Birmingham City Football Club have announced that they have parted ways with former England captain Wayne Rooney after just 15 games in charge. Rooney’s tenure, marred by a dismal record, saw Birmingham’s Championship standing plummet from a promising 6th to the precarious 20th position.
The Fateful Decision
Rooney’s appointment in October, replacing John Eustace, now appears as a regrettable decision, catapulting Birmingham into the worst run in the Championship during his brief tenure. A stark contrast to the promising sixth place at his takeover, Birmingham now languishes merely six points above the relegation zone.
A Dismal Record
From his 15 matches in charge, Rooney managed only two victories, drawing four and succumbing to defeat in the remaining nine encounters. This performance, coupled with a mere 10 points from a possible 45, underscored the shortcomings in Rooney’s managerial approach. The decision-makers at Birmingham faced an agonising reality as they witnessed their club nosedive under Rooney’s stewardship.
Tactical Philosophy and Its Consequences
Tasked with instilling a ‘no-fear’ football philosophy, Rooney’s approach failed to resonate on the pitch. The decision to bring him in, undoubtedly one of the worst in the club’s history, raises questions about the compatibility of Rooney’s managerial style with Birmingham’s aspirations. The club’s fall from play-off contention to a relegation battle is a testament to the misalignment between vision and execution.
The Eustace Dilemma
Amidst the wreckage, the possibility of John Eustace returning to Birmingham hovers. However, the club’s reluctance to admit a mistake in their managerial appointment might impede such a move. Eustace’s potential return poses a question of pride for the decision-makers, having already undergone a humiliating climbdown over Rooney.
Ownership and Future Implications
Birmingham’s ownership under the American consortium Knighthead, including NFL legend Tom Brady, adds another layer to this narrative. The Rooney experiment has not only left the club in shambles but also scrutinised the credibility of the new owners. The decision they make next will be pivotal in shaping the club’s future and redeeming their standing among the supporters.
Rooney’s Response and Future Prospects
In a statement following his sacking, Rooney expressed gratitude for the opportunity but contested the limited time afforded for implementing necessary changes. His uncertain future in management leaves a lingering question: Was the decision to part ways premature, or did Birmingham act just in time?
Who Will Be the Next Birmingham Manager?
Following the departure of Wayne Rooney, Birmingham City are in search of his replacement. Online bookmakers such as William Hill have already released odds on who will take charge of the club next with the following prospects the most likely candidates:
Next Birmingham City Manager Odds
Manager
Bookie
Odds
List of Birmingham City Managers
A full list of Birmingham City managers can be found below.
List of Birmingham Managers
FROM
TO
Wayne Rooney
11 Oct, 2023
2 Jan, 2024
John Eustace
3rd Jul, 2022
09 Oct, 2023
Lee Bowyer
3rd Mar, 2021
04 Jul, 2022
Aitor Karanka
31 Jul, 2020
16 Mar, 2021
Steve Spooner
10 Jul, 2020
31 Jul, 2020
Josep Clotet Ruiz
18 Jun, 2019
10 Jul, 2020
Garry Monk
4 Mar, 2018
18 Jun, 2019
Steve Cotterill
2 Oct, 2017
04 Mar, 2018
Lee Carsley
17 Sep, 2017
29 Sep, 2017
Harry Redknapp
18 Apr, 2017
17 Sep, 2017
Gianfranco Zola
14 Dec, 2016
18 Apr, 2017
Gary Rowett
27 Oct, 2014
14 Dec, 2016
Lee Clark
26 Jun, 2012
20 Oct, 2014
Chris Hughton
22 Jun, 2011
06 Jun, 2012
Alex McLeish
28 Nov, 2007
12 Jun, 2011
Eric Black
19 Nov, 2007
28 Nov, 2007
Steve Bruce
12 Dec, 2001
19 Nov, 2007
Mick Mills
15 Oct, 2001
12 Dec, 2001
Jim Barron
15 Oct, 2001
12 Dec, 2001
Trevor Francis
10 May, 1996
15 Oct, 2001
Barry Fry
10 Dec, 1993
07 May, 1996
Terry Cooper
09 Aug, 1991
29 Nov, 1993
Lou Macari
07 Feb, 1991
18 Jun, 1991
Dave Mackay
26 Apr, 1989
23 Jan, 1991
Garry Pendrey
28 May, 1987
26 Apr, 1989
John Bond
22 Jan, 1986
27 May, 1987
Ron Saunders
18 Feb, 1982
16 Jan, 1986
Jim Smith
12 Mar, 1978
15 Feb, 1982
Sir Alf Ramsey
08 Sep, 1977
06 Mar, 1978
Willie Bell
18 Sep, 1975
05 Sep, 1977
Fred Goodwin
02 Jun, 1970
18 Sep, 1975
Stan Cullis
01 Dec, 1965
31 Mar, 1970
Joe Mallett
01 Jul, 1965
01 Dec, 1965
Gil Merrick
01 Jun, 1960
30 Apr, 1964
Pat Beasley
01 Jan, 1959
31 May, 1960
Arthur Turner
01 Nov, 1954
30 Sep, 1958
Bob Brocklebank
01 Jan, 1949
31 Oct, 1954
Harry Storer
01 Jun, 1945
30 Nov, 1948
George Liddell
01 Aug, 1933
30 Sep, 1939
Leslie Knighton
01 Jul, 1928
01 Aug, 1933
William Harvey
01 Mar, 1927
31 May, 1928
Billy Beer
01 May, 1923
01 Mar, 1927
Frank Richards
01 May, 1915
01 May, 1923
Bob McRoberts
01 Jul, 1910
01 May, 1915
Alec Watson
01 Aug, 1908
30 Jun, 1910
Alfred Jones
01 Aug, 1892
31 May, 1908
Advertising Disclosure
At WhichBookie we bring you the best content and offers every day, please be aware that we do collect compensation from some of the links on this page.
Date: 27/04/25Kick-off time: 16:30Venue: Wembley StadiumWembley Stadium sets the stage for a titanic clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the semi-finals of the…
Date: 30/04/25Kick-off time: 20:00Venue: Barcelona Olympic StadiumTwo European giants collide on Wednesday evening at 8pm in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. With…
Date: 29/04/25Kick-off time: 20:00Venue: Emirates StadiumThe Champions League semi-final showdown between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain promises to be a tantalising encounter of tactical prowess and…
Date: 27/04/25Kick-off time: 16:30Venue: AnfieldThis eagerly anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham takes place at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool, having maintained a dominant…