‘Born winner’ Rooney hired as new Birmingham manager
FORMER MANCHESTER United star Wayne Rooney has been hired as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham.
Rooney has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace John Eustace at St Andrew’s after leaving Major League Soccer side DC United.
Eustace, in charge for just 15 months, was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season and Rooney will be expected to oversee a push for promotion to the Premier League.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club,” Rooney said on Oct 10.
“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,” he added.
Joining Rooney on his Birmingham backroom staff are former England teammate Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and soon afterwards seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club.
“Wayne is a born winner. 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,” Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner said.
“He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club.”