Birmingham City’s slim play-off chances are all but dashed after a 1-0 defeat to Derby County on Saturday.

The narrow scoreline did not tell the entire story, as the Blues barely challenged the Rams in yet another lifeless road performance, with the hosts well deserved the three points.

With only seven games remaining, Birmingham is now ten points distant from the top six, making repeat promotions impossible.

Chris Davies acknowledges he’s under pressure at Birmingham City.

Despite being a recently promoted team, Blues have high expectations given its US owners’ ambition, who have invested much in developing a good group.

As a result, fans have grown more dissatisfied with Davies’ recent performances, particularly away from home, where they have lost 12 of their last 20 games.

The Blues away end jeered the team after the loss at Pride Park, and many questioned the ex-Spurs coach’s style of play, believing the build-up is too slow.

Naturally, this has sparked concern about Davies’ future, and while he applauded the fans, he revealed to Birmingham Live that he is ‘worried’ about losing his job, which he claims has always been the case given the club’s demands.

“To be honest, I’ve been anxious about my own future from the day I received the position. I knew when we were in League One that if I wasn’t at the top of the league and winning almost every game, I’d be under criticism, so I was prepared for it.

“It’s been like this the entire time I’ve been here, and it hasn’t altered since we got to the Championship.

“I’ve always said that the supporters are fantastic; they are not the issue; it is what happens on the field. That is my obligation. It’s good for them to communicate and vent their frustrations. “I believe the fans are brilliant.”

Birmingham City is facing a major Chris Davies decision ahead of the important summer window.

As previously stated, the investment made in this Blues group means that many will regard this season as a significant underachievement, which is difficult to argue with.

That is ultimately up to Davies, and his comments about always being under pressure are reasonable, because he knew when he took the job that there would be an expectation of rapid success.

Whether he deserves to lose his job for his achievements this season is another matter entirely, and it’s worth noting that he will be credited with not only promotion last season, but also the manner in which the Blues earned it, as well as the record-breaking points total.

Obviously, that will run out at some point, and many supporters believe that moment has already been reached.

You would expect Davies to finish the season in command, but a significant decision awaits, and a lot will rely on how they finish the season.

So, it will be a fascinating one to watch, but more money will be spent on developing the squad this summer, and whomever is in charge of the first game of next season will be expected to have a club that can at least make the playoffs.