By Shaun Murphy-
Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City Football Club after a brief 83-day stint at the helm of the Championship club.
The decision comes following a series of disappointing results, with Blues sliding from a promising sixth in the table to a concerning 20th position.
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Rooney, appointed on October 11, 2023, was handed the managerial role after the controversial dismissal of John Eustace. Since then, the team experienced a sharp decline, and Monday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds marked the ninth loss during Rooney’s 15-game tenure.
Expressing disappointment in the team’s performance, Rooney acknowledged that football is a results-driven business, and the outcomes did not meet the expected standards. Professional development coach Steve Spooner will take over as interim manager, succeeding Rooney, and former Wolves and Wales midfielder Carl Robinson has also left his role as part of Rooney’s backroom team.
Rooney, a former England captain, has had managerial experience with Derby County and MLS side DC United. His appointment by Birmingham City drew parallels to the ill-fated decision to replace Gary Rowett with Gianfranco Zola in 2016. However, Rooney’s tenure echoed Zola’s struggles, winning only two matches in 15 games.
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Despite Blues’ hopes for successful and exciting football under Rooney’s management, the team failed to meet expectations. The decision to part ways with Rooney was taken to allow a new manager the opportunity to influence the January transfer window and potentially bring in new signings.
Rowett, recently departed from Millwall, is among the names being considered for the caretaker role, alongside former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
While the team is currently six points clear of the relegation places, Blues’ recent form has raised concerns. The decision to remove Rooney, the shortest-serving manager in the club’s 132-year history, is seen as an effort to instigate change promptly.
In a statement, Birmingham CEO Garry Cook expressed the board’s decision, citing the team’s failure to meet expectations. The club is now actively searching for Rooney’s successor, with a commitment to rebuild and bring success to St Andrew’s. The remaining coaching staff, including interim manager Steve Spooner, will continue their duties during this transitional period.
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