Wayne Rooney had it all. A glittering career as one of England’s greatest players, a record-breaking stint at Manchester United, and a dream of becoming a successful manager. But his ambitions came crashing down when he was sacked by Birmingham City after just 15 games in charge.
Rooney took over the Blues in October, hoping to revive the fortunes of the struggling Championship club. He inherited a team that was sixth in the table, thanks to two consecutive wins under caretaker boss John Eustace. But instead of building on that momentum, Rooney oversaw a dismal run of results that saw Birmingham slide down to 20th, just four points above the relegation zone.
Rooney was shown the door on Tuesday, after a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Leeds on New Year’s Day. He issued a statement expressing his disappointment and frustration, saying he did not have enough time to implement his vision.
“Football is a results business and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed,” he said.
Rooney also thanked the club’s owners, Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook, for giving him the opportunity to manage Birmingham, and wished them well for the future. He said he would take some time off with his family, before looking for his next challenge.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager,” he said.
Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook said ”We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
The former England and Manchester United captain was the first managerial hire by new Birmingham owner Tom Wagner and his Knighthead Capital Management group, who bought the Championship club in August.
Wayne Rooney records as Birmingham manager
- 15 games
- 2 wins
- 4 draws
- 9 losses
- 6th in league when hired
- 20th in league when sacked