Wayne Rooney Appointed As New Birmingham City Manager: Signs 3½-year contract:
Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new manager of Birmingham City, just four days after leaving D.C. United. The former England captain has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues, who are currently sixth in the Championship standings.
Rooney has managerial experience in English football, having spent 2020-21 with crisis-hit Derby County. He guided the Rams to safety in his first season, but they were relegated a year later after being deducted 21 points for finance-related issues.
Rooney then joined DC United in the United States, but they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last year and he left his side in ninth place this season.
Despite his underwhelming record in MLS, Rooney is a highly regarded figure in England and Birmingham City fans are excited about his appointment. The club’s new owners, US-based Shelby Companies Limited, are also backing Rooney and have said that they believe he is the right man to take the club forward.
Wayne Rooney has said that he is “absolutely delighted” to be joining Birmingham City and that he is “fully aligned” with the club’s ambitions. He has also promised to create a “winning culture” at St. Andrew’s and to elevate the club to the next level.
Official, confirmed. Wayne Rooney signs in as new Birmingham City head coach on three year and half deal.
“I’m delighted to be here. It is very clear that they have a plan. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started”. pic.twitter.com/cLcl1af0jv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 11, 2023
Rooney’s staff will include two of his D.C. assistants: Pete Shuttleworth, who had followed Rooney to Washington from Derby County last year; and Carl Robinson, a former Vancouver Whitecaps head coach whom D.C. United had hired last winter to add MLS experience to the staff.
Rooney has also hired two of his former Manchester United teammates, Ashley Cole and John O’Shea. Cole, currently an assistant coach with England Under-21s, and Ireland men’s senior team assistant O’Shea will both retain their roles with their respective national sides.
Rooney’s first game in charge of Birmingham City will be a home match against Millwall on Saturday, October 15.
Analysis:
Rooney’s appointment is a significant coup for Birmingham City. He is one of the most recognizable and successful players in English football history, and he has already shown that he is a capable manager.
Rooney’s experience at Derby County was particularly impressive. He took over the club when they were in a desperate situation, but he managed to keep them in the Championship despite a number of challenges.
Rooney’s record at DC United is less impressive, but it is important to note that he was working with a limited budget and a squad that was in need of a major overhaul.
Rooney will now have the opportunity to show what he can do with a better squad and a more stable environment. Birmingham City have a good squad on paper, and they have the potential to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Rooney’s decision to bring in Cole and O’Shea is also a positive sign. Both players are experienced winners and they will be able to provide Rooney with valuable support.
Overall, Rooney’s appointment is a positive step for Birmingham City. He is a young and ambitious manager with a lot of potential. If he can get the best out of his players, then the Blues could be in for a successful season.
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