Championship sack race takes twist as odds slashed after exit decision made
Chris Davies is now the favourite among all Championship managers to be sacked next after Birmingham’s 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
Birmingham returned to the Championship last season with aplomb while breaking the League One points record under Davies.
They have ambitious plans to become a force under owner Tom Wagner in the years to come, but their momentum has slowed down somewhat this term amid some inconsistent form on their return to the second-tier.
Football Insider revealed in October that Davies had two weeks to save his job after a poor start to the season, but they won two of their next three games by a 4-0 scoreline, and so he remains in charge in the present day.
They were beaten 3-0 by Sheffield United on Saturday, however, to extend their winless run to four games, and the Blues boss could well be on his way out soon after new developments.
Davies the new favourite to be sacked next among Championship bosses
Football Insider revealed after that defeat that Birmingham are drawing up a shortlist of manager replacements for Davies as doubts linger around his position in charge.
The 40-year-old is expected to survive Saturday’s loss at Bramall Lane, but must oversee wins against Derby County and Southampton in their next two games to keep his job.
As a result of the uncertainty around his position, the latest odds have Davies as the favourite to be sacked next in the Championship at 6/4.
He is now ahead of Ryan Mason, who is under pressure at West Brom after their poor form, with him coming in at 3/1, while Oxford United manager Gary Rowett is next up at 9/2.
Who could replace Davies as Blues boss?
Birmingham sit 14th in the Championship right now after their loss at Bramall Lane, with their last win coming at St Andrew’s against Watford on 1 December.
It certainly seems possible that Davies loses his job soon, especially with Derby and Southampton both in decent form and sat above them in the table as it stands.
England under-21 boss Lee Carsley has been backed to replace Davies if a replacement is needed, and he remains top of the latest odds to be Blues’ next boss at 7/2.
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is next up at 7/1 alongside Michael Carrick, while Jesse Marsch and Ralph Hasenhuttl are also thought to be in the running at 10/1.