Birmingham City appoint Wayne Rooney as manager

Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Englishman.

Wayne Rooney’s first game in charge of the Blues comes on October 21 away to Middlesbrough. Back Birmingham to beat Middlesbrough at 15/4 with bet365.

Middlesbrough vs Birmingham

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Birmingham are four points clear of Middlesbrough in the Championship

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Middlesbrough vs Birmingham

October 21, 2023

3:00 pm GMT+1

Wayne Rooney speaks out

Rooney joins Birmingham following his departure from his role as coach of Major League Soccer side DC United by mutual consent after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.

The former Manchester United player’s last stint in the Championship saw him in charge of a struggling Derby County side, who were relegated at the end of 2021/22 before Roney left the club by mutual consent.

On returning to England with Birmingham, Rooney said: “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.

“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.”

Rooney takes charge of Birmingham with the midlands outfit sitting 6th in the Championship and two points off 3rd. Birmingham are 4/1 to finish in the top six with bet365.

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Birmingham are 6th in the Championship currently

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Birmingham to finish in top six