Birmingham sack head coach, Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been sacked as manager of Birmingham City.

Birmingham City Football Club disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday and posted on its official website.

The club said Rooney was sacked following his failure to meet expectations.

The 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.

“The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

The cloud, however, disclosed that the Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, “will assume responsibility for Men’s First Team matters on an interim basis. The remaining coaching staff will be required to continue with their duties to assist Spooner.”

The Manchester United and England all-time scorer was named as Blues boss back in October, replacing John Eustace as boss.
Since then, Rooney won just two of his 15 Championship matches at the helm, with the club slipping from sixth to 20th in the table.

Rooney, 38, was appointed when Birmingham were in a promotion play-off spot, having collected 18 points from their opening 11 Championship matches.

Pressure had been building on Rooney with Leeds supporters singing ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ during the 3-0 defeat at Elland Road on Sunday.

Now the Manchester United and England legend has been dismissed, with official confirmation expected later on Tuesday.

In October, Rooney was handed a three-year deal by Birmingham, following the takeover of the club by American-based Shelby Companies Limited.

Co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner said at the time of his appointment, “Wayne is a born winner.

“We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.

“His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.

“Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United.

“He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club.”

But Rooney, who has previously managed Derby and DC United, has lasted less than three months.

He won only two of his 15 games in charge, conceding 30 goals in the process, as Birmingham have plunged down the table.