Wayne Rooney has been appointed manager of Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney resigned as head coach of DC United by mutual consent on Sunday after the team failed to qualify for the MLS Cup play-offs.
Birmingham then initiated discussions with the 37-year-old just hours after sacking manager John Eustace on Monday, despite the fact that the club was sixth in the Championship after back-to-back victories.
Rooney will be joined by former England teammate Ashley Cole, who is now the England U21s assistant coach, John O’Shea, the Republic of Ireland men’s national team assistant coach, and Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked under him at DC United. Maik Taylor will continue to train goalkeepers.
Cole and O’Shea will continue to coach their respective national teams.
Rooney stated following his appointment, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.” It is apparent that they have a strategy and are devoted to achieving their goals for the club. We completely agree on what is anticipated.
“I’ve been developing my managerial skills and putting myself in challenging situations to prepare for this opportunity.” I’m excited to get started on this project since it gives me a feeling of purpose.
“We have some exciting young players in the squad, as well as some who have yet to break into the first team, as well as a core of experienced senior professionals.” I have a clear vision for how I want the squad to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to put it into action. We will build a winning culture here with an identity that will have Blues fans up and dancing.
“I used to play at St. Andrew’s, and Birmingham City fans were always loud and enthusiastic about their team.” It was a terrible place to come as an opponent, and now I get to see what it’s like to have people on our side. “My responsibility is to take the club to the next level, and I can’t wait to get started. I am aware of the expectations, and it is our responsibility to meet them.”
