By Wayne Veysey

30th Oct, 2023 | 1:56pm

Sources: Birmingham City agree deal with ex-Man City chief Mike Rigg as start date revealed

Mike Rigg has agreed to join Birmingham City in will begin work in a recruitment role in January, sources have told Football Insider.

He will initially work as part of the academy set-up but it will be part of a phased overhaul at St Andrew’s, which will see him take a hands-on role in identifying signings for the first team.

The 53-year-old is currently employed as sporting director at Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates after arriving at the club in October 2022.

Football Insider revealed the Blues’ interest in Rigg back on 10 October – shortly after Wayne Rooney replaced John Eustace in the managerial hot seat.

CEO Garry Cook is eager to add him to the backroom staff as part of the latest stage of Birmingham’s transformation.

They worked together at Man City, where Rigg was the sporting director between 2008 and 2012.

Craig Gardner is currently employed as Birmingham’s technical director and is expected to stay on as he has a tight contract with the Midlands club.

The Blues made no fewer than 12 first-team signings in the summer window following the arrival of new owners Shelby Companies Limited in July.

Dion Sanderson, Krystian Bielik and Siriki Dembélé were among those to arrive at St Andrew’s.

Rooney has lost three games on the bounce since replacing Eustace earlier this month.

The new boss fell to his latest defeat away at Southampton on Saturday (28 October), with the south coast side running out 3-1 winners.

Birmingham now sit 14th in the Championship table with 18 points.

They had occupied a playoff place after 11 games – before ex-boss Eustace was relieved of his duties.

In other news, ex-defender wants Millwall job and will bring club icon with him.