Done Deal: Wayne Rooney signs for Birmingham City as new head coach

Wayne Rooney has been named manager of Birmingham City Football Club, and terms of a three-and-a-half-year contract have been reached.

After just resigning from his post as D.C. United’s head coach in Major League Soccer, he begins with immediate effect.

Ashley Cole, the current assistant coach of the England Under-21 team, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, Carl Robinson, and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked with Rooney at DC United, are among those who endorse Rooney.

Rooney also has the support of his former England international colleague. At Derby County, Shuttleworth was a member of his coaching staff as well.

John O’Shea and Ashley Cole will continue to lead their respective national teams as coaches.

Maik Taylor will continue to serve as the club’s goalkeeper trainer.

With Derby County, the 37-year-old started his full-time managing career in January 2021. After taking over as manager with the team in the relegation zone, the former England striker guided the Rams to safety in the Sky Bet Championship.

Rooney gathered, led, and inspired a group of players, mostly from the Academy, to reach an outstanding 55 points while juggling several club-related challenges in his first full season as manager while battling a 21-point deduction. In June 2022, he submitted his resignation, and three weeks later, he assumed leadership in Washington, D.C.

Wayne is a natural winner, according to Birmingham City co-owner and board chairman Tom Wagner. We are confident that he will lead Blues forward on the next leg of our journey with the help of his coaching staff, the Club, and our supporters.

The goals we have set for Birmingham City will be more easily realized with the support of his playing style.

Since beginning his coaching education while still a player at Manchester United, Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this. The Board and everyone at the Football Club are fully behind him and his team.

Garry Cook, the CEO of Birmingham City, expressed his excitement about Wayne’s coming. You take action when the chance to choose a manager who shares your aspirations and is both a student and a legend of the game arises. What we have done is this.

We are convinced that his hiring, along with the assistance of his hand-selected coaching staff, will result in a young, attack-oriented club that will energize our supporters.

The appointment’s timing will enable Wayne to assess the playing staff and collaborate with Craig Gardner on the team’s hiring requirements before the January and Summer transfer periods. A turning point has occurred for the Football Club.

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time,” Rooney said.

They obviously have a strategy and are dedicated to achieving their goals for the club. Our understanding of what is anticipated is complete.

To prepare for this chance, I have been developing my managerial career and placing myself in demanding circumstances. I am eager to begin this endeavor since it gives me a sense of purpose.

“We possess a core of seasoned pros with extensive experience in the squad, combined with some promising young players who have yet to make it into the First Team.

My coaching staff and I will work hard to put my clear vision of how I want the squad to play into practice. Here, we’ll develop a winning culture with a distinctive identity that will excite Blues supporters.

“When I was a player at St. Andrew’s, Birmingham City supporters were always vocal and devoted to their team. It was a tremendously challenging place to arrive as an adversary, and now I get to see what it’s like to have them on our side.

I’m excited to start my role of taking the Club to the next level. I am aware of the demands, and it is our responsibility to meet them.

Wayne, you are  welcome to Blues!