Chris Davies makes first 'critical' Birmingham City transfer admission

The Welshman already has a strategy in mind, just days after putting pen to paper on a four-year contract to replace Tony Mowbray in the St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park dugout.

Davies, who was poached from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed compensation fee, is excited for his first proper managerial opportunity. Blues have taken a risk by hiring Davies but it’s a move that has the potential to seriously pay off.

The 39-year-old has worked at an array of top clubs including Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City but never as the main man. He’s instead acted as deputy to the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou, heavily involved but out of the limelight.

One element of management Davies is looking forward to digging his teeth into is the transfers. He’s never had much of a serious say at other clubs, so this is an excellent opportunity for him to lead the way.

It’s a vital time for Birmingham to get things right in the transfer market following their relegation to League One. Bouncing back up to the Championship at the first time of asking will only be possible if the business is conducted intelligently.

Davies echoes the importance of Birmingham’s transfer decisions, knowing they could be the defining factor for the club’s upcoming season. “Recruitment is critical, particularly when we’ve got quite a few positions to fill,” the new boss told Blues TV.

“It’s important that we do our work but do it calmly and clearly, bringing the right characters. It’s imperative that who we do bring in fits what we’re trying to create here, both on the pitch and with their behaviours off the pitch,” Davies explained.

Brighton swoop could kick-start Birmingham’s transfer window

Blues are reportedly one of three clubs leading the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard. The 22-year-old has just completed a second successful year on loan at Northampton Town, scoring five and assisting six in 46 League One matches.

Birmingham will face fierce competition from Oxford United and Wrexham who are also in advanced talks, while Sheffield United, Preston North End, Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City have all been linked in recent months.