The former DC United head coach has been confirmed as new Birmingham City manager with the ‘Blues’ playing in the Championship.
Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Oct 11th, 2023 06:28 EDT
BASTIEN INZAURRALDEAFP
Former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney has been appointed manager of Birmingham City, the second-tier Championship club said on Wednesday.
Former DC United coach Rooney has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Birmingham and replaces John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday with the Midlands side sixth in the standings, 12 points behind runaway leaders Leicester City.
Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of @WayneRooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.Welcome to Blues, Wayne! 🤝🔵
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 11, 2023
DC disappointment
Rooney’s arrival in 2018 at the MLS club provided an injection of character and personality for the team, who initially reacted well to the drive and ambition of the coach to achieve a place in the playoffs in MLS. However, Rooney leaving the club just 18 months after joining from Derby County has sunk the club from the capital to new depths after they failed to secure a place in the top 9 and a place in the 2023 postseason.
“I did everything that was in my hands to get the club to the playoffs”, said Rooney. The key to everything, at the end of the day, is the fact that performance dropped due to a lack of investment in the side, something Rooney repeatedly asked for but never received.
D.C. United and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways.https://t.co/ykE3Qp2FDb
— D.C. United (@dcunited) October 8, 2023
Championship challenge
Birmingham City aka The Blues, long considered one of the sleeping giants of the game in England have suffered financial problems in recent years, until American businessman Tom Wagner bought the team last July.
Since then, they have received financial backing from stars such as Tom Brady, which has secured the club’s existence and avoided points penalties.
