Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City.
The former England captain left MLS side DC United last week and has now returned to English football with the Championship outfit.
Former manager John Eustace was sacked last week, despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season.
Rooney, 37, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Blues with immediate effect and has been joined in the dugout by ex-England team-mate Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time, said Rooney. “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.”
Rooney started his coaching career with Derby County in 2021, where he guided the Rams to safety in his first season. A year later they were relegated but only after battling a 21-point deduction due to finance-related issues.
The former Manchester United and Everton striker then joined DC United in the United States; they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last year and Rooney left his side in ninth place this season.
“I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it,” Rooney added. “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.
Wayne Rooney is the new manager of Birmingham City— (PA Wire)
“I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver.”
Cole, currently an assistant coach with England Under-21s, and Ireland men’s senior team assistant O’Shea will both retain their roles with their respective national sides.
Carl Robinson and Peter Shuttleworth, who both assisted Rooney at DC United, will also be part of his team at St Andrew’s.
The US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and owner Tom Wagner has been reportedly seeking to make a change of management, with Rooney’s name linked with the club last month.
In August seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club.
“Wayne is a born winner,” said Wagner. “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. His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.
“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.”
