Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of Scott Fry as their new set‑piece coach, a move manager Chris Davies says will sharpen the Blues' dead‑ball threat ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign. The 33‑year‑old arrives from Rangers after a nine‑month stint, bringing a track record that helped Lincoln City become England’s most effective set‑piece side.
Who is Scott Fry and why did Birmingham City sign him?
Scott Fry built his reputation at Lincoln City, where his routines contributed to a surge in goals from corners and free‑kicks. After moving to Rangers, he continued to refine his methods, earning praise for clear communication and innovative drills. Davies highlighted Fry’s ability to think differently, noting that his experience aligns with the club’s ambition to improve both scoring and conceding from set‑pieces.
How does the addition fit into Birmingham City’s current season?
The Blues finished last season with 16 set‑piece goals and 17 conceded, a gap Davies wants to close. This summer, Birmingham sit 10th in the Championship with 64 points from 46 games (17W‑13D‑16L) and a recent form of DWWDW. They have scored 57 and let in 56 this campaign, sitting 31 points behind leaders Coventry. Adding Fry aims to tilt those numbers, turning more dead‑ball situations into match‑winning chances.
What impact could Fry have on the squad’s performance?
Fry will work directly with the first‑team during the pre‑season camp in Portugal, integrating his routines with centre‑back Dael Fry’s aerial presence. Dael, a 6ft 4in defender who netted three league goals for Middlesbrough last term, offers a target for set‑piece deliveries. Davies believes the combined expertise of the two Fry’s will make Birmingham more competitive, especially against teams that already excel in dead‑ball scenarios.
What’s next for Birmingham City after the coaching boost?
With the coaching staff now complete, the focus shifts to translating practice into points. The Blues aim to improve on their current 10th‑place standing and narrow the 31‑point gap to Coventry. As the season progresses, fans will watch whether the new set‑piece strategies translate into a higher goal tally and a tighter defensive record.
How does this move compare with other clubs?
More Championship sides are hiring specialist coaches, reflecting a league‑wide trend toward tactical nuance. Birmingham’s decision mirrors that of rivals who have already seen measurable gains from dedicated set‑piece staff. By acting early, the Blues hope to stay ahead of the curve and secure a stronger finish.
The club’s next fixture sees them travel to face a promotion‑chasing side, a test of whether Fry’s methods can deliver immediate results. Supporters will be eager to see the first free‑kick routine under the new coach, hoping it becomes a regular source of goals.
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