Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as Birmingham City’s new manager after the club sacked John Eustace this week, despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship. Rooney left his head coach role at MLS outfit DC United earlier this month after they missed out on the play-offs.
And he’s stepped right back into management for his second crack at the Championship. Birmingham confirmed Rooney has joined on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
He will be joined by Ashley Cole and John O’Shea, both of whom Rooney knows well from his playing days with England and Manchester United. Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.
“It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.
“We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.
“I’ve played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate the Club to the next level and I can’t wait to get started. I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver.”