Rooney Speaks After Being Sacked By Birmingham City

Wayne Rooney has conceded that he struggled as Birmingham City manager, but he believes that he was not given enough time to have an impression at the club.

The former England forward was fired on Tuesday after only 13 weeks in command after a disastrous run of nine defeats in 15 games.

Rooney, 38, stated that ‘it will take me some time to get over this setback’ and that he intends to spend time with his wife Coleen and their children while looking for his next job.

In a statement, he said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady, and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.

“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.

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“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.

“Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”

Birmingham had their worst run in the Championship since Rooney took over for John Eustace in October. They earned 10 points out of a possible 45, losing nine and winning two.

Rooney had promised to fight on following Monday’s 3-0 loss at Leeds, but workers were summoned to a meeting at the club’s training complex on Tuesday and informed that Rooney would be fired.

Birmingham were sixth when Rooney was appointed to succeed Eustace in October. He leaves the Blues just six points above the drop zone.