Contract details revealed as Man Utd legend takes charge of Championship club

Birmingham City have confirmed the announcement of ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney as their new manager, following the departure of John Eustace earlier this week.

“Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract,” the club said via their website.

Birmingham also confirmed that Rooney will be joined at St Andrew's by ex-team-mates John O’Shea and Ashley Cole, both of whom will keep their respective jobs at international level. Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth have followed Rooney to the second city, having previously worked with him at DC United. Goalkeeping coach Maik Taylor has remained at the club, but Eustace's assistants Keith Downing and Matt Gardiner have departed.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club,” Rooney said. “We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s 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, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.

“I’ve played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate 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 deliver.”

Speculation that Rooney was set to take the Birmingham role began on Saturday after he announced his departure from DC United, and that only intensified following Eustace's sacking on Monday. The Blues' former boss did a excellent job under difficult circumstances at St Andrew's, and fans are widely critical of the US owners' decision to replace Eustace.

Explaining his actions, Blues co-owner Tom Wagner said : “Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey. His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.

“Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club.”

Rooney's return to England will see him take charge of a second side in the Championship, following his stint at Derby County. The ex-Everton and United star managed the Rams for half a season in 2021/22 and, despite a 21-point penalty, nearly saved the club from relegation to the Championship.

Rooney's first game as Birmingham manager will come away to Middlesbrough on 21 October, setting up a meeting with ex-team-mate Michael Carrick.