Wayne Rooney named new Birmingham manager

Wayne Rooney has made his return to English football by being announced as Birmingham City’s new manager.

 

Rooney joins the Blues on a three-and-a-half-year deal and replaces John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday despite leading the team to sixth in the Championship this season.

The 37-year-old has taken his third managerial position, having started out at Derby County in August 2020. Rooney has always planned to move back over the Atlantic, having lived away from his wife Coleen and four sons for over a year.

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.”