Paul Robinson has left the door open to a Birmingham City return after leaving alongside temporary manager Gary Rowett.

The former Blues back, 45, returned to Blues in March to work under Rowett with the aim of keeping the club in the Championship. Blues were relegated to League One after events went against them on the final day of the season.

Rowett and Robinson have now made way for the expected return of manager Tony Mowbray in time for pre-season. It remains to be seen whether Mowbray – who stepped down through illness in February – does indeed return and whether his assistant Mark Venus will come back too.

The futures of coaches Ashley Cole and Pete Shuttleworth, who joined the club at the same time as Wayne Rooney, also need to be worked out. Robinson says he ‘would love to be part of the rebuild’.

Posting on his Instagram page, Robinson said: “I’m sorry we weren’t able to do what we had hoped for this great club and it hurts. It’s been a tough year for everybody, especially for Tony who is a top boss and I really look forward to seeing him back on the Blues touchline very soon.

“Whilst it’s hard to understand right now, we have to trust that things happen for a reason. As always, I will take time to reflect on what I could have done better in such a short space of time.

“I do believe that this club will come back bigger and stronger, the owners have outlined their ambitions, they have a plan and it’s exciting times for everyone involved. I would love to be part of that rebuild. I want to thank you all for your loyal support, you brought the noise every time!”

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