Birmingham City boss John Eustace speaks out amid strong Rangers speculation
John Eustace appeared to pledge his long-term future to Birmingham City amid strong links with the managerial job at Rangers.
The 43-year-old has emerged as an early candidate to replace Michael Beale [Daily Mail] following the Gers’ slow start to the season.
However, speaking to Benjamin Bloom and Sam Parkin on the Championship Check-In Podcast [7 September, 7m 10s], Eustace made it clear he wants to be part of Birmingham’s long-term rebuild project.
Eustace said: “I’m from Birmingham; I’m a Birmingham lad. I know what it means to the people of the city, the community. I’ve got lots of Birmingham fans in my family.
“I had some really good options throughout my time at QPR, some fantastic Championship clubs, but Birmingham just stood out. I know the potential of this football club.
“Given the right resources and backing, which we certainly have now, this club can go as far as it wants. I want to be part of that going forward; I want to help rebuild this fantastic football club.
“It’s not going to be done in the short term – it’s a two, three year period to be done properly. I want to be part of that.”
Up-and-coming
Eustace has certainly done an impressive job at Birmingham so far, with this his first managerial position.
The Solihull lad also earned plenty of praise for his coaching work with Kidderminster Harriers and Queens Park Rangers, whom he took charge of for a spell as caretaker boss, as well as the Republic of Ireland national side.
If Beale does get the shove – and that could be sooner rather than later if results do not pick up after the international break – then Rangers chiefs are said to be targeting another up-and-coming manager.
That was also the category Beale fitted into, but that appointment should not put the Gers off making a similar appointment.
As it is, Eustace seems genuine when he says he wants to be part of Birmingham’s long-term project.
And why wouldn’t he? He’s a local boy and the club now have some very rich – and famous – backers on board.
Still, it will be interesting to see his response if Rangers do come calling further down the line…
In other Rangers news, Glen Kamara has discussed his Ibrox exit after joining Leeds United last week.