02 January 2024 , 11:09
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Wayne Rooney says he should have been given more time as Birmingham City manager and admits it will take him a while to get over his brutal sacking.
Blues confirmed the sacking of the Manchester United and England legend on Tuesday, shortly after Mirror Football exclusively broke the story. Rooney, who has also had spells in charge of Derby County and MLS side DC United, oversaw just 15 games in charge of the Midlands outfit, a run that saw them slide down the table from fifth to 20th.
In a statement released after his departure was confirmed 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 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.
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Rooney was in charge of Birmingham for just 15 games (Getty Images)"Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions."
The club's statement confirming the sacking was a relatively cold one, as they spelt out that "results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club."
Chief executive Garry Cook has been left lamenting his decision to appoint the England legend.
The former Manchester City chief said: “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."