Birmingham City’s under-21s finished seventh in their final Professional Development League season under Steve Spooner.
Birmingham City has stated that Steve Spooner has left the club after 19 years of service in its academy.
Spooner has handled the under-21s in recent years, having led the under-18s to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 2018. The Blues’ under-21s won the Professional Development League title in 2021, and Spooner guided them to the final last year.
The immensely experienced coach has also served as temporary manager of the first team on several occasions, most recently in January 2024 when Wayne Rooney was dismissed. Before Tony Mowbray was appointed manager, Spooner oversaw an FA Cup game at Hull.
Jude and Jobe Bellingham, Jordan James, Nathan Redmond, Jack Butland, and Demarai Grey are among those who have advanced through the club’s ranks and played for Spooner.
Spooner told the Blues’ website: “After 49 unforgettable years in football, the time has come for me to retire from a profession that has been so good to me.”
“This has been a difficult decision, as it has been my life, but I believe I owe it to my family, who have shown unwavering support and patience in what is a hard profession.
“I have been very lucky to work with some very good individuals during my tenure at the club; we have gone through some good and hard times, but the united front presented by all of the staff has helped us get through.
“The football club’s future seems very good, and I am really happy for all of the dedicated Bluenoses. It is in capable hands, and I am thrilled to watch its continuous success from the sidelines.
I’d want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support over the years. “An adopted Bluenose is always a Bluenose. Continue right on.”
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