Birmingham fire manager Rooney after 9 losses in 15 games

Wayne Rooney, manager of Birmingham City, was fired after finishing 15 games with nine losses, the club announced on Tuesday.

“Birmingham City has today parted company with manager, Wayne Rooney, and first team coach, Carl Robinson,” the club said in a statement. “Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.”

When Rooney replaced John Eustace in the position in October 2023, Birmingham were in the EFL Championship playoff zone. His tenure began with four losses out of five games. After losing to Leeds United 3-0 on Monday, Birmingham are already on the brink of the relegation zone.

“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction,” Birmingham’s CEO Garry Cook said. “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”

Cook hired Rooney last October on a three-and-a-half-year deal. ESPN revealed that Cook’s job is also under scrutiny, but he will stay in the post at the moment.

“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 the statement. “Football is a results business – and I recognize 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.”