Birmingham City announce new MD

Birmingham City Football Club has revealed its new managing director.

Ian Dutton takes on the position with immediate effect, having worked at the club for 15 years, most recently in the role of chief commercial officer.

The 37-year-old first joined Blues in 2007, initially operating as a commercial sales executive and then football sales manager before quickly progressing to the role of commercial manager.

While technical director Craig Gardner is tasked with overseeing all football-related activity, Dutton will take charge of off-field matters.

As a result, chief financial officer Mark Smith will collaborate with both Gardner and Dutton to ensure all arms of the club operate within responsible fiscal boundaries.

Dutton said: “I am honoured and privileged. I have worked here now for 15 years I have seen some ups and downs, some u-turns along the way but I have enjoyed every single minute of it. This is a huge club. I have always said it is a sleeping giant that needs awakening and I truly believe that.

“I just want to make the supporters proud, as does everyone else involved here. And I am damn sure we are going to have a good go at it going forward, that’s for sure.”

Director Edward Zheng added: “Myself and the board are delighted that Ian has chosen to accept his new position. He is a proven and respected operator who knows the inner workings of the club and everything that makes it a success to a high degree of detail.

“He has the utmost respect of every single member of staff and our full support to carry out what is necessary to keep pushing Blues forward now and in the future.”