Former Millwall boss Gary Rowett unable to complete rescue mission at Birmingham City as they suffer final day relegation

Former Millwall manager Gary Rowett was unable to avert Birmingham City’s slide into League One as their relegation was confirmed on the final day of the Championship season.

Rowett, who stepped down as Lions boss in October, took interim charge of the Blues in the latter stages of the campaign after Tony Mowbray stepped away while he received medical treatment.

Paik Seung-ho scored for Birmingham as they defeated Norwich 1-0 at home but results elsewhere mean that the Midlands club will be in England’s third tier for the first time since 1995.

Rowett said: “The fans have played a huge part in trying to get us over the line and we should have been well ahead before we did score.

“I’m pleased with the performance and pleased with the result. But, when it’s not in your own hands that’s what you leave ourselves open to.

“And then you’re waiting for the results. At one point the crowd got wind of something and we thought we might be back in business but it wasn’t to be.

“When the dust settles, I still think there’s exciting times ahead here, if we can get it right on the pitch.”