Championship axe to wield again as Birmingham City steal a march on rivals.

Birmingham City return to the Championship in strong position after winning the League One title with 111 points.

Before Birmingham City’s return to the second division, a number of Championship clubs are in disarray. At this time of year, the Blues would normally be in the muck, scrounging for the signings that no one else wants and getting ready for life under a new management. The team is in excellent shape as it prepares for the Championship season and looks to bolster an already formidable roster. They have a manager in Chris Davies who they think will take them from the gloom of League One to the glory of the Premier League. Step two is still pending, but step one is finished.

However, the same cannot be true for the remainder of the Championship. Sheffield United are poised to sack manager Chris Wilder after failing to qualify for the Premier League. Last season, the Blades were one of three teams vying for automatic promotion to the Premier League, finally falling to Leeds United and Burnley. They lost the Championship play-off final to Sunderland. There have already been five appointments: Liam Manning at Norwich, Ryan Mason at West Brom, Paulo Pezzolano at Watford, Sergej Jakirovic at Hull, and Will Still at Southampton.

There are still vacancies at Bristol City and Middlesbrough, and Marti Cifuentes is on gardening leave and due to be replaced at Queens Park Rangers. Danny Rohl appears to be looking for a departure from crisis club Sheffield Wednesday. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future at relegated Leicester City is unknown, and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna could still be given a Premier League post. Nine Championship teams have confirmed new management for next season, and there may be other firings and hirings. Meanwhile, the Blues have continuity heading into the next season, which must count for something.

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