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Wayne Rooney is back in English football after Birmingham confirmed his appointment on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old returns to these shores after a mixed experience at DC United, having also been the manager of Derby County since retiring from football in 2021.
Birmingham confirmed Rooney’s appointment after sacking John Eustace.
The former Premier League striker can’t wait to get started and reacted by saying: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.
Birmingham replace John Eustace with Premier League icon Wayne Rooney
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“It is very clear that he has a plan and he is committed to realizing his ambitions for the club. We are fully agreed on what is expected.
“I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments to prepare for this opportunity.
“This is a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.
“We have some exciting young players in the squad, along with some experienced senior professionals who have yet to find a place in the first team.
“I have a clear way I want the team to play, and I and my coaching staff will work hard to implement it.
“We will create a winning culture here with an identity that will bring Blues fans to their feet.
“I played at St Andrews and Birmingham City, the fans were always enthusiastic and passionate about their team.
“It was a really tough place to come as an opponent and now I’m getting to experience what it’s like to have them behind us.
“My job is to take the club to the next level and I can’t wait to get started.
“I know what the expectations are and our job is to meet them.”
However, Rooney has listed two clubs he dreams of managing.
Everton are one of them, with the 37-year-old having made two appearances at Goodison Park during his time as a footballer.
And, it’s no surprise that Manchester United are another player in the mix – with Rooney being the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking in 2022, when asked if he would like to be manager of either side, he said: “Of course I would.
“Obviously my focus at the moment is on staying at Derby County and [in the Championship]But Manchester United and Everton are two clubs that are very close to me.
“Hopefully one day in the future I will be able to manage one of those two clubs. This will be a big achievement for me.”
Rooney will need to show that he has what it takes to manage at the highest level during his time at Birmingham.
He takes charge of the team that is sixth in the Championship table, having won five of its 11 matches so far.
Given their position in the standings, fans would like Birmingham to at least reach the playoffs.
And, if they don’t, there will be increased scrutiny on the former England captain – especially given Eustace’s popularity.
latest developments:
Wayne Rooney would love to manage Everton or Manchester United one day
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Meanwhile, Birmingham chief executive Gary Cook has said that the club is thrilled with Rooney’s arrival and believes he has what it takes to shine in the dugout.
He said: “We are incredibly excited by Wayne’s arrival.
“When the opportunity comes to appoint a manager who shares your ambitions and is a student and great player of the game, you act. That’s what we’ve done.
“We are confident that his appointment, supported by his selected coaching staff, will result in a young, attack-minded team that will excite our fans.
“The timing of the appointment will allow Wayne to evaluate the playing staff and work with Craig Gardner on the team’s recruitment needs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows. This is a defining moment for the football club.”
