After guiding his team to safety on a dramatic final day at Bolton, it seemed onwards and upwards for Birmingham City manager Lee Clark.

However, after recording just 11 points from the first 12 games of the season it was time to go for the former Huddersfield manager. Football League World now ask: who should replace him?

Gary Rowett

Since his appointment as Burton Albion manager in 2012, Gary Rowett has been earning plaudits for his work which has seen him guide Burton into the playoffs in the past two seasons. His attention to attractive football and wing play have made the Brewers an enjoyable watch over the past two seasons.

With Burton in third in Sky Bet League Two,  it could be difficult to tempt him away but a return to his former club could be too much of a tantalising task for the young manager.

Owen Coyle

Out of work since leaving Wigan Athletic in December 2013, the vacancy at Birmingham represents a real chance for Coyle to return to management. An old school type of manager, his no nonsense approach to football could be welcomed at Birmingham. The club have only been sliding down the table and their woeful home form desperately needs addressing.

It may be seen as backward step if Birmingham were to appoint Coyle, apart from guiding Burnley to the Premier League and achieving some success with St Johnstone in Scotland, the Scot has largely underperformed as a manager. Even if they were to appoint him, it would only be a short term fix.

Steve Clarke

Almost a year after a perhaps unfair dismissal from his job at West Brom, Steve Clarke could make a return to management at Birmingham City. The former Chelsea assistant was regularly praised for his approach to the game , particularly in his first season when he led West Brom to their best ever Premier League finish of 8th.

Whether he would make the step down to the Championship remains to be seen but he would be an appointment for the future.  There was a sense at times he was building something big at West Brom, maybe he deserve the chance to revive Birmingham City.

Tony Mowbray

Looking to get back into the game after his sacking at Middlesbrough a year ago,  Birmingham represent a somewhat similar challenge in footballing terms to the one he faced at Boro. The Teessider took his local side from a potential relegation candidate to a side challenging for the playoffs in a season. With Birmingham needing to turn the tide fast, he could be a safe appointment for the Blues.

His approach to the wage budget also makes him an ideal candidate, his balancing of the books at Middlesbrough laid the foundations for the success that Aitor Karanka is currently enjoying at Boro.

Billy Davies

After leaving Nottingham Forest last season, Billy Davies could make a return to Championship management. The Scot is an experienced head at Championship level and his Preston, Derby County . and Nottingham Forest sides were regularly challenging for a place in the Premier League.

However, managing a side battling near the bottom could prove too difficult for him. Even with Nottingham Forest's resources, he was unable to get the very best out of the squad. Not to name, he's not always been the most popular managerial figure in English football