Former Manchester United, Everton, and England striker Wayne Rooney has been named Birmingham City’s new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Rooney left his role as head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United by mutual consent on Sunday after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
Birmingham then began talks with the 37-year-old just hours after sacking boss John Eustace on Monday, despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship.
Rooney will be supported in the role by his former England team-mate Ashley Cole, who is the current England U21s assistant, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked under him at DC United.
Maik Taylor will remain as goalkeeping coach. Cole and O’Shea will retain their coaching roles with their respective national sides.
After his appointment, Rooney released a statement saying:
“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 realizing 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 started his managerial career at Derby County where he helped them avoid Championship relegation. He joined his former club DC United in July last year.
Rooney’s first game in charge of Birmingham City will be against Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 21. Middlesbrough who are managed by Rooney’s former Man United team-mate Michael Carrick.
