Soccer

Wayne Rooney sacked by Birmingham after less than three months in charge

The former England striker took over in October, with Blues sixth in the table.

Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham
Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham (Danny Lawson/PA)
By Andy Hampson, PA

Wayne Rooney has been sacked as manager of Sky Bet Championship club Birmingham.

The former Manchester United and England striker has overseen just two wins in 15 games following his controversial appointment at St Andrew’s in October.

Supporters called for Rooney’s removal as the side slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Leeds on New Year’s Day. The result left the club 20th in the table having been sixth when Rooney took charge.

A club statement read: “Birmingham City has today parted company with manager Wayne Rooney and first-team coach Carl Robinson.

“Despite their best efforts, 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 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.”

Rooney’s side were beaten 3-0 at Leeds in their last outing
Rooney’s side were beaten 3-0 at Leeds in their last outing (Danny Lawson/PA)

Blues’ new ownership group brought in Rooney at the expense of popular former boss John Eustace, who had lifted the club from relegation trouble during a 15-month spell.

The change in thinking had come after the takeover by a company owned by American businessman Tom Wagner was completed last summer.

Rooney said he did not feel he was given long enough by the club.

“Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be,” read a statement.

“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.”