Cunningham set to leave Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM captain Kenny Cunningham is to leave the club, according to manager Steve Bruce.

The former Republic of Ireland captain has been deemed surplus to requirements as cost-cutting measures continue to bite hard at St Andrew’s.

“It’s always hard when you have to say goodbye to such great servants but, unfortunately, tough decisions have to be made when you find yourselves in the situation we are in,” said Bruce.

Cunningham, who turns 35 next month, was named David Sullivan’s player of the decade at last year’s annual dinner. The unique award — an embarrassed Cunningham was presented with a silver cup — was a personal tribute by the co-owner to the Dubliner for his contribution since a free transfer signing from Wimbledon in the summer of 2002.

Cunningham made 144 appearances for Blues, and his calm presence at the heart of the defence and reading of the game made him a key figure in the team’s Premiership campaigns when they staved off the threat of relegation.