Birmingham City Launch Search for Specialist Set-Piece Coach
Birmingham City are actively seeking to appoint a new specialist set-piece coach to bolster the backroom staff of manager Chris Davies. The club has advertised for this newly-created role, with the primary objective to drive excellence in both attacking and defensive set-piece performance throughout the Championship campaign.
Current Coaching Setup and Recent History
The search for a designated set-piece expert is not anticipated to impact any existing positions within Davies' current coaching team. At present, the Blues manager is supported by assistant Ben Petty, alongside coaches Tom Huddlestone, Jonathan Grounds, and goalkeeping specialist Maik Taylor.
Former Birmingham City defender Jonathan Grounds joined the first-team setup last year and has assumed responsibility for set-pieces this season. He succeeded Ashley Cole, who previously oversaw the majority of dead-ball situations before his departure from Davies' staff.
Set-Piece Performance Analysis
Birmingham City encountered significant difficulties with set-pieces at the outset of the season, conceding six goals from dead-ball situations in their first 11 matches. However, the team's record has shown a marked improvement as the campaign has progressed.
Currently, the Blues have scored 11 goals and conceded 12 from set-pieces in the Championship, reflecting a positive turnaround in this critical aspect of their gameplay.
Growing Trend in English Football
The appointment of a specialist set-piece coach aligns with a growing trend across English football. Most Premier League clubs now employ dedicated coaches for this role, and the practice is becoming increasingly common in the Championship as well.
Arsenal's Nicolas Jover has been a pioneer in this position within English football, with the Gunners establishing themselves as one of the most productive teams on set-pieces in recent seasons.
Job Requirements and Responsibilities
According to the official job description, candidates must possess a UEFA A Licence and demonstrate proven experience in designing and delivering set-piece strategies within a first-team environment.
The successful applicant will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of Birmingham City's set-pieces, including:
- Conducting detailed analysis of opposition teams
- Designing and implementing specialized training sessions
- Collaborating closely with Chris Davies to make real-time adjustments during Championship matches
This strategic hire underscores Birmingham City's commitment to enhancing their competitive edge through focused technical expertise, as they continue to navigate the challenges of the Championship season.
