Birmingham, (UG): Birmingham City Tuesday announced the termination of Wayne Rooney’s managerial contract with immediate effect, bringing to an end a 13-week period of turbulence and dismal performances by the championship side.
The decision, confirmed by the club, comes on the heels of Rooney’s struggle to secure victories, managing to win only 2 out of 15 games during his brief tenure.
The official club statement expressed regret.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned, and we have decided to move in a different direction.” The statement read.
Rooney signed a three-and-a-half-year contract when he was appointed on October 11. However, his reign at St. Andrew’s lasted just 83 days.
This announcement marks the conclusion of Wayne Rooney’s managerial campaign at Birmingham, a decision made following a 15-match run that saw the team clinch only 2 wins, 4 draws, and suffer 9 losses.
When Rooney took charge, Birmingham City held a promising 5th place in the Championship.
However, the club has now plummeted to the 20th position, emphasizing the stark decline during Rooney’s leadership.
Responding to his sacking, Rooney who previously took charge of Derby County (now in League One) and most recently MLS side DC United said as much as football is a results-business, he feels he wasn’t given enough time to turn things around.
“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they gave me during my short period with the club. Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be,” Rooney’s statement reads in part.
“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.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. 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.
“Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
The brief timeframe given to enact changes becomes a focal point in his departure, raising questions about the challenges faced during his tenure.
As Birmingham City seeks a new direction, the aftermath of Rooney’s departure leaves fans and the football community contemplating the underlying issues that led to this unexpected managerial change.
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