Birmingham City decided to sack the team’s manager, Wayne Rooney, following Monday’s loss to Leeds.
Rooney, 38, a former legend in the world of football (soccer), was first appointed to the managerial position Oct. 11, 2023, after John Eustace was let go from his position, the BBC reported Tuesday. But after a series of 15 miserable losses by the club, dropping Birmingham down to 20th on the table, Rooney is now out of a job.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
Club statement: Wayne Rooney
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) January 2, 2024
“Football is a results business and I recognize they’ve not been at the level I wanted them to be,” Rooney said following the decision. Professional development coach Steve Spooner is expected to take charge of the team in the interim. (RELATED: More Than 100 Dead, Hundreds Injured In Soccer Match Stampede And Riot)
“I would like to thank (co-owners) Tom Wagner and Tom Brady and (chief executive) Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club,” Rooney continued in his statement. “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.”
Rooney’s career in professional football started when he was just 16 and became the sweetheart who filled the gap where men like David Beckham left off. He’s managed the England club and has spent as much time in the headlines as his wife, the OG WAG Colleen Rooney.
He signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Birmingham, but spent just 83 days in the position. The team lost 3-0 to Leeds, Monday, the ninth defeat over the last 15 games.