Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has been named as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham, stepping into the role after his recent departure from Major League Soccer side DC United.
Rooney’s appointment comes following the departure of John Eustace, who had been in charge for just 15 months and was surprisingly dismissed despite Birmingham’s solid performance in the Championship this season, securing a sixth-place position. Rooney is now tasked with leading the team’s quest for promotion to the Premier League.
Upon his appointment, Rooney expressed his excitement and commitment to Birmingham’s vision, stating, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realizing their ambition for the club.
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“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.”
Rooney will be joined by an experienced backroom staff, including former England teammate Ashley Cole, who currently serves as England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who previously worked with Rooney at DC United, will also make the move to St Andrew’s.
Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner expressed confidence in Rooney’s abilities, saying, “Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.”
This is not Rooney’s first venture into Championship management, as he previously managed Derby County between November 2020 and June 2022.
