Birmingham City have appointed former Reading youngster and coach, Chris Davies, as first-team manager ahead of their return to League One.

Blues, who had not been in the third tier for over 30 years, were relegated on the final day following a tumultuous season in the Championship. 

John Eustace, Wayne Rooney and Tony Mowbray all took charge at St Andrew's during the course of the season, veteran Mowbray forced to step back due to ill health.

Davies, who spent last season as a coach under Ange Postecoglu at Tottenham Hotspur, had a long association with Reading over two spells.

From 2001 until 2004, the Welshman rose through the ranks and captained the reserves. However, injury forced him to hang up his boots aged 19.

From 2010 until 2023, Davies spent most of his time working under former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers. He worked alongside the Northern Irishman with Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City.

For six months in 2016, Davies returned as coach at the SCL Stadium under legendary boss Brian McDermott.

Penning a four-year deal in the Midlands with Birmingham, Davies commented: “I am proud and honoured to be the Manager of Birmingham City. As soon as I spoke with Tom, Garry, Tom Brady, and other board members it was clear to me how passionate and committed the board and all of the Football Leadership Team are to bringing success to this club.

“It is a club with an ambition that reflects my own, and a plan to make it a reality. It is such an exciting time to be at Blues. I can’t wait to get started, meeting everyone at the Club and speaking to our supporters. I will give everything to build an attacking team that reflects this great city, and most importantly to produce a team that our supporters can be proud of. Let’s go.”