The former Manchester United striker recently parted ways with Major League Soccer side DC United and became the manager of Birmingham on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
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English legend Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the manager of the Championship side Birmingham City. The former Manchester United striker recently parted ways with Major League Soccer side DC United and became the manager of Birmingham on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Rooney might only be 37 years of age but he already has enough experience as a coach. Having started his journey as a manager with Derby County at the start of 2021, he helped the club avoid relegation in the Championship.
Wayne Rooney will be aided by former teammates from country and club, Ashley Cole, the current England Under-21s assistant coach, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team. Cole and O’Shea will continue to serve their roles with their respective national teams. Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth will also be a part of the team. Meanwhile, Maik Taylor will continue to be the goalkeeper coach at the club.
After signing the deal with the Championship outfit, Rooney was unable to control his excitement about his latest journey. “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,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s website.
He added: “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.”
Rooney, who played for Manchester United and Everton in the past, went down the memory lane to speak about his experience of playing at St. Andrew’s. “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,” he explained.
Speaking about the latest managerial appointment, Tom Wagner, Birmingham City Co-Owner and Chairman of the Board, said, “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. His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City. Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the Football Club.”
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