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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
Manager | Bookie | Odds |
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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 |