09 October 2023 , 12:38
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Chris Sutton has branded Birmingham City's decision to sack John Eustace as "madness", with Wayne Rooney expected to step in at St Andrew's.
Eustace, 43, signed a three-year deal with the Blues last summer and defied the odds to avoid relegation amid a myriad of challenging off-field issues. There had been further progress this season with his new-look side currently in sixth in the Championship standings, but Knighthead Capital - the club's new owners - have decided a change is necessary.
Mirror Football revealed last month that Rooney had been identified as a potential successor if Eustace were to be prised away in the coming months. And Birmingham have now parted company with Eustace less than 48 hours after Rooney announced he was leaving DC United.
The former Manchester United and England striker is expected to be confirmed as Eustace's successor imminently - but the decision has left Sutton baffled. He reacted to the news on social media, simply posting: "Madness".
The decision has been lambasted on social media, too, with the majority of Birmingham fans against the chance.
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Knighthead, the investment group that acquired the club in the summer, outlined the desire to "implement a winning mentality" and a "culture of ambition" was behind their decision to part ways with Eustace.
The statement, which was released on Monday morning, read: "It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club.
Join the debate! Do you think Birmingham have got it wrong? Let us know here.
Wayne Rooney is expected to succeed Eustace at St Andrew's in the coming days (Getty Images)"With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace.
"Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the Club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022. In his first season at the helm, he guided the team to a 17th-place finish, securing Sky Bet Championship status with three games remaining.
"During his time at St. Andrew’s, he galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances. The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.
"A new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace. The Club will be issuing no further comment at this time."