Wayne Rooney has been appointed as manager at Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half year contract.
Rooney’s appointment comes just days after he was sacked by Major League Soccer’s DC United due to poor results, whilst Birmingham fired John Eustace on Monday (9 October) despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship.
The ex Derby manager has signed a three-and-a-half year contract at St Andrew’s until June 2027 and is “absolutely delighted” to start with immediate effect.
Acknowleding the long-term vision of the club’s owners, Rooney added: “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.”
Rooney also spoke of the squad’s talent including youngsters like ex Derby player, Lee Buchanan, as he described the team as having “some exciting young players in the squad,” mixed with “experienced” players like Siriki Dembele and Lukas Jutkiewicz.
The ex England international however iterated that he has “a clear way” that he wants the team to play with “a winning culture” and “identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.”
Birmingham City Co-owner and Chairman, Tom Wagner added that Rooney “is a born winner” who can take the club forward, whilst “his playing philosophy” can ensure that the club realise their ambitions.
Chief Executive, Garry Cook meanwhile is “incredibly excited” to welcome Rooney and is “confident” that he can create “a young, attack-minded team that will excite our fans.”
Cook iterated that the timing will allow Rooney to assess his squad ahead of January’s transfer window, in what he believes will be “a defining moment for the Football Club.”
Rooney’s first match in charge of Birmingham City will come away at Middlesbrough on Saturday 21 October, whilst his first home match in charge will be against Hull on Wednesday 25 October.
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