Birmingham City find themselves in real trouble at the moment as they continue to fight against relegation.

Earlier on in this calendar year the Blues looked as though they were finally clicking and starting to pull away from the drop.

A loss to Villa, though, has sent them into free-fall and recent home losses to Millwall and, particularly, Barnsley, have piled the pressure onto manager Steve Cotterill.

It's safe to say, then, that his job is hanging on a cliff-edge right now but, in worrying claims for Blues fans, their boss has told them that the club will not improve even if a new man comes in.

Indeed, in pretty bold comments that clearly suggest that he feels the players are to blame to BBC Radio West Midlands - via the Birmingham Mail - he said:

"It's not nice to take the stick I take but if it's someone else managing the team in a month's time then they're in the same situation because it'll be the same players going out on the pitch."

The Verdict

In recent days it looks as though Cotterill has lost the plot a little and he's said some pretty blunt things about his future and his players.

Perhaps it'll prove the rocket the squad needs in the coming weeks but, if it doesn't work and a new manager comes in and this proves to be true, the Blues are bang in trouble.

Thoughts, Blues fans? Let us know below!