Manager leaves Pirelli Stadium for St. Andrew's
Burton Albion can today confirm that manager Gary Rowett has left the club in order to take up the vacant managerial position at Birmingham City.
Gary will be joined at the Championship club by his coaching team of Kevin Summerfield, Kevin Poole and Mark Sale.
Mike Whitlow, Head of Academy, will take control of Burton Albion first-team affairs on a caretaker basis and will be assisted by senior players Ian Sharps and Lee Bell.
Birmingham City approached Burton Albion last week for permission to speak to Gary – a request that was granted.
Burton Albion were today informed that Gary has accepted the position.
Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson said: “After the success Gary has achieved at Burton Albion over the last three years it was inevitable that there would be interest from other clubs. Gary is an ambitious young manager and the offer from one of his former clubs playing Championship football was one he wanted to take. We wish him well and thank Gary and his coaching team for what they have done for the club.”
Gary initially took over as Burton Albion manager on a caretaker basis in March 2012, and was appointed permanently in May 2012. He helped the club achieve two consecutive League 2 play offs, reaching the final at Wembley last season. He leaves the club challenging for promotion again.
Mike Whitlow, who played in the Football League as a defender for Leeds United, Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Notts County, before retiring in 2007, will take charge of first team affairs for Saturday’s home game with Plymouth Argyle.
Mr Robinson said: “We will start the search for Gary’s successor immediately and know we will attract a lot of high calibre applicants for what is a very attractive job.”