Lukas Jutkiewicz is set to stay at Birmingham City off the pitch, stepping into a newly created role as first-team positional‑lead scout following his retirement in May. The 36‑year‑old frontman concluded an esteemed nine‑year spell at St Andrew’s, where he battled tough central defenders and became a fan favourite thanks to his commitment, leadership, and knack for scoring vital goals in high-pressure moments.
00:00Lukas Zhukovic is set to stay at Birmingham City off the pitch, stepping into a newly created role as first-team positional lead scout following his retirement in May.
00:12The 36-year-old frontman concluded an esteered nine-year spell at St Andrews, where he battled through central defenders and became a fan favourite thanks to his commitment, leadership and knack for scoring vital goals in high-pressure moments.
00:28During his Blues career, Zhukovic played 356 times and scored 69 goals, his final strike coming in the memorable 6-2 victory over Barnsley in April at St Andrews.
00:40Now he will join director of football Craig Gardner's recruitment department.
00:45The club explains that his hybrid role will combine match attendance with in-depth video analysis alongside data-driven scouting to deliver comprehensive player evaluations across multiple attacking roles.
01:00Zhukovic commented that now my player career has come to a close and excited to begin a new chapter, marking his full transition into talent recruitment.
01:10Gardner adds, we're delighted that Lukas is joining our recruitment team.
01:16He will form a key role in enhancing our attacking player acquisition.
01:20He emphasised the department's evolution, a dial strategy maximising our strike rate when it comes to signing players who will improve the squad and future assets.
01:31This initiative underscores Birmingham City's ambition to professionalise their recruitment process.
01:38By combining Zhukovic's on-pitch insights with modern scouting techniques, they hope to more accurately pinpoint attackers capable of making an impact in the championship.
01:50As the Blues prepare for life back in the second tier, Zhukovic's appointment signals a forward-thinking shift.
01:59His immediate understanding of the club's ethos, coupled with analytical acumen, positions him perfectly to support smart strategic signings in attack,
02:08helping to shape Birmingham's next chapter both on and off the pitch.
