Birmingham City sacked head coach John Eustace on Monday; Wayne Rooney left DC United by mutual consent on Sunday; Rooney’s ex-team-mates Ashley Cole and John O’Shea named as coaches; Rooney faces former Man Utd team-mate Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough on Saturday October 21.
Wayne Rooney has been named Birmingham City’s new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Former Manchester United and England striker Rooney left his role as head coach of DC United by mutual consent on Sunday after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
Birmingham then began talks with the 37-year-old just hours after sacking boss John Eustace on Monday despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship following back-to-back wins.
Rooney will be supported by his former England team-mate Ashley Cole, who is the current England U21s assistant, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, and Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked under him at DC United. Maik Taylor will remain as goalkeeper coach.
Cole and O’Shea will retain their coaching roles with their respective national sides.
Following his appointment, Rooney, who has also managed Derby County, 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.
