Gary Rowett: No regrets over Birmingham City return

Rowett’s job spec was for those final eight games of the season, while Mowbray continued his recovery. And he is well aware of the speculation that he could, in fact, now stop on.

Blues released a club statement last week as a reminder that Rowett’s appointment had only been short term – and the man himself was quick to re-emphasise that, while at the same time expressing his optimism about the future under the club’s American owners Knighthead.

“I don’t think it’s fair for me to answer that question,” he said. “Tony is the manager at this football club.

“What I would say is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I know It’s difficult to see right now through that bit of fog but there are exciting times ahead, if we get it right on the pitch. It could be just a season blip.”

Of the second city club’s five most recent owners, four have all suffered relegation after taking charge. Bizarrely, only Trillion Trophy Asia did not, despite sacking Rowett, and making the mistake to bring in GIanfranco Zola and their overspending costing the club points penalties.

But, back in 1994, when Blues last went down to this level under David Sullivan and the Gold brothers, Barry Fry brought them straight back up a year later.