02 January 2024 , 10:11
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Wayne Rooney’s tortuous tenure at Birmingham City is over.
The former Manchester United and England great has been given the sack after supporters turned on him during and after a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United on New Year’s Day. That reversal made it just two victories from 15 matches in charge since he took over from John Eustace at the beginning of October.
It brings to an end a calamitous reign that was supposed to bring ‘No fear’ football to St Andrew’s.
That was the brief given to the 38-year-old by chief executive Garry Cook whose decision to employ England’s greatest-ever scorer has backfired badly.
Cook trumpeted Rooney’s arrival, handing him an almost impossible brief with the club placed sixth in the Championship.
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It wasn’t sufficient merely to win games any longer, he was supposed to do so in style - albeit with a new group of players at a club that had flirted with relegation from the second tier for almost all of the past decade.
Cook said: “Wayne’s role here is to be a leader, to drive a successful, ambitious and winning mentality.” This is another milestone for Birmingham City. With it comes great expectation.”
While unveiling Rooney, Cook also addressed the ‘astute recruitment’ that had taken place during the summer. Supporters who have coughed up to watch the last 15 matches have seen just two victories and a number of those imports last summer - such as Ethan Laird and Tyler Roberts - have hardly donned a pair of boots.
Wayne Rooney lasted just 15 matches in charge of Birmingham City (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)Cook’s assertion that ‘a valuable and exciting’ group of players had been assembled has turned out to be hollow. The attention will now turn to appointing a successor.
The club confirmed his departure with a short statement on Wednesday from CEO Garry Cook which read: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction. The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news."
Rooney himself then released a statement, suggesting he should have been given more time: "I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
"Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient 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, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
"Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions."
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England U21 boss and ex-Blues midfielder Lee Carsley is sure to be in the frame (PA)England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley is sure to be among the names in the frame, along with former Brum chief Gary Rowett who has vast experience of the Championship and may take the post on a temporary basis.
Veteran Neil Warnock is also out-of-work and may fancy taking the role until the end of the season. One left-field option may be to turn back to former boss John Eustace who is still under contract and would not cost one penny to re-appoint.