WAYNE ROONEY has been appointed as Birmingham City’s new manager.
The Manchester United legend replaces John Eustace at St Andrews following his sacking earlier today.
AlamyWayne Rooney has been appointed as Birmingham manager[/caption]
GettyBlues co-owner Brady was eager to bring him to the club[/caption]
PAJohn Eustace was sacked on Monday[/caption]
Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady had been in regular talks with Rooney over the position in recent weeks.
The sporting icon believes he will be able to attract big names to the Blues and eventually lead them back to the Premier League.
He has brought in Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.
Both will retain their positions as coaches in their respective national teams, with Cole England’s Under-21 assistant coach and O’Shea the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
And his first match in charge will be against another Red Devils pal, Michael Carrick, who is in charge of Middlesbrough.
The 37-year-old is expected to take charge of his first training session tomorrow.
A Birmingham statement said: “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.”
Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook famously tried to sign Rooney for Manchester City from Man Utd in 2010.
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And now, 13 years on, Cook has finally got his man, albeit in a different capacity.
On his appointment, Rooney said: “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 realising 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.”
Cook also expressed his “excitement” at Rooney’s arrival.
Fans will be eagerly anticipating the England legend’s first starting XI at St. Andrews and how it may progress in the coming windows.
Rooney began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County.
When he took over at Pride Park in November 2020, the Rams were rock bottom of the table, but they escaped relegation at the end of the campaign under the ex-striker’s guidance.
Rooney resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United.
He was in charge of the Washington-based team for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats.
Rooney previously managed Derby in the ChampionshipGetty
How Rooney’s Birmingham could line up in the future
More to follow.
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