Latest news with #JeremyDale
BBC News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Birmingham's Jutkiewicz to retire at end of season
Birmingham City striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is to end his playing career at the end of the 36-year-old has made 356 appearances for Blues over the past nine years and scored twice in 25 games this season as they cruised to the League One will remain with the club in a new role, which has yet to be specified."He is held in the highest regard by everyone at the club and he is loved by our fans like no other player in recent history," interim chief executive Jeremy Dale told the club website., external"Even though his time as a player is ending, we are delighted that he will be taking up a new role."To spend nine years at one club is a rarity in the modern game, and not only has he led by example on the pitch with his performances, but he has so often been an ambassador off the field within the local community."Jutkiewicz began his career at Swindon Town and had spells with clubs including Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Burnley before joining Birmingham in the summer of has scored more than 120 goals during his career - including 69 for Blues - and played under 15 managers at St Andrew's, as well as being named Birmingham's Player of the Year in director of football Craig Gardner, a former team-mate, said: "He gave absolutely everything on the pitch and is a credit to our profession."His loyalty and love for the club was evident to everyone throughout what was often turbulent times, and he always embraced his role in the community programme and more recently with the Foundation."As a former team-mate of his, I'm delighted he will be remaining with us as he takes the next step in his career. I have no doubt that he will be an overwhelming success and will be as committed and hard working off the pitch, as he was on it."
BBC News
13-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Gardner steps up as Blues director of football
Birmingham City have promoted Craig Gardner to become the club's new director of four years as technical director, the 38-year-old former Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion midfielder will now be responsible for both the men's first team and the academy set-up at the promotion-chasing League One previous role chiefly involved player interim chief executive Jeremy Dale said: "Craig has impressed throughout his time at the club, offering his technical advice across all aspects of the football department, specifically our approach to player recruitment."I am delighted to have been asked to take on this new responsibility," said Gardner. "(Co-owner) Tom Wagner and Knighthead have brought everyone together, not just the club but also the city. "I am honoured to lead the football side of the business. We are building the foundations for future success at the highest levels. It has never been a better time to be part of the club or a Blues supporter."Blues sit top of League One - seven points clear with 18 games left.
