One of Brendan Rodgers’ assistants during his first spell at Celtic has landed his first managerial role south of the border.
The Irishman is now preparing for his second campaign back in charge at Parkhead, with John Kennedy second in command, providing vital support to the group from the sidelines.
Gavin Strachan and Adam Sandler hold first-team coach positions; meanwhile, goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods continues to be an influential figure at the club.
Nevertheless, looking back on Rodgers’ first time in Glasgow, his support system were massively important throughout his seven straight domestic trophy victories, including the famous Invincible Treble achievement.
Now, one of his former right-hand men has moved on to big things in a surprise move from an ambitious English outfit.
Ex-Celtic assistant Chris Davies appointed by Birmingham City
Birmingham City have announced on social media platform X that former Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies has been appointed as their new head coach.
Delving deeper via the club’s official website, he replaces former Hoops boss Tony Mowbray on a four-year contract after the Blues came to an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over compensation, where he was assistant coach to Ange Postecoglou, so there is plenty of Celtic representation present here.
Birmingham owner Tom Wagner said following his appointment: “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.”
Tasked with leading his new side out of the English third tier, Davies will be able to call on over 15 years of coaching experience in various capacities in his first managerial role.
The 39-year-old was a well-received presence at Celtic, so hopefully, he can thrive at St Andrews as Birmingham aim to gain promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.