Leeds United’s Championship confirm the arrival of an ex-Manchester United and Everton player following the unexpected firing.
Birmingham City, Leeds United’s Championship play-off rivals, have appointed ex-Manchester United and Everton star Wayne Rooney as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The Blues parted ways with John Eustace earlier this week in an unexpected move after the 43-year-old had led the side to sixth place in the Championship following 11 games, including a 1-0 home win over Leeds.
Rooney stepped down as head coach of Major League Soccer team D.C. United on Sunday, despite a 2-0 win over New York City FC in which ex-Leeds favourite Mateusz Klich scored.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time,” Rooney said of his arrival. 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 placing myself in hard situations to prepare for this chance. 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 difficult 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.”
“Wayne is a born winner,” Birmingham City co-owner and chairman of the Board Tom Wagner remarked. We think that, with the help of his coaching team, the Club, and our fans, he will lead Blues to the next step of our journey. His playing mentality will aid in the realization of the goals we have set for Birmingham City.
“Wayne has been preparing for this opportunity since he began his coaching education while still a Manchester United player.” The Board of Directors and everyone at the Football Club fully support him and his staff.”
Birmingham City CEO Garry Cook stated, “We are incredibly excited by Wayne’s arrival.” When the opportunity to choose a manager who shares your objective and is both a student and a great of the game arises, you seize it. This is exactly what we did.
“We are confident that his appointment, along with his hand-picked coaching staff, will result in a young, attacking team that will excite our fans.” Wayne’s appointment is timed to allow him to examine the playing personnel and collaborate with Craig Gardner on the squad’s recruitment needs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows. This is a watershed moment for the club.”
Rooney took over as manager of Derby County in January 2021 and guided the Rams to safety, but a 21-point deduction the following season saw the club relegated, and he resigned in June 2022 before joining D.C. United as a player.
He is best remembered for his time at Everton and Manchester United, where he played an important part under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2004 and 2013. He left United in 2017 and is the club’s all-time leading scorer.
