Wayne Rooney confirmed as new manager of Birmingham City
- Wayne Rooney appointed new manager at Birmingham City
- He left role at D.C. United this summer
- Previously managed in the Championship with Derby County
By Sean Walsh
Birmingham City have announced the appointment of Wayne Rooney as their new manager.
The former England striker had been out of work upon leaving his post at D.C. United over the summer.
90min reported earlier this week that he had agreed to take over at Birmingham, who had surprisingly decided to sack John Eustace despite a strong start to the new season.
And the Blues have now confirmed Rooney's arrival on a contract running until 2027.
A statement read: "Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
"He starts with immediate effect having recently left his position as Head Coach of Major League Soccer side D.C. United.
"Rooney is supported by his former England international teammate Ashley Cole, the current England Under-21s assistant coach, John O'Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men's national team and Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth who both assisted Rooney at D.C. United. Shuttleworth was also part of his coaching team at Derby County.
"Ashley Cole and John O’Shea will retain their coaching roles with their respective national sides.
"Maik Taylor will remain at the Club as Goalkeeper Coach."
Rooney said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. 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. It's a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can't wait to get started.
"We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the First Team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.
"I've played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate the Club to the next level and I can't wait to get started. I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver."
Rooney returns to England and the Championship having previously spent one-and-a-half years in charge of cash-strapped Derby County.
He finds Birmingham in a healthy position with the Blues sixth in the Championship table after eleven games.
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