With more than 15 years’ coaching experience working in the ‘back-room staff’ of clubs such as Swansea City and Leicester City, Davies was ready to make his mark as the Blues’ Men’s First Team Manager when he was appointed last summer.
Davies has been highly regarded as a coach and is known for developing young talent.
He signed a four-year contract with the Club, leaving Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur team to take up the role.
On his appointment to the Club last year, Birmingham City Owner and Chairman of the Board, Tom Wagner, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Chris to Blues. He is widely respected in the game and fulfils our goal to appoint an ambitious, progressive coach. He is motivated to help redefine the Club, the culture, and the playing identity. From our first meeting, it was clear we were aligned on values and shared the ambition for Blues. Chris will thrive in the high-performance environment that is being created at the Club. He wants to be at Birmingham City and is committed to winning.”
In his first year as Manager, Birmingham City have had a brilliant year in League One and are on track for a record points tally in the division, with 95 points and six games remaining. The side has had more home wins this season than it ever has before in a league campaign – including ten in a row for the first time in their history. It’s been a very successful year for the club’s 150th anniversary, ultimately resulting in an immediate return to the Championship.
In a recent message to fans, Davies said:
“When I arrived last summer, I dreamed about making you proud of your club and to give you memories and moments that you can cherish. I’m delighted that we could give you all that first moment on Tuesday night with the win that secured promotion. It was a special night and the celebrations at the end of the game is something that will live with me forever.
“I told the players that they should celebrate that moment and enjoy it, because they deserve it for all their hard work and dedication so far this season. But above anything else, you as a group of supporters deserve it the most.”
As well as big successes for the Club, Davies has received managerial recognition in his first season. Having been shortlisted several times, Davies was awarded League One’s Sky Bet Manager of the Month award in February. He was quick to praise staff behind the scenes for the success, commenting: “It’s Manager of the Month but it’s really the staff and all the work everyone has done behind the scenes that has allowed us to have the season so far that we’ve had.”
Chris Davies graduated from Loughborough in 2007 with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.
Many congratulations to Chris on a brilliant first season as the Blues’ Men’s First Team Manager and to the team for their promotion. We look forward to seeing what comes next!
Images: Birmingham City Football Club