By Milcah Tanimu
Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United star, has taken on a new role as the manager of Championship club Birmingham. His appointment was officially confirmed on October 11, 2023.
Rooney has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract to succeed John Eustace at St Andrew’s after departing Major League Soccer side DC United the previous week.
Despite Eustace’s relatively brief 15-month tenure as the team’s manager, which saw Birmingham secure a sixth-place spot in the Championship this season, he was dismissed. Wayne Rooney’s mission is to guide Birmingham towards a promotion push to the Premier League.
Rooney expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, 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. We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career and 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.”
Joining Rooney in his Birmingham backroom staff are former England team-mate 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 transition to St Andrew’s.
Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner expressed his confidence in Rooney, noting, “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 marks a return for Rooney to the Championship after his prior stint with Derby County from November 2020 to June 2022. Despite facing significant challenges, including a 21-point deduction for financial breaches that led to Derby’s relegation, Rooney’s vast experience at the highest level is viewed as an asset that can rejuvenate Birmingham’s ambition.
“His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City,” stated Wagner. “Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club.”
Birmingham experienced a takeover by US-based Shelby Companies Limited in July, and notable NFL star Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, became a minority owner in the club. The involvement of individuals like Brady highlights Birmingham’s aspirations for a return to the Premier League.
Rooney is excited about the prospects, remarking, “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.”
