'Born winner' Rooney hired as new Birmingham manager

LONDON: Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was hired as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham on Wednesday (Oct 11).

Rooney has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace John Eustace at St Andrew's after leaving Major League Soccer side DC United last week.

Eustace, in charge for just 15 months, was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season and Rooney will be expected to oversee a push for promotion to the Premier League.

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club," Rooney said.

"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."

Joining Rooney on his Birmingham backroom staff are former England team-mate Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O'Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.

Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked with Rooney at DC United, will also move to St Andrew's.

"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," Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner said.

Rooney previously managed in the Championship with Derby between November 2020 and June 2022.

The 37-year-old was unable to stop Derby being relegated to the third tier in 2022 after the club were deducted 21 points for entering administration and financial breaches.

He also failed to take DC United into