship death wish. Apart from the stunning 3-0 win over Coventry City on April 13 which now feels like a lifetime ago, there has been very little to cheer for. The fans have turned up through thick and thin but the vast majority of players haven’t reciprocated that.

“At this stage of the season, they see other teams winning games of football and there’s an expectation when you’re playing the two teams around us that you go and win one of the games,” Rowett told Birmingham Live on Saturday.

“We deserve to be where we are and that’s really simple at this stage of the season. Our away form has been incredibly poor all season. You have to show a much better mentality,” the temporary boss said.

A change in attitude is desperately needed for the final-day fixture against Norwich City but it may already be too late. Sheffield Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion dropped Blues into the bottom three, meaning even three points from Norwich might not be enough.

Rowett, as desperate as anyone else to keep Birmingham in the division, is well aware of the precarious position the club now finds itself in. The head coach has already sent a message to his players, who must step up for a sell-out St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park crowd.

“We often play with a little bit more energy and quality at home because of our fans,” Rowett said. “We know it’s going to be a full house and it’s going to be a brilliant atmosphere. It’s going to need big character and us to handle the situation.

“We are going to see whether we are able to do that. If we don’t, we know the outcome. If we do, we give ourselves a chance. That’s all we need to do and that’s all we’ve wanted to do in these seven games that we’ve been here for.

“Whilst we have been competitive, and whilst there have been defensive improvements, we need to show more quality to win games of football,” the gaffer included.

While it’s already confirmed to be Rowett’s last match in charge, it best not be Blues’ final one in the Championship. Will Birmingham perform a miracle escape on Saturday? Let us know in the Birmingham World comments section.