Wayne Rooney Named New Birmingham City Coach

Wayne Rooney has been appointed manager of Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney resigned as head coach of DC United by mutual consent on Sunday after the team failed to qualify for the MLS Cup play-offs.

Birmingham then began talks with the 37-year-old just hours after sacking manager John Eustace on Monday, despite the fact that the club was sixth in the Championship after back-to-back victories.

Rooney will be joined by former England teammate Ashley Cole, who is now the England U21s assistant coach, John O’Shea, the Republic of Ireland men’s national team assistant coach, and Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, both of whom worked under him at DC United. Maik Taylor will continue to coach goalkeepers.

Cole and O’Shea will continue to coach their respective national teams.

Following his appointment, 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.“