26 December 2023 , 21:10
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Wayne Rooney left St Andrew’s to a chorus of jeers as Steven Schumacher put one over his old pal.
Brum’s chief had to run the gauntlet from his own supporters as his erstwhile Everton team-mate heaped yet more pressure upon him. Rooney and Schumacher had been part of the same youth side at Goodison Park but yesterday they experienced contrasting fortunes in the dug-out.
Stoke raced into a three-goal lead shortly after the interval before Jay Stansfield netted a late consolation that gave the scoreline a slightly more favourable look.
But with just two victories in his 13 matches in charge, Birmingham have lost their way under Rooney - slipping from a position of sixth to 19th in the Championship table. And patience was clearly wearing thin in the stands as the home punters let the former England and Manchester United great know their feelings.
Only teenage sub Romelle Donovan escaped his wrath and, asked if he understood why his own fans were on the boos, Rooney said: “One hundred per cent. I’m a football person, I understand football. As a fan, when you see that performance on Boxing Day, I get it.
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“I’m frustrated and angry with every part of the game barring Romelle. He’s 17 years old and I’m using him as an example to some senior professionals. I’m not happy with one of them. If any player is sat in there thinking they have played well, then that’s a real concern.
“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. It’s my responsibility. This wasn’t anywhere near the level I expect.”
Rooney’s evening started badly when Juninho Bacuna deflected Jordan Thompon’s 12th-minute drive beyond John Ruddy after Lynden Gooch’s shot had been cleared off the line, falling to the midfielder on the edge of the area.
On the half-hour, it was two. Ruddy’s goal kick was uncontested on the halfway line and one pass and one flick down the left later, Gooch was left with a clear run down Birmingham’s left flank and he finished with a shot between the legs of the home keeper.
Eight minutes after the break, Wouter Burger fed Cunha Vidigal who cut in and lifted a third over the unprotected Ruddy.
Wayne Rooney, manager of Birmingham City, was far from happy with his side's display (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)Rooney threw on teenager Donovan and the livewire teen provided one moment of cheer on the right. He waltzed past Ki-Jana Hoever, shrugged off Michael Rose and his shot, while parried by Jack Bonham was blasted home by Jay Stansfield. It was way too little, too late.
Schmacher said: “It’s great to get your first win under your belt. We were desperate to do that. It’s been nine without a win - and that’s not nice - but we’re four unbeaten now.
“You can see there is talent in this squad. For whatever reason, it’s not been happening. So this is a good start - but there’s a long way to go.”