Birmingham City supporters were excited with the prospect that Premier League may return to St Andrew's Stadium, until the news broke out that Gary Rowett had been sacked and all hope turned into optimism, at the very best.

Gianfranco Zola's Blues currently sit ten points above the drop zone in 16th position, despite fancying the team knocking on the door of the play-offs as little as three months ago.

A mixed season for Birmingham has see a number of ups and downs at the Midlands outfit, with changes in the ownership of the club, managerial switches, and of course, the playing squad has been reformed dramatically.

I think it there has been more lows than bright sparks this campaign and that will reflect in their downturn in form and current league position - although there's plenty of time to change it.

Here's the two biggest highs and two largest lows of Birmingham City's season so far...

Zola appointed as Gary Rowett's successor (Low)

When the news broke out that Gary Rowett had been sacked as manager of Birmingham City, many would have been shocked and left stunned at the surprising events coming out of St. Andrew's.

Having taken the club from scrapping relegation to play-off contenders, it was difficult to see the reasoning behind this but what was more hard to understand was the appointment of former West Ham United and Watford boss Gianfranco Zola.

The Italian was sought not to be the man who would replicate Rowett's form at the Blues, and that turned out to be the case. Birmingham have picked up just one victory in his 17 matches in all competitions.

Birmingham City 1-1 Aston Villa (High)

One of the highlights of this campaign so far was the dramatic derby encounter with Aston Villa at the end of October.

Villa supporter Gary Gardner may have scored the opener for the visitors but Birmingham didn't lie down and continued to show their passion and desire against the city rivals.

One of the Blues' stand out performers this season got the equaliser 20 minutes from time to make sure the home fans went home with something to smile about.

The result meant the hosts would close the gap with the top six by just goal difference.

Arrival of Lukas Jutkiewicz (High)

Going into the 2016/17 campaign, Birmingham City were without that striker who could consistently hit the back of the net and then manager Gary Rowett turned to Burnley forward Lukas Jutiewicz.

The 27 year-old initially joined on loan before making his stay at the club permanent following the news on 20th December that Gianfranco Zola struck a deal with the Clarets.

In 32 appearances Jutiewicz has become a fan favourite with his 11 goals and were probably relieved when he put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract at St Andrew's prior to the January transfer window opening.

Birmingham City 1-4 Queens Park Rangers (Low)

As if the team's season couldn't get any worse, it was when Queens Park Rangers inflicted a 4-1 score line on Zola's squad in mid-February.

A number of superb goals from the visitors couldn't help Birmingham City's cause and a late goal was nothing more than a consolation - becoming the Championship side's ninth defeat in 14 matches.

The manager's future lies on the line at the moment and, as of writing this, is awaiting any sort of response from the men upstairs at the club.