Former England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney did not hold back as he expressed his disappointment over his sacking as the manager of Championship team Birmingham City FC on Tuesday, January 2. Rooney’s tenure came to an abrupt end after a mere 83 days in charge, culminating in his dismissal following a string of disappointing results.
Legendary Rooney had been at the helm for just 15 games, during which he managed only two victories. His short-lived stint saw the club plummet from a promising sixth place in the EFL Championship to a precarious 20th, teetering on the edge of the relegation zone.
The decision to part ways with Rooney was described as being in the “best interests of the football club,” a sentiment echoed in a statement by Birmingham’s chief executive, Garry Cook. The club’s management felt that despite Rooney and his coaching staff’s best efforts, the outcome did not align with the expectations set at the beginning of his appointment.
There was a sense of optimism when Rooney was unveiled as the manager in October at St Andrew’s, but what was expected to be a promising association came to a crushing end.
“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club,” Rooney said in a social media statement.
“Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed,” he added.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback.”
Rooney expressed his intention to take a break with his family before preparing for the next chapter in his managerial career.
“I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager,” Rooney added.
Before the stint at Birmingham, Rooney was finding his feet as manager at DC United and Derby. At Derby, Rooney stepped into a managerial role during a tumultuous period, with the club grappling with financial turmoil and facing relegation threats. Despite these adversities, he managed to inspire a commendable fightback in the 2021-22 season. His efforts would have led Derby to a mid-table finish if not for the severe point deductions due to administrative and financial issues.
