According to Marca - via Talksport - Aitor Karanka was Birmingham City's first choice as manager to replace Harry Redknapp this season, ahead of Steve Cotterill.

The Blues sacked Redknapp earlier this season with form poor and results just as bad and appointed Steve Cotterill last week to try and help them get up the table.

For sure, he has plenty of work to do, too, after Hull City beat them 6-1 at the weekend but it seems as though that Cotterill was not the first man that the Blues wanted to bring in.

Indeed, the report is alleging that it was Aitor Karanka who they wanted most of all, with them evidently not being able to bring him in.

Certainly, then, that might be worrying news for Birmingham fans as the club has got a manager in charge that the owners may not have wanted as much as Karanka, and it remains to be seen just how Cotterill does.

If he can help get the Blues up the table, though, it is more than likely that the whole Karanka suggestion will be forgotten.

The Verdict

It will only remain to be seen if this story - if true - comes back to bite the men from St. Andrew's over the coming games.

If Cotterill does not have a good effect on the squad and results, fans are likely to be unhappy and wonder just why they did not manage to get the Spaniard in.

Thoughts, Blues fans? Let us know below!