Wayne Rooney’s return to England has been confirmed after Birmingham officially unveiled him as their new manager.
Just three days after leaving his role at DC United, Rooney has signed a three-and-a-half year contract Birmingham, who sit sixth in the Championship table.
Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assitant, and John O’Shea, Stephen Kenny’s assistant for the Republic of Ireland national side, are among those also making the move to St. Andrew’s to join Rooney’s coaching team, though the pair will also continue their roles with the national teams.
Rooney has also brought Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth to the club, while Maik Taylor has been kept on as the goalkeeping coach.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time,” Rooney told the club’s official website.
“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.
Rooney spent just over a year in charge of DC United before it was announced last weekend that he would be leaving, after the club once again failed to make the MLS Cup play-offs.
The 37-year-old previously managed Derby, who were relegated in his only full season in charge having been deducted a total of 21 points for entering administration and breaching EFL accounting rules.
Rooney arrives at Birmingham with the club in good form, having won their last two matches to move up into the play-off spots in the early stages of the season.
Many felt therefore that John Eustace was unfortunate to lose his job, but Birmingham CEO Garry Cook felt the opportunity to bring Rooney in had to be taken in what he labelled a “defining moment” for the club.
“When the opportunity presents itself to appoint a manager who shares your ambition and is both a student and a great of the game, then you act,” Cook said.
“This is what we have done. We are confident that his appointment, supported by his hand-picked coaching staff, will culminate in a young, attack-minded team that will excite our fans.
“The timing of the appointment will allow Wayne to evaluate the playing staff and work with Craig Gardner on the squad’s recruitment needs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows. This is a defining moment for the Football Club.”
