Former English professional footballer, Wayne Rooney has been sacked as Birmingham City manager after a 15-match reign.
Rooney’s dismissal by the EFL Championship club is happening barely three months after he was appointed at St Andrew’s on October 11 on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club sixth in the Championship following back-to-back wins under sacked manager John Eustace.
The ninth loss in 15 games under Rooney saw the visitors stay in 20th place in the Championship and extended the manager’s woeful run-in charge.
The final game the Manchester United Legend presided over resulted in a humbling 3-0 defeat against Leeds United on New Year’s Day, leaving the club with a six-point advantage over the relegation zone.
An official statement issued by the club on Tuesday morning reads: “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’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
Commenting, Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
“Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, will assume responsibility for Men’s First Team matters on an interim basis. The remaining coaching staff will be required to continue with their duties to assist Spooner.
“No further comment will be made at this time,” Cook added.
