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Birmingham hero Michael Johnson picks boss who can seal Premier League return - EXCLUSIVE
BIRMINGHAM hero Michael Johnson reckons his former side have the perfect manager in Garry Monk to guide them back to the Premier League.
Birmingham appointed Garry Monk in March 2018 and he became the club’s fifth permanent manager in just 15 months.
The former Swansea man has brought stability to the Blues and impressed fans with his dedication to the cause.
Michael Johnson, who played for the club from 1995 until 2003, believes they already have the man in charge to front a promotion push.
“I had a wonderful time at Birmingham and I spent the best years of my career there,” Johnson told Express Sport.
“I think the fans have been short-changed by results in recent years but they have a manager in Garry Monk that can take them back to where they belong.”
Birmingham are currently ninth in the Championship table ahead of Saturday's clash with Blackburn, and Johnson is happy with the improvement the club have made since last season.
“Monk has really connected with the fans and has even taken part in charity events alongside supporters to raise money.
“He has a real connection to the club and I think they deserve to be back where they belong.
You can see the determination to put points on the board
“I think the job that Monk has done is quite miraculous considering the circumstances at the club.”
Monk has won 16 of his 45 games in charge of Birmingham, and spoke earlier this month of his pride in his team.
“Football is my focus,” Monk said.
"You can see the determination to put points on the board.
"Everything else is out of my control.
"There's only been one time this season when we've suffered a defeat and haven't shown a good response straightaway," he said.
"That's testament to the character of the group.”
Monk is hoping for three points on Saturday that could see his side jump above Nottingham Forest into eighth-place.