WAYNE ROONEY has been sacked by Birmingham after a disastrous spell at St Andrew’s.
The Manchester United legend leaves after winning just two of his 15 games in charge.
4
Wayne Rooney sacked as Birmingham manager Credit: Getty
Birmingham lost 3-0 to Leeds on New Year’s Day in what turned out to be Rooney’s last game in charge.
The 38-year-old was appointed in October following the controversial sacking of John Eustace.
He inherited a team that was sixth in the Championship table under his predecessor.
But Rooney leaves St Andrew’s with the Blues having fallen all the way to 20th.
His tenure turned toxic at Elland Road when scores of traveling Birmingham fans chanted “Wayne Rooney, get out of our club”.
After the game, Rooney, who has won two, drawn four and lost nine of his 15 games in charge, vowed to keep fighting to put things right.
But the Blues board of directors – which includes NFL legend Tom Brady – decided to pull the trigger.
A club statement read: “Birmingham City have today parted company with manager Wayne Rooney and first team coach Carl Robinson.
“Despite their best efforts, the results did not meet the expectations that were clear at the beginning. Therefore, the Board of Directors believes that a change of management is in the best interest of the Football Club.
CASINO SPECIAL OFFER – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
4
Rooney released this statement after the dismissal Credit: Instagram / Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney’s record as a manager
“The club’s board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organization its fans and community deserve.
“The board wishes to record its sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all their hard work.”
Chief executive, Garry Cook, added: “We are committed to doing what it takes to make St Andrew’s a success.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we decided to go in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins immediately, and we will update supporters when we have new news.”
Professional development coach Steve Spooner will take charge of the team while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
In response, Rooney 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 have all given me during my short time at the club.
“Football is a business with results – and I understand that they were not at the level I wanted them to be.
4
The Blues sacked John Eustace in October with Birmingham fifth in the ChampionshipCredit: PA
“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager needs and I don’t believe 13 weeks was enough to oversee the changes that were needed.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback.
“I have been involved in professional football, either as a player or a manager, since I was 16 years old.
“I now plan to spend some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity on my managerial journey.
“Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners all the best in achieving their ambitions.”
Birmingham made their first controversial decision in charge when they sacked Eustace in place of Rooney.
And in feeling the need to ax the former England captain so soon, this is sure to be an embarrassing episode for the ownership group.
SunSport revealed last week that Blues chiefs had their eye on former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
The 44-year-old is out of work after being sacked by Forest last month.
Birmingham face an uphill task in convincing him to join, however Cooper is interested in a possible vacancy at Crystal Palace.
4
Steve Cooper is admired by Birmingham leaders Credit: Reuters
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education