Rooney named as Birmingham City manager with surprise ex-Everton assistant
Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new Birmingham City manager
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Wayne Rooney has been announced as the new Birmingham City manager. The former Everton and England striker has penned a three-year contract at St Andrew’s after John Eustace was sacked on Monday, following a year in charge.
Ashley Cole, who enjoyed a spell at Goodison Park during Frank Lampard’s tenure, will join Rooney’s backroom staff alongside former Manchester United teammate John O’Shea plus Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who accompanied him at DC United.
His tenure in the American capital was his second managerial role after making his first steps at Derby County, however, it came to an end after 15 months in charge as they failed to reach the MLS playoffs for a second straight season.
After 11 games in the Championship, Eustace has left Birmingham in a strong position for Rooney as they sit inside the playoffs. The 37-year-old will have over a week of preparation with his new side as the endure a break from competitive action due to the international break.
Their first test comes against a resurgent Middlesbrough side, managed by Michael Carrick, which will pit the former United title-winners against each other in opposing dugouts.
Rooney expressed his delight to take up the post in the St Andrew’s hotseat at an exciting time for the club, after NFL icon Tom Brady invested in the club.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Rooney added speaking to Birmingham’s official website.
“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.”
