Coventry City opposition news from CoventryLive as former Sky Blues skipper relieved of duties despite leading Birmingham City to sixth in the Championship

Former Coventry City skipper John Eustace has been sacked by Championship rivals Birmingham City despite leading the club to sixth in the table after the first 11 games of the season.

Blues have taken the decision to move on from Eustace, despite being in the play-off places after five wins so far this term. The 43-year-old Sky Blues Academy graduate, who made just short of 100 senior appearances for Coventry – most of which came in the Premier League – ended his St Andrew’s reign with two victories last week – a 4-1 win over Huddersfield and 3-1 success over local rivals West Bromwich Albion on Friday night.

Reports surfaced over the weekend that Eustace could depart Blues after 15 months in the job. England and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney, who left MLS side DC United on Saturday, is being touted to replace him.

A club statement said: “It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club.

“With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with head coach, John Eustace. Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022.”