The brutal process of breaking apart a Premier League team and rebuilding a Championship side has begun at St Andrews as Birmingham City confirmed the release of six players today.

Those released include former Arsenal player Sebastian Larsson and Lee Bowyer both of whom are likely to seek moves back to the Premier League.

The announcement today could also signal the end of Kevin Phillips football career. The striker who will be 38 in July may decide that now is the time to bring down the curtain on a career that started at the non-league level nineteen years ago.

The club balanced this news with the confirmation that Stephen Carr and injury hit Enric Valles have had contract extensions activated with the club going on to note that talks are ongoing with James McFadden.

Having retired from football in December 2008 Stephen Carr has been one of the Blues most consistent performers since Alex Mcleish talked him out of retirement in February 2009.

The confirmation of his contract extension will be a key part of providing continuation at the club as the summer months are sure to bring more upheaval.

Players Released

Sebastian Larsson

Maik Taylor

Lee Bowyer

Stuart Parnaby

Martin Jiranek

Kevin Phillips

Contract Extensions

Stephen Carr

Enric Valles