John O'Shea leaves Birmingham City coaching role

John O'Shea has left his role as Birmingham City first team coach, it was confirmed on Saturday.

The former Republic of Ireland defender was drafted in as coach by his ex-Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney during the latter's doomed three month reign at St Andrew's, which yielded just two wins in 15 games.

Incoming manager Tony Mowbray he was willing to retain both O'Shea and fellow high profile coach Ashley Cole.

However, in the wake of Birmingham's 2-2 draw with Swansea City yesterday, Mowbray disclosed that O'Shea had left the club of his own accord.

"John came to see me, John wants to be a football manager somewhere along the line. We had a long chat about it, I tried to persuade him to stay," Mowbray told reporters.

The Club can confirm that First Team Coach, John O'Shea, has left by mutual consent.

The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to John for all of his efforts. pic.twitter.com/fABDRORnKi

"He's going to go off, spend some time with his family and look for the next opportunity. I wish John all the very best, he's a good man and good company."

The decorated former defender, who won five Premier League medals and earned 118 caps for Ireland, has previously coached at Reading and Stoke City and was part of Stephen Kenny's managerial backroom team until the latter's departure in November.