Birmingham City have sacked their coach at the start of the new year: Wayne Rooney’s suspension after just 15 games in charge has left its mark on the Englishman, according to him
Turbulent times remain at Birmingham City. After a promising start to the Championship campaign with three wins from four games – including a 1-0 win over relegated Premier League side Leeds United – the Blues surprisingly parted company with successful coach John Eustace on October 9. He had just wrapped up a 4-1 home win over Huddersfield Town and a 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion
The club’s management had a different vision for the future of the club. Above all, they had Wayne Rooney in mind. The day before, he had parted company with DC United by mutual agreement after missing out on the MLS play-offs. Birmingham wrote in a statement: “It is vital that the board and soccer management agree on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and culture of ambition throughout the club.”
That is what Rooney should bring. And yet, just 15 games later, the 38-year-old is out of a job. The former England international (120 caps, 53 goals) took over Birmingham in sixth place. The Blues have since dropped to 20th (!) and are just six points clear of the relegation zone. A 3-0 defeat at Daniel Farke’s Leeds United finally made those responsible change their minds
Birmingham want to “continue to take bold steps “
On Tuesday morning, the club announced that Rooney and his assistant Carl Robinson had been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. “Despite their efforts, the results have not lived up to the expectations expressed at the start of the relationship,” read the club statement. A change in the coaching position was “in the best interests” of the club.
Nevertheless, the club wants to “continue to drive change and take bold steps to make Birmingham City the club the fans deserve”. Steve Spooner, already an interim solution in 2020, will look after the professionals on an interim basis
Rooney took to the short message service X shortly after his leave of absence. He thanked the owners, including NFL legend Tom Brady, who joined the English lower house in August 2023. Rooney understands the mechanics of the business in the absence of results.
Nevertheless, he has his doubts: “Time is the most precious commodity a coach needs and I don’t think 13 weeks was enough time to implement the changes needed here.” He will also need some time personally “to get over this setback”. He will now take time for his family and choose his next coaching position carefully
