Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol has rejected an approach from Birmingham to discuss the vacant manager's job at St Andrew's.
The club are currently hunting for a replacement for Steve Bruce who left Blues on Monday to join Wigan.
"We did speak to Martin over the weekend," said City's plc chairman David Sullivan.
"Martin thanked us for our interest but said it was too early for him to consider coming back to football."
"The usual suspects will be on everyone's lips but this could be a fresh start for Birmingham"
Jol was sacked from his position at Spurs in October after three years at White Hart Lane.
The Dutchman was replaced in controversial fashion by former Seville coach Juande Ramos, who was courted by Spurs whilst Jol was still in charge.
606: DEBATE
Meanwhile, Sullivan, whose club received £3m in compensation from Wigan for the loss of Bruce, said the search would continue for a new manager of a similar calibre to Jol.
"Martin is the type of coach we are looking at - someone with a pedigree that will excite supporters," he said.
Sullivan added: "The usual suspects will be on everyone's lips but this could be a fresh start for Birmingham.
"We are looking at candidates of a certain level. It is difficult to try to get someone in who the dressing room will respect.
"Do you take a chance on an unproven coach at this level with a group of young players who will need guidance and will be looking for inspiration?
"Or do you go for a more experienced voice, someone respected in the world of football?"
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