Wayne Rooney Appointed As New Birmingham City Manager Four Days After Leaving D.C. United Role
Former England captain Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new manager of Birmingham City.
Rooney, 37, has signed a contract with the EFL Championship club until June 2027.
He replaces John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday after overseeing 21 wins in 63 games during 15 months in charge.
This will be Rooney's third job in management.
He was Derby County boss for 19 months from November 2020 before taking charge of MLS side D.C. United in July 2022.
Rooney was relieved of his duties in Washington on Saturday after D.C. United failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs for the second season in a row.
New Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney has previously managed in the EFL Championship with Derby County
IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett
His first game as Birmingham boss will be away at Middlesbrough on October 21.
Rooney will be supported by a coaching team that includes two former teammates - ex-England left-back Ashley Cole and former Manchester United defender John O'Shea.
Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth will also be members of Rooney's backroom staff, having previously worked with him in America.
"Wayne is a born winner," said Birmingham co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner in a club statement.
"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.
"His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.
"Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United.
"He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club."
Rooney 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 realizing 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.
“We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet."